Is it OK to not have baseboards?

Author: Melba Kirlin  |  Last update: Monday, September 4, 2023

Opting to not have any baseboards will keep your design simple and modern. The only downside is a loss of protection for your walls from brooms and vacuums. That said if you don't expect too much horseplay around your house, being able to have a bookshelf flush against your wall is a real upside.

Do you really need baseboards?

Baseboards Protect Against Physical Damage: Vacuums, mops, golf balls - you name it. The bottom of the wall is more susceptible to damage from miscellaneous objects, and drywall is not designed to defend against all of it.

Can you not have baseboards?

You can do anything you want, but your floorguy is right in that baseboards are the standard way of creating a tight fitting joint between wall and floor. Once the floor is down, you will definitely want something to cover the ends of the boards where they meet the wall and it is very hard to make it a perfect fit.

Do modern houses have baseboards?

Baseboard trim is usually much less ornate than crown molding, though in modern houses both can be starkly simple. Remember that more streamlined molding will collect less dust and dirt.

Do baseboards serve purpose?

Its purpose is to cover the joint between the wall surface and the floor. It covers the uneven edge of flooring next to the wall; protects the wall from kicks, abrasion, and furniture; and can serve as a decorative molding.

The 4 Fatal DIY Baseboard Mistakes!

Should I get baseboards or no baseboards?

They do provide more balance to the décor of your space. Also, they better frame the home. Overall, baseboards offer a more contemporary look to a home. If more detailed designs are added to a room, the baseboards provide a transitional style.

Do baseboards make a difference?

Something that is small but can truly make a difference in your home is trim and baseboards. If your current trim and/or baseboards are poorly installed or damaged, it creates the appearance of the “old and cheap” look.

What is the current trend for baseboards?

Modern Baseboard

Simple and flat, modern baseboards create a consistent, sleek look throughout your home. While more traditional styles opt for rounded edges or detailed designs, modern baseboards offer a flat surface that helps to elongate walls, making a home appear larger.

What baseboards are in style for 2023?

The Eased One Edge baseboard has been a go to for a modern look. There are basically no grooves or designs on this style besides the mandatory top and bottom of the baseboard. This baseboard style is very modern and simple, a style you can't go wrong with.

Why replace baseboards?

Replacement is your best option if they're water-damaged, stained or warped. The two types of material typically used for baseboards are solid wood, usually pine or oak, and medium-density fiberboard, an engineered composite made of wood remnants.

Can you lay carpet without baseboards?

No! Baseboards do not have to be removed to install carpet. In fact, many carpet installers choose to leave baseboards on during the carpet installation process. At the same time, you can also choose to install new baseboards before installing carpet.

Are new baseboards worth it?

Fresh baseboards can increase a home's value because they refresh the look of your walls. This can make a good impression on buyers and potentially boost your home's resale value. This is particularly helpful if your existing baseboards are in bad shape, which can age the look of your walls.

When should baseboards be installed?

Baseboards are typically installed prior to the flooring. For instance, baseboards should be installed first before laying carpeting. It allows for the edges to be tucked under and out of view. However, it's much easier and convenient for hardwood and laminate flooring to be laid first before installing the trim.

What are the benefits of baseboard trim?

The primary purpose of baseboards is to cover the joint between your walls and floor. This joint may be a bit unsightly on its own, but more importantly, the baseboards keep water from running under your drywall and flooring, causing mold.

Why are baseboards used in interior finishing?

Base Moulding

Skirting board, skirting, floor molding and the most widely accepted baseboard is the accent found along the bottom of most walls. Serving to cover the joint between wall and flooring, baseboards not only are aesthetically appealing but also help to keep these joint adhesions protected.

What is a floating baseboard?

The reveal or floating baseboard creates a negative at the junction between the floor and the wall, giving the impression that the wall is floating. To achieve this effect, an aluminum profile is usually installed, which can be painted later.

Do baseboards need to go into studs?

Walls should have a horizontal piece of wood spanning their length (called a bottom plate), to which the studs are attached. Since baseboards are attached at the bottom of a wall, they should be held in place well enough because they're nailed to this bottom plate.

Are white baseboards still in style?

'White trim provides a crisp, clean, and modern look and makes a perfect accent to any paint shade, be it white, grey, or color. While colored trim is certainly fun and a great way to add a pop to your space, white trim is a classic that will never go out of style. '

What size baseboards are popular now?

Common Heights Sold by Retailers: Retailers sell all sorts of shapes and sizes, but the most common include 3 ¼ inches and 5 ¼ inches. Typically, they are 5/8 inches thick and come in 16-foot strips.

How much does baseboard cost on average?

Porch.com says you should plan to pay between 80 cents and $1.20 (CAD 1 and CAD 1.60) per linear foot for basic solid wood baseboards. If you go for MDF baseboards, the cost ranges from 60 cents to $1 per linear foot (CAD 0.80 to CAD 1.30).

Do baseboards make a room look bigger?

Baseboard moulding can be used to create a finished look to a room and also to visually enlarge the space. By using a taller baseboard moulding, you can give the impression of higher ceilings and more space. This is an easy and affordable way to add character and sophistication to a small room.

What kind of baseboards are in style?

The most popular baseboard style is a rounded or stepped baseboard, which is flat on the bottom with decorative grooves near the center and a rounded half-moon or step-shaped top that tapers into the wall. The look is simple and modern, with a short profile that isn't too ornate or fussy.

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