Whether you’re putting down new floors or replacing drywall, you will eventually have to deal with your home’s baseboards first. Baseboard moulding is an essential part of your interior construction and design. 

It’s not only functionally necessary but also aesthetically pleasing, no matter the interior scheme you choose. If you’re ready to replace your baseboard moulding, there are some things you should know. The first is the different types of baseboards to choose from.

In this article, we’ll cover the three main types of baseboards and the material types you can choose from.

What is baseboard moulding?

Baseboards are the planks that line the lowest part of your walls. You can easily spot them from your floors. Baseboard moulding essentially fills in the gap between your wall and floor. 

From an aesthetic perspective, baseboards are incredibly versatile. They are made with all kinds of materials and colours, giving you the freedom to customize them based on your interior design. 

Additionally, baseboards serve a functional indoor purpose. Baseboards protect your drywall from all kinds of spills, bumps, dirt, and debris. For example, your baseboard can keep your walls safe from an incoming vacuum cleaner. It can also protect the bottom of your floors and walls from mop water and spilled drinks. 

What are the different types of baseboards?

If you’re looking for variety in your next home improvement project, the good news is that baseboards are extremely customizable. 

Whether you’re building a new home or undertaking a simple home remodel, here are three of the most popular options to choose from:

1. Rounded baseboards

Also known as stepped baseboards, rounded baseboard moulding is probably the most popular option for homeowners. 

Rounded baseboards are flat on the bottom and are characterized by their stylistic grooves and step shape that tapers along the wall. Stepped baseboards provide a sleek, modern design that’s perfect for most homeowners. 

2. Flat baseboard moulding

As you can imagine, flat baseboard moulding is completely flat. You can purchase this moulding usually in sizes between 3-5 inches in height. 

Its flat shape means this baseboard moulding is easy to clean and can fit virtually any interior design.

3. Sculpted baseboard trim

Unlike the other two options, sculpted baseboard trim is a fancier home product. The baseboard sports a modern design of scalloped grooves that are tapered from top to bottom. 

Generally, sculpted baseboard trimming features a stepped design on the top and is flat on the bottom. What’s more is that this option comes in multiple height options, such as:

  • 4-5 inches for normal products
  • Above 7 inches for taller products

Sculpted baseboards are perfect for Victorian and colonial-style homes due to their antique design. However, because of their many grooves, sculpted baseboards tend to collect more dust and dirt.

What are the different types of baseboard materials?

Not only do baseboards come in a wide range of styles, but they are also made up of various different materials. Knowing the difference between the type of baseboard materials is essential if you want to choose the right product. Let’s cover the three main types of baseboard materials:

Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF)

MDF is a very common baseboard material. It’s composed of fibres, resin, wood, and countless other materials. Below are some of the pros and cons of dealing with MDF:

The Pros:

  • MDF has a more consistent texture than wood, making it easy to construct into various shapes and designs. 
  • This material supports both simplistic and ornate baseboard designs.
  • MDF is easy to cut and is great for bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. 
  • This material is also primed and ready to paint.

The Cons:

  • Since MDF is already primed, you’ll have to choose another material if you’re looking to stain your baseboards. 

Pine

Pine is an affordable baseboard material that also comes primed and ready to paint. Here are the pros and cons to consider before choosing pine baseboards:

The Pros:

  • Pine is very affordable, making it ideal for home renovations on a tight budget.
  • Pine baseboards can fit multiple indoor designs and styles.

The Cons:

  • Even quality pine has an inconsistent texture, which could cause it to splinter when cutting. 
  • Pine can warp and even crack if you cut it. 
  • Pine baseboards are unsuitable for bathrooms due to excessive moisture in such spaces unless you stain them.

Hardwood

Hardwood baseboards are some of the most high-end options you can choose when renovating your home. Before you make a selection, though, here are some advantages and drawbacks to consider:

The Pros:

  • Hardwood baseboards support elegant and chic indoor designs. 
  • These baseboards are typically made of quality oak and maple.

The Cons:

  • Hardwood baseboards are pricey, depending on the style profile you choose.
  • These baseboards can warp when you cut them. 

How to Choose the Best Baseboards for Your Home Project

Ultimately, choosing the right baseboard moulding for your residence is up to personal preference. Nonetheless, here are some of the ways you can make a suitable choice based on your design profile.

Study Your Interior Design

The most important tip for choosing baseboard moulding is to consider your home’s interior. 

If you’re going for a vintage farmhouse look, remember to keep it simple and choose a basic baseboard moulding. On the other hand, if your home design is modern, you can experiment with more angular baseboard products. 

Mind Your Budget

It can be frustrating to choose the baseboard you love only to be discouraged by its price. Before you select a product, field multiple quotes from your favourite home improvement stores. This way, you can avoid sticker shock and buyer’s remorse once you choose your product. 

Buy the Right Tools

Pine and hardwood baseboard materials can warp and crack if you cut them. By using a quality saw, you can avoid this outcome and save money in the process.

Contact the Experts

When you’re ready to shop for the best baseboard molding in Toronto, make sure to visit the Cosmaroma website to learn more and find a nearby store. You can also call Cosmaroma at (855) 457-1039 or contact us online.