Baseboard

A: The purpose of baseboards is to provide both a functional and decorative solution by covering the unsightly joint between a wall and the floor, hiding imperfections and gaps, protecting the wall's base from damage, and adding a finished, aesthetic touch to a room's design. They also create a physical barrier against water, dirt, insects, and drafts, thereby enhancing a room's cleanliness and energy efficiency.

A: Most flooring applications do not require you to remove existing baseboards. You may choose to remove the baseboards and replace them at the same time as flooring installation if you want to switch to a different baseboard height or change the style to match the overall look of your remodel.

A: A baseboard height that's approximately 7% of the wall height provides for a solid and definable base without being too big. The overall proportion of baseboard to wall height will be comfortable and pleasing. So in a room with a 9 foot high ceiling, a baseboard that's about 8 inches tall works.

A: You could opt to not have any baseboards at all. This is recommended if you are going for a very contemporary look with clean uninterrupted lines. 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.

A: Typically made of wood, MDF, or PVC, they bridge the gap between your wall and floor. They're not just decorative; baseboards conceal uneven edges where the wall meets the floor and provide a clean finish.