What Are Baseboards
Baseboard moulding is used at the bottom of a wall where the wall
meets the floor. The height of baseboards is standard for most rooms, but the
width and style vary. If you have baseboards in one room, you should also have
them in the rest of your home. This creates a more consistent flow.
Baseboards are available in a variety of configurations and are accompanied by a small piece of quarter-round (semi-rounded trim) trim at the bottom.
Different Types of Baseboards
There are
various kinds of baseboards available. However, the most common ones available
are:
MDF Baseboards
MDF
(medium-density fiberboard) baseboards
are produced using wood fiber, which resembles sawdust and is bonded
together with resins and wax. They are budget-friendly, have a bit of a wave
texture to the surface and accept paint well.
Polystyrene Baseboards
Polystyrene baseboards are basically from a
type of expanded rigid plastic foam. They are lightweight, moisture-resistant
and pocket-friendly.
PVC Baseboards
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) baseboards are made
of lightweight plastic. They are budget-friendly, do not swell when exposed to
water and can be easily mounted.
Baseboards: Why Do You Need Them?
Now let us understand some benefits of
baseboards, which will give you a better idea of why you should choose one:
Sealing joints
The main reason for using baseboards is to
clear any gaps between the floor and the wall. Installing baseboards cover and
close the gaps between the floor and the wall.
Aesthetics
Baseboards make a room look better. You can
paint or stain them too. Staining wood baseboards often makes them look richer
and nicer, improving the space's overall style.
Protection
Baseboards act as a barrier between your walls
and the floor and prevent any dents and scratches from occurring.
Clean Space
Since baseboards have a polished look, they
help to hide imperfections and make the surroundings look clean.
Choose baseboards if your needs align with
these benefits. Now, let’s examine crown mouldings to better understand the
comparison between the two.
What is Crown moulding
If you want to add flair to your room, crown moulding
is a great place to start. This type of moulding goes at the top of the wall
where the wall meets the ceiling. It’s also called cornice mouldings and comes
in various widths and styles.
What makes crown moulding so appealing is the way it crowns a room with aesthetics. It draws the eyes up and gives rooms an added appeal.
Why Should You Choose Crown moulding
Let us see some benefits of crown moulding;
these will give you a better idea of whether you need crown mouldings or not:
Top trim
Crown mouldings are used for capping
cabinets and columns and cleaning up the space where the walls connect
with the ceiling. They are ready to install, which saves time and they also
come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Height effect
Crown mouldings do more than just decorate.
They also make rooms look bigger. By adding visual height upwards, an illusion
is created. This makes the ceilings look higher than they are and it also makes
smaller rooms feel more spacious and open.
Wall protector
Another excellent use of crown moulding is
protecting surfaces. If your walls have cracks or dents, crown moulding can
cover them or prevent them in the future. It is a complete package of safety
and beauty for rooms.
Key Differences between Baseboards and Crown moulding
Installation
Baseboards
are usually easier to install, making them a good choice for DIY projects. They
need only basic measurements and cutting to size and are attached using nails
or adhesive.
Crown moulding requires more complex installation
steps. It is installed at the point where the wall meets the ceiling, requiring
precise measurements and cuts for a perfect fit. Installing it requires special
tools and techniques, like coping saws for intricate joints, which can be
tedious.
Placement
Baseboards
are placed at the bottom of the walls. They protect walls from kicks and
furniture. They also hide any uneven edges or gaps between the floor and the
wall, making them practical for maintaining cleanliness and reducing dust
collection.
Crown moulding
improves the architectural style at the top of the walls. It frames the room
and makes the ceilings look higher. Its decorative use increases the room's
overall beauty and can hide any cracks and dents in the ceilings.
Material Costs
Baseboards
are usually budget-friendly. They are available in different materials that can
suit varying budgets. The low cost of baseboards makes them a good option for
covering large areas under restricted budgets.
Crown mouldings cost more. This is because they use
more complex materials and designs, like hardwoods, which raise the overall
cost. However, they are perfect for those who are looking for a premium upgrade
in their room.
Visual Impact
Baseboards
contribute largely to the finished look of a room. Their presence makes them a
good choice for people who look for a tidy, polished look that blends well in
spaces with hard flooring.
Crown moulding gives a great visual change. It adds
a level of sophistication and is a defining feature of a room's design. It's
especially favored in places where a bold decorative statement is intended.
This helps to elevate the overall design and ambience of the room.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing Baseboard Vs Crown moulding
The
choice between baseboards and crown moulding depends on what kind of design you
like, as well as the needs of your room. Think about the following factors when
making your decision:
- Room Design: Crown moulding is used at the top of the walls. It makes rooms look taller and more stylish. It is best used in living rooms, dining areas and bedrooms. It enhances the overall look of the place. Baseboards run along the bottom of the walls. They protect the walls and improve the room's look. They are a good choice for hallways or family rooms.
- Architectural Style: Choose styles that match your home. To maintain consistency, use crown moulding in a classic or vintage-style home and baseboards in both modern and traditional settings.
- Cost: Prices vary depending on the materials used. Baseboards are usually more budget-friendly. To keep costs low, go for baseboards in larger areas. Otherwise, consider crown mouldings to enhance the room’s ambiance.
- Maintenance: Baseboards need more upkeep. They sit close to the floor, which can damage them easily. They are best used in areas where wall protection is necessary. Crown moulding needs less maintenance, making it a good fit for formal spaces such as entryways and home offices.
- Installation: Crown moulding is harder to install because it requires precise cuts at the ceiling. It is a good option for smaller projects where detailed work can be done. Baseboards are easier to install, making them a good project for beginners. They work well in any room, making them a good choice for DIY projects.
Baseboards
and crown mouldings are essential accessories with different functions, but
both contribute to interior design. Both give protection, conceal the
unevenness and provide a neat finish to the lower walls. Take your time to
think through our mentioned factors and decide on the right trim for your home.