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Last updated: 16 Feb 2023
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Revamping Your Living Space? Consider the Best Baseboard

Best Overall
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Ekena Millwork Barcelona Baseboard
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Best Material
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Oracle Moldings Baseboard
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Most Elegant
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Dreamwall Decor Baseboard
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Most Universal Look
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Ekena Millwork Bradford Baseboard
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A baseboard is a decorative material designed to cover the joint between the wall surface and the floor. Depending on the size and design, baseboards are usually not taller than half of the wall. They are inconspicuous decorative items; hence, their absence may go unnoticed. However, their presence elevates the overall aesthetic of a room. They give a finishing touch that accentuates the existing design. Usually made of wood, polyvinyl, or polyurethane material, the baseboard market is filled with several baseboards that all claim to be of the highest quality. In order to separate the pretenders from the real contenders, our team of expert reviewers assessed the market to bring you the best baseboards in 2023.

The Highest-Rated Baseboards

1

Ekena Millwork Barcelona Baseboard

– Best Overall
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The Barcelona baseboard from Ekena Millwork gives you the freedom to use baseboards in diverse ways. The wall molding baseboard can be nailed, drilled, or screwed in without any damage. This array of tweaking and installation options makes this product one of the best in the baseboard market.

Made of polyurethane, the board’s solidity is unparalleled as it has a density similar to the density of pinewood. The board is primed from the factory and requires no undercoat before painting. With its universal look and easy installation, this option is the best overall on our list.

Pros
  • The baseboard can be painted
  • Due to its light weight, the baseboard can be moved easily
  • The baseboard is resistant to insect infestation
Cons
  • There are no variants available
 
2

Oracle Moldings Baseboard

– Best Material
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The Italian Carrara baseboard from Oracle Moldings is a solid marble baseboard. The baseboard adds a sophisticated finish to your interior décor. The baseboard is sure to fit right into your interior design because there are many tiles and trims that match its design.

You are assured of getting a durable product as the baseboard has a sturdy weight of 24 pounds. The product comes in a box of five pieces, with each piece measuring 5 inches in width. Each piece is also ¾-inch thick.

Pros
  • The product has a polished finish
  • The baseboard can be cut to the desired size
Cons
  • Heavy
 
3

Dreamwall Decor Baseboard

– Most Elegant
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The Dreamwall Decor baseboard is a carefully molded baseboard that will add an extra touch of elegance to your house. The baseboard is made of dense architecture-grade polyurethane that contributes to its sturdiness and overall durability. 

The baseboard can be painted immediately as the molding comes pre-primed, eliminating the need for an undercoat. The molding is set in place with the use of adhesives, making for easy installment.

Pros
  • The baseboard can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and toilets because it is waterproof
  • It is available in various sizes
  • The baseboard can be easily cut and trimmed
Cons
  • It is expensive
 
4

Ekena Millwork Bradford Baseboard

– Most Universal Look
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The Bradford baseboard is another quality baseboard by Ekena Millwork. The floor molding baseboard is beautifully designed and has a fine finish. The board is made of quality polyurethane material and comes pre-primed for painting.

The board affords you different means of easy installation as it can be nailed, drilled, or screwed to the surface. The baseboard’s material is reinforced to withstand the pressure of nailing and drilling without damage.

Pros
  • The baseboard is resistant to insect infestation
  • It is lightweight and easy to move
Cons
  • There are no variant sizes available
 

Buying Guide to the Top Baseboards

Referred to as skirting in the United Kingdom and wainscoting in Germany, baseboards are building materials primarily designed for interior and exterior aesthetics. They also serve a functional use of protecting the wall from any strike or hit by a hard object or furniture leg. It also protects the wall from rubbing off or abrading by friction.

From our review of the top baseboards, you have been introduced to quality baseboards that will provide a great bang for your buck. However, deciding on a particular product might prove tricky. This buying guide will help you to simplify your choice by pointing you to the factors to look out for and other details about baseboards. The guide also includes a section for frequently asked questions.

What Are the Materials Used To Make Baseboards?

Baseboards are made from different materials. The distinctions of each material type are discussed below.

MDF (medium-density fiberboard)

MDF is a form of wood made from fibers from the breaking down of different wood varieties. This type is economical and the most widely used baseboard material. MDF exists in different forms: ultralight MDF plate (ULDF), moisture resistant board, and fire-resistant MDF. However, all these forms fall under the same method of manufacturing MDF. This process follows the mixture of wax and resin binder together with the wood fibers usually in a defibrillator to form panels after subjecting it to high temperature.

MDF has a density that ranges from 600-800 Kg/mᶟ depending on the wood type from which it is made. It shapes well, and it is also flexible when we look at weight and workability. It is majorly used for indoor baseboards because of its low resistance to moisture.

Polymeric baseboard

These are types of baseboards made from polymers. They are good materials for waterproof and moisture resistance, but relatively not economical. Specifically, the polymers used in this process are polyvinyl and polyurethane. Polyurethane is a dense, waterproof compound that has 100% durability. The polyvinyl baseboard, on the other hand, is perhaps the oldest form of polymer baseboard. It is flexible and also waterproof. 

Polyurethane especially has a high density. The waterproof nature of these baseboards makes them suitable baseboards for areas with moisture. So when considering baseboards for exterior use, the PVC baseboards are just the best to settle for.

Oak wood baseboard

This is a type of baseboard that is characterized by its texture, color and grain. It is a heavy type of baseboard as a result of the hardness of the wood it is made of. This baseboard type is economical, and it suits the budget of almost everyone. It is a type of baseboard known for its strength, stability and ability to be stained. Its durability is flawless, and it can withstand wear and tear even in harsh climate conditions. It also has the ability to withstand water and heat, thereby making it suitable for making the electric form of baseboard, which uses heaters. The oak baseboard has a density of 103 Kg/mᶟ.

Pinewood baseboard

The pinewood baseboard is a type of baseboard known for its lightness, stiffness, and resistance to shock. This type of pinewood has a light color that makes it easier to stain in order to achieve the desired color. It is also a cheap baseboard – much cheaper than the baseboards made of oak. This baseboard does not shrink nor swell. It is, however, not as strong as the oakwood baseboard. It has a density of 485-560 Kg/mᶟ. It is, therefore, a type of baseboard that suites interior décor mostly.

What Are the Types of Baseboard Designs?

Baseboards can be molded or shaped into different sizes and patterns. Depending on the nature of the material, the room’s size and style, and your budget, you can get baseboards in different varieties. A few of the most common baseboard designs are explained below:

Flat baseboard

The flat baseboard style is a choice for most people that love their baseboard to be light. The flat baseboard is about 3.5 inches in size. It is simple, and it does not give the room a clumsy look due to its lightness.

Flexible baseboard

The flexible baseboard is characterized by its flexibility which makes it easier to be cut, sanded, and shaped. This style of baseboard reduces the use of screw and nail when installing, because its flexibility makes it easier to use adhesives in binding them to the wall and floor. It is a baseboard to be considered when the buyer does not want holes drilled into the wall. The PVC types are generally flexible baseboards.

Jointed baseboard

This is a type of baseboard that is used on the casing of doors and windows especially. They are made for those that desire to give their doors and windows a heavenly look both as an interior and exterior décor. Like the general baseboard, this style can also be used to cover the joint that exists between the wall and the floor.

Carved baseboard

Except for polymeric baseboards, baseboards generally are wooden materials. This makes it possible to get any required carved design done on it. Carved baseboard styles are simply baseboards that have their woods carved with different inscriptions. This further gives color to the room for those that like design and not the presence of the baseboard alone. Depending on the nature of the design, it may affect the price of the baseboard.

Clamshell baseboard

The clamshell baseboards are the types of baseboards that provide a smooth transition from a wall to another. They are majorly made of pinewood, and this wood type’s lightness makes the whole transition process easier. They can as well be used or installed around the doorway or window like the jointed baseboard.

High-trim profile baseboard

This type of baseboard is easily painted to suit any décor or design. It is designed for high heat loss, and its installation is wall-space limited. It is suitable for anyone who desires a baseboard that will help in heat exchange between the wall and the room. If used as an exterior décor, it can, even if not to a significant level, reduce the heat in the room by this process.

Ornate baseboard

The ornate baseboard, which is also known as the Bohemian baseboard, is known for its funky and unconventional style. They can be a curved type of baseboard, adding a distinctive look to the room. This type of baseboard is suitable for elegant people who want to make a statement with their baseboard – it is big and classy.

How Do I Choose the Right Baseboard?

Various factors have to be considered before choosing a baseboard. These factors are discussed below.

House style

The style of your home is the first factor that you should consider when buying a baseboard. The house design will inform your choice of baseboards. If your house is traditional, the flat style type of baseboard will work well with the design. However, if your home is the classical and elegant type, it is best to go for the ornate style baseboard.

Ceiling height

In trying to add color and beautification to your room, it is important you don’t over-stretch it so that you won’t end up making everything clumsy and rough. This is why the height of the ceiling matters when installing a baseboard. Generally, it is expected that the height of your baseboard should not exceed 7% of the ceiling height. However, the power to give your room the desired beautification is all yours, but be sure you are using the appropriate baseboard height.

Preferred material

This largely depends on where and what the baseboard will be used. Generally, the medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is the most popular baseboard because it’s econimical and offers distinct characteristics. However, MDF may not be the best option for some who desire to use a baseboard in an environment with moisture. Polymeric baseboards are known for their water resistance, making them the best option for a moist environment. Thus, your choice of material should depend on where it is to be used and the purpose it will serve.

Cleaning baseboards can prove to be a physically uncomfortable experience since it often requires bending down to floor level. This video from The Clean Loft offers a more simple method:

How Much Do Baseboards Cost?

The price of baseboards is dependent on several factors. The type of material used, the design, and the style are some of these factors. The MDF and pine baseboards are generally less expensive, especially when they come in the flat, flexible, and jointed style. On average, baseboards cost between $100 to $1,345.

People Also Asked

Q: What is the function of a baseboard?

A: Baseboards serve both aesthetic and functional purposes in building design. They can create an aesthetically pleasing touch to your home and can help shield your walls from damage.

Q: Is it okay not to have baseboards?

A: Baseboards are not a necessity. However, when taking the longevity of the wall into consideration, it is important to use baseboards. Besides this purpose, they also beautify the home.

Q: What do I need to know about baseboard heaters?

A: They are designed to keep the room warm when the need arises.

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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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