Plastic floor plinth, sizes and recommendations for their selection, which affects the choice of length, height, width

Variety of designs

On the market, floor decor is offered in different designs, from the usual wooden planks to more specialized options made of metal or ceramics, but plastic products remain the most popular. The material for their manufacture is polyvinyl chloride. Using the extrusion method, durable, seamless skirting boards with excellent performance characteristics are made.

Depending on the technology features and purpose, products are divided into the following types:

Solid solid (deaf). Lightweight profiles with good elasticity are used on straight sections; at turns they are connected with fittings (corners). The downside is that it is quite fragile: the plastic may not withstand it and may burst even from a slight impact or pressure.
Hard hollow. Profiles with an integrated channel are also used on straight surfaces. Thanks to its complicated shape, the hollow plank has greater strength and can withstand high loads. The disadvantage of the model is the low quality of workmanship, which is why it is used for cheap repairs and installed in utility rooms and offices.

Design of straight sections of the wall Source blogspot.com

Semi-rigid. Semi-rigid skirting boards are varied in color and texture, and, thanks to technology, have increased flexibility. They are convenient to lay on radius (up to 30 cm) and curved surfaces; this leaves no gaps. If a product made of semi-rigid PVC needs to be given a greater bend, it is immersed in hot water for 2-3 minutes.
Foamed (for painting). The product made of foamed PVC has a porous structure, so it can be painted. This option is a lifesaver if a non-standard color scheme is needed for the interior design (the color palette of other types is quite limited). Additional plus: lightweight design with low thermal conductivity; enhances the thermal insulation of the floor.
According to the method of application, skirting boards are divided into the following types:
For linoleum. The classic version, made of foamed PVC. Installation of such a profile is very simple: it is simply screwed or glued to the wall, closing the joint between the floor covering and the wall.

Using a flexible plinth you can even decorate a column Source chudopol.ru

For carpet. The profile resembles the letter "T". The base of the baseboard presses the covering to the floor, the flat side is pressed against the wall. The carpet is cut into strips of 5 cm and inserted into the groove on the profile. The result looks as if the baseboard is made from flooring.
Universal. Equipped with rubberized edges, used for all floor coverings. Presses linoleum, laminate, tile, and parquet equally well.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in finishing materials and related work

Ceiling plinth length

The baseboard plays an important role in the perception of the size of the room. Thus, an incorrectly selected size can unsightly distort the room and spoil the overall impression of the design, even if the rest of the decoration looks perfect. Note that we perceive the dimensions of a room depending on two main surfaces: the floor and the ceiling. If for some reason the ceiling seems small to us, regardless of the actual state of affairs, the entire room as a whole will be perceived as smaller than it actually is. Based on this, we can draw a logical conclusion, which is that the width of the plinth should not take up much space from the ceiling, especially if you chose wooden fillets, which are massive in themselves.

At the same time, in a large and spacious room, a wide baseboard, on the contrary, will emphasize the size of the room and will be more than appropriate. Thus, for a small room, skirting boards not exceeding 5-6 centimeters in width are suitable. To decorate a fairly large room, you can afford to install wide (from 8-9 centimeters) skirting boards, which will not only smooth out corners and complete the overall ensemble, but also give the room a more interesting and original look due to, for example, an unusual pattern.

Please note that when selecting a plinth, it is important to pay attention not only to the size, but also to the shape of the room: the wrong width of the edging can cause disproportion in the visual perception. For example, in long rectangular rooms it is better to install thin fillets: otherwise the room will look even more elongated. In non-standard cases, it is better to make markings in advance and approach the choice of plinth especially carefully

If you find it difficult to choose a molding for a room, focus on the function of the room itself: for example, in the living room, a wide plinth, as a rule, does not spoil the overall impression, but in a small bedroom it can disrupt the feeling of comfort

In non-standard cases, it is better to make markings in advance and approach the choice of plinth especially carefully. If you find it difficult to choose a molding for a room, focus on the function of the room itself: for example, in the living room, a wide baseboard, as a rule, does not spoil the overall impression, but in a small bedroom it can disrupt the feeling of comfort.

Advantages and disadvantages

PVC skirting board is a practical decor that allows you to solve several problems. In addition to the decorative effect, it has the following advantages:

Low cost. An important advantage, since towards the end of the renovation the construction budget becomes very limited.
Masking of wires. Products with a cable channel allow you to hide wires, your home takes on a neat appearance and becomes safer. The latter is especially important if there are small children and pets in the house.
Operational benefits. Skirting boards are lightweight, waterproof parts that can be installed in wet areas. They have a long service life and are resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

Thin plinth made of foamed PVC Source prom.st

Environmental friendliness. The decor is made from plastic that is harmless to health and is certified. The material does not give a chance to mold or insects.
Easy installation. Installation does not require preliminary preparation or special tools and can be easily performed on uneven walls.
Easy care. The material does not require finishing or updating (except for painted decor), and is not afraid of household chemicals.
Appearance. The material is quite diverse in design and color palette (there are samples that imitate wood), has a smooth, even surface, and fits into different styles without any problems.

There are only three significant shortcomings. Many people are confused by the fact that plastic is an artificial material with possible health hazards. In fact, such a problem has long been absent: modern plastics are chemically neutral and do not emit volatile compounds. This is evidenced by quality certificates that can be requested from the seller.

Color palette of the model with a cable channel Source b.allegroimg.com

The second drawback is flammability, but it also varies (and is characteristic of most materials present in the house). Some manufacturers produce skirting boards made of plastic that does not support combustion or with reduced smoke generation.

The last disadvantage of plastic products is related to the aesthetic side of repairs. It should be taken into account that PVC decor does not look good with all floor coverings, and does not fit into all interior styles. If parquet boards or tiles are to be laid on the floor, the best choice would be wooden or ceramic decor, respectively.

Is it worth installing plastic skirting boards?

How to install a floor plinth, assembly and types of fastening
Today, a variety of types of such decor are produced. And all of them allow you to give the room a stylish, presentable and neat appearance. This is what a room decorated using plastic strips might look like:

First, let's look at the advantages of plastic floor decor and whether it is worth using it to decorate an apartment at all. Plastic plinth is characterized by the following advantages:

Light weight;
Plastic elements do not require finishing - sanding or painting;

Plastic decor does not require additional processing

Long service life. Such decor can last for a very long time;
Resistant to deformation and moisture resistance. Plastic strips can also be used for bathroom floors;
UV resistant. The elements do not fade even in rooms with windows facing south;
This decor looks very aesthetically pleasing. Planks can have a variety of shades and colors;

Plastic strips can have a variety of colors and shades

Plastic does not rot and is not damaged by fungus;
In addition, this material is very easy to process. If desired, the elements can be easily assembled with your own hands.

Important: Plastic strips have practically no disadvantages. The only thing is that they are not as durable as wooden ones.

Therefore, during operation you should treat them more carefully.

Factors influencing the choice of skirting boards

When the final stage of decorating the floor begins, the owners go to a specialized department for plinths. When assessing decor, most people pay attention to the length and color, and sometimes require a cable channel. The remaining characteristics (width and height) remain out of attention, although in many cases they are no less important.

Plank to match the color of the flooring Source pdp.kiev.ua

The aesthetics of any room is formed by all the decorative details, and the dimensions of the decorative profile can make the design ideal, or hopelessly ruin it. When selecting the size of the plinth, it is important to make it a harmonious addition to the interior; The place where the floor meets the walls should not deviate from the general concept. When choosing, take into account the following factors:

Room volume, ceiling height. The parameters of the floor plank must correspond to the parameters of the room.
Features of interior style. You need to remember about the styling features. For minimalist interiors, sophisticated decorative elements are preferred. Classic design accepts larger, more pompous decor. If you are a fan of eclecticism or a lover of experimentation, trust your own instincts.
Quality of repair. The decor should completely cover the gap between the wall and the floor (the place where the flooring meets the wall). If this parameter is not taken into account when purchasing, the baseboard may turn out to be a little narrower, and you will have to look for a fairly wide replacement.
Personal tastes. Within any style, you can outline several options for skirting boards, and from among them choose the one that suits your taste.

Emphasis on contrasting color Source luxury-house.org

No. 2. What can a floor plinth be made of?

The second most relevant and important issue when choosing a floor plinth is the question of the material used to make it. In this case, it is best to start from the flooring material:

wooden plinth is suitable for floors made of block parquet and solid boards, parquet boards, laminate;
MDF plinth and veneered plinth are suitable for parquet and laminate;
PVC skirting boards are the cheapest and most popular option, often used with linoleum, tiles and carpet;
ceramic baseboard Not so long ago it became available in a wide range and goes well with ceramic tiles.

Sizes: what you need to know about them

If you are choosing a plastic baseboard for your floor, the dimensions are what you will think about first. It’s a good idea to take care of suitable strips at the stage of installing electrical wiring; then you can route the wiring through the cable channels. Forethought will save you from the costly, time-consuming and dirty work of chiselling walls.

It's nice that most manufacturers standardize their products in accordance with GOST requirements. Companies provide a wide range of sizes, which makes it easier to select products for different needs. The standard sizes of plastic skirting boards are as follows:

Length: 2.5 m. The size is considered the most practical for transportation and installation. The length of flexible material (in a roll) can reach 50 m.
Width: in the range from 15 to 20-25 mm.
Height: ranging from 40-52 to 65 mm. Non-standard (for certain styles or with cable channels) height increases to 120-150 mm and higher.
Running size: 23x60x2500 mm.

You need to know the standard parameters of PVC skirting boards in order to calculate how much material is required.

Dimensions of the option with cable channels Source stroyobzor.info

Varieties

Molded profile polyvinyl chloride products for interior decoration. Specifications

Plastic skirting boards differ in structure and characteristics:

The standard version is a bar that has no special features.
The presence of a cable channel makes the product simply irreplaceable in situations where it is necessary to hide various wires, but it is not possible to perform grooves or use other decorative overlays. A distinctive feature of this type is that access to hidden elements is carried out without much difficulty - you just need to remove the plug.

Among all types of borders with cable channels, plastic ones are considered the most capacious

The flexible option is suitable for curved structures that cannot be decorated in any other way. Such parts are sold in special packaging, the integrity of which must not be compromised until they are fixed. To create the necessary bend, the fragments are preheated.
High PVC plinth is specially designed for rooms with high ceilings and large areas. Its width starts from 7 cm. Additionally, the products are equipped with spacious cable channels.

Indeed, each variety allows you to choose the optimal solution. For example, models for carpeting have appeared on the market.

In addition to the possibility of arranging a continuous carpet, plastic structures have built-in cable channels

Choosing a reasonable baseboard height

The choice is based on the principles of perception: the height of the plastic skirting board for the floor must correspond to the height of the ceilings. To fulfill the condition, it is not necessary to delve into the theory; the necessary correspondences have long been identified and are successfully used in practice. The optimal numbers look like this:

A room with a ceiling height of 2.5 m corresponds to a plinth 3-5 cm high.
A ceiling height of 2.7 m requires increasing the height of the decor to 6-7 cm.

These dimensions are not final; Adjustments to the final choice are often made by the area of the room and the color palette of the floor and walls. The style decision also influences a lot. For example, classic interiors are characterized by a calm, often light color scheme. Therefore, even in a medium-sized room, decorated in a classical manner or with classical elements, it is permissible to increase the profile height by 2 or even 3 times.

High plinth in a classic interior Source dekorator-s.ru

The color of the planks can be used to change the visual perception of the space. If you choose decor that contrasts with the wall design or the color of the floor, the ceilings will appear slightly lower, but the space will expand. If the panels are close in color and saturation to the color of the walls, they can be made higher than required by the rules; this will not affect the perception of the ceiling.

How to choose the color of the baseboard

Proper design of a room begins with assessing the overall picture. Skirting boards of the same color are suitable for dark floors, but if the walls have a rich shade, a white strip will be even better, especially in combination with ceiling skirting boards and panels. When all the baseboards are in the same shade, the walls become more expressive, decorative elements such as paintings, vases and figurines are emphasized. For a classic style without an emphasis on luxury, this solution will definitely be successful. The color of the finished top strips is almost always white. If something happens, they are simply painted. The shade must be combined with the ceiling, the ideal balance is one tone. In practice, other color schemes are also implemented, for example, by selecting skirting boards to match the color of doors and trim. The planks will help in creating compositions from a variety of color transitions.

How to choose the length

The length of the bar according to GOST is 2.5 m, but there are also longer options. This value is used in calculations to determine the total amount of material, for which the following actions are performed:

Measure the total length of the walls (perimeter) of the room. In a room of the correct shape, you can measure the length of two adjacent walls and multiply by 2.
Measure the length of the doorways and subtract it from the perimeter.
To determine how many skirting boards will be needed, the final number is divided by the length of one product (for example, 2.5). The result obtained is rounded up.

Wide plinth - for rooms with high ceilings Source ytimg.com
To save time and insure against mistakes, it is convenient to use an online calculator, or measure the perimeter and provide the result to the seller.

During installation, the baseboard will need to be cut into pieces of the required size to fit them to the dimensions of the room. A store consultant can offer better options. The number of joints will be reduced if you choose a plinth of the maximum possible length.

Baguette consumption

How to install a floor plinth with your own hands Methods for attaching a plinth to a wall: clips, liquid nails, glue, screws, details about assembly and installation

Before installing floor or ceiling edging, the question arises: how to calculate the amount of plinth? So it’s easy to calculate different floor skirting boards, the sizes of which can vary. You should sum up the length of all the walls along which this element will be laid (for the floor, we do not take into account the width of the doorways).

Frame calculation scheme

The total amount should be divided by the length of the individual strip, and rounded to the nearest whole number. When cutting skirting boards, waste is generated, so you should take one spare strip, or when measuring the walls, add 5 cm to the length of each strip.

Tip: there is an online calculator for calculating fillets, which, based on your data, will determine the consumption rate.

How to choose width

The minimum width (overlap on the floor) of the profile is 1.5 cm. It coincides with the thermal gap - the distance that is left between the wall and the finish to compensate for the expansion of the latter.

When choosing the width, the rule of harmony also applies: the higher the walls, the wider the decor can be made. If you choose decor in the color of the floor or walls, consider the dimensions of the room.

Design options for corner joints Source chudopol.ru

Sometimes a wide profile is a dire necessity. For example, if the presence of three volumetric cable channels is important to you, the overlap on the floor can reach 20 mm. With this solution, you will have to put up with the fact that after installing the furniture there will be a gap. Planks of any width are suitable for fixing on uneven surfaces, and can help out where decor made of wood or ceramics cannot cope.

Where to hide the wires?

Almost all models of skirting boards have a built-in cable channel into which additional wires can be installed.

But if you install the baseboard with glue, you can only lay the cables once - before installation.

If you are not sure, choose a plinth model that can be dismantled at any time without damaging the wall covering and the plinth itself - using clips, strips or screws.

Or, alternatively, upgrade your baseboard with an extra fillet with cable duct later when it's time to add wires (fourth photo).

It’s also convenient to install sockets in high baseboards (third photo).

Alternative skirting options

Floor PVC products have standards established by GOST. For example, the standard height is 58 mm. Since the value is not strictly regulated, companies are expanding their product line. This allows you to find the right decor for any design task. Height-based products on the market are used as follows:

The height of the plinth is less than 50 mm - for small rooms, kitchens, bathrooms.
For most rooms, a standard height of 58 mm is suitable, plus or minus 2 mm.
Ceiling heights of 2.6-3 m increase the height of the decor to 70-90 mm.
The height of the room exceeds 3 m, the height of the plinth increases to 10-15 cm. Sometimes a high profile is needed to disguise wires or as an element of a design idea.

Some types of decor can be painted Source piramida-stroi.ru
World-class standards provide for a width of 22 mm, but it can vary between 15-25 mm. The popular products presented in the assortment of any manufacturer have the following height/width proportions: 4.5x2.1 cm, 6.7x2.2 cm, 5.5x2.2 cm, 8x2.2 cm, 8.5x2.5 cm.

The length is 2.5 m - a convenient size for storage, packaging, transportation and installation. Rolled material is somewhat more convenient, since it can be ordered in a single piece of 5 m or more. Flexible plastic does not have to be cut into fragments of the required length. It is specially designed to bypass walls and non-standard obstacles (for example, columns).

Traditional wooden baseboard for flooring

The classic version, a wooden floor plinth, has not lost its relevance today, with the only difference being that it has turned from a household floor frame into an elite one. To characterize a modern, high-quality wood product, you will have to use epithets such as luxurious or sophisticated.

Oak plinth: dovetail profile

The following models of wooden skirting boards are especially popular:

profile with a “sole” - has a height of up to 60 mm, a distinctive feature is a relatively narrow lower part, up to 25 mm. The smoothed topography of the front side of the product makes it easier to remove dust;
europlinth - its dimensions are 10-16 mm, allowing you to install furniture quite tightly to the wall. There are other, non-standard models of products, for example, up to 80 mm high with a figured recess on the front part or up to 30 cm, made of beech or oak.

The perfection of a wooden plinth: wide fillets in a dark color

Additional elements

Installation of a plastic profile is impossible without additional elements. This is the name for the small shaped parts needed to join the profile strips to each other. They are varied enough to design junctions in different conditions.

Basic additional elements Source stroim-dom.net

The answer to the question of how many additional elements may be needed depends on the geometry of the room. The more complex it is, the more angles, and the more connecting elements will be needed. Designers advise purchasing plinths and joining parts from the same batch. Otherwise, the shades will almost certainly be different, and this will be noticeable in the finished design.

Shaped elements are available for sale in the following versions:

Connectors. Designed for connecting straight elements of any size located on the same line.
Corners. Fasteners that help to form external and internal corners. With their help, systems of any complexity are installed.

White color fits into any style Source pinimg.com

End caps. The final details that give the plinth a neat look. Allows you to create cuts in places adjacent to a door or arched opening.
Brackets. The parts are attached in the corner and help lay the cable; closed at the top with a corner connector.
The required number of components is calculated for each specific case; It is most convenient to create a project that includes the following details:
The number of external and internal corners in the room being designed.
The number of plugs is two for each opening.
The number of connectors is difficult to determine exactly, so they are usually taken in excess.

Wide plastic baseboard Source wp.com

Material advantages

Plastic floor plinth or, as it is also called by the type of material used, PVC very realistically imitates the texture of natural wood, such as beech or bleached oak. This allows you to use it to decorate the interior of rooms in various styles. What other advantages does plastic plinth have:

Possibility of choosing the shades you need. Plastic is a material whose color is formed at the initial stage of production by adding granulate to the composition from which it is made. That is why the color of the material turns out deep and believable. It is worth noting that today there are methods that allow you to apply a design to a finished fillet, without loss of quality. Unlike polyurethane fillets, they do not require painting.
Durability and strength. Plastic floor plinth is flexible, lightweight, but very high quality. This material lasts a long time and can be used to decorate rooms of non-standard shape. Its shelf life, justified by its technical characteristics, exceeds what manufacturers assign to wooden fillets.
Moisture resistance. Due to the fact that the plastic material is not hygroscopic, it can be used for finishing rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms, toilets or kitchens.
Easy to care for. Even white polyvinyl chloride products are quite easy to clean using ordinary household chemicals. That is why they are recommended to be used for finishing corridors, hallways and other rooms where it is not too clean in inclement weather. It is worth noting here that you should not use products containing abrasive particles to clean plastic floor skirting, as they can scratch the protective film that is applied to the product at the final stage of production.
Relatively inexpensive price. Among all the finishing materials for finishing floor repairs, plastic products stand out for their low price and high quality.
Environmentally friendly. There is no need to talk about the benefits of polyvinyl chloride products, since they are not made from natural materials. However, they do not emit any harmful substances or toxins, so their use in residential areas is safe.

Plastic fillet

It is important to know: if necessary, you can easily dismantle the plastic fillets. They are very easily removed from special fasteners, without damage or breaks.

This is where plastic fillets compare favorably with wooden and polyurethane ones.

Briefly about the main thing

A plastic floor plinth serves as the finishing touch to a stylish floor covering in classic and modern styles. It is needed for two reasons: to make a beautiful transition between the floor and walls, and to organize hidden wiring.

Profiles are divided into two groups: solid (solid) and flexible (with cable duct); the latter consist of two parts. When choosing decor, take into account the size of the room and the features of the interior style, as well as operating conditions (whether it will have to be painted, varnished, how to clean it).

Using the color of the floor plinth, you can adjust the visual perception of the interior. If the color of the decor contrasts with the walls, the room will appear lower but wider. If the colors match, the height of the bar does not matter much.

It is also necessary to consider the parameters of the plinth itself. The height of the decor is important for the aesthetics and overall perception of the interior. Width affects ease of use; The length of the strip helps to calculate the total amount of material. Along with the profile, components are purchased - additional elements, the quantity of which is also calculated in advance.

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Features of PVC skirting boards

A few decades ago, there were only two main materials for hiding the joint between the floor and the wall.
In most cases, wooden parts were used that had a standard beveled shape. For rooms with high humidity, a cement mixture was used to form the necessary joint. Therefore, plastic skirting boards created a revolution when they appeared on the construction market. Naturally, the first products were simple and did not have a wide decorative range. But modern types made of polyvinyl chloride plastic have many advantages:

Durability. Indeed, it is difficult to find a material that surpasses PVC in service life. Any floor elements made from wood and even metal are significantly inferior in this parameter.
Easy to install. The work does not require any special knowledge; even a beginner can handle the process. There are models that have flexible rubber edges, which allows you to hide any imperfections and irregularities.
Flexibility. The plinth has flexible varieties, which allows you to design complex and rounded areas.
Wealth of choice. Many color options are a real treasure trove of solutions for creating a spectacular interior.
Resistant to temperature changes and high humidity. The material is suitable for installation in unheated rooms, as well as showers and bathrooms.
Wear resistance. The product is easy to care for and does not lose its original appearance.

Plastic borders are ideal for rooms with high humidity.
Undoubtedly, all the available advantages are complemented favorably by the price, which does not greatly affect the overall renovation budget. But it is precisely this factor that imposes some restrictions on the use of plastic floor skirting boards. So, they do not fit well with the “rich” finish, worsening the overall impression.

Thus, the technical characteristics make these products indispensable in most cases; they successfully fulfill their role in all rooms of the house or apartment.

Wood-look skirting boards harmonize well with linoleum and laminate

What to attach to: to the floor or to the wall?

When choosing a base for fixing decorative strips, you should be guided by a reduction in labor costs

To do this, pay attention to the base of the floor. If the flooring is laid on top of a concrete screed, and the wall is made of wooden materials, then it is better to fix the plinth to it. And vice versa: if the floor is made of boards, then it is more advisable to fix the skirting boards on it

And vice versa: if the floor is made of boards, then it is more advisable to fix the baseboards on it.

If you have plasterboard structures in your space, learn how to attach prefabricated baseboards to the wall. In such situations, special zinc-coated screws and nails should be used.

In cases where both the floor and the wall are made of solid material, to install the baseboards you will need to drill holes for the dowels, and only then screw in the screws. The same method is used in cases where the wall and floor are quite loose.

When working with all of the listed varieties, use the following rules, which indicate how to properly attach the baseboard to the floor:

The minimum distance between fasteners is 25 cm.
The maximum distance between fasteners is 50 cm.
The plinth is fixed to the base that guarantees sufficient fastening strength.

During the work, ordinary screws, anchor plates, special clips, and adhesives can be used. The choice depends on the type of floor plinth used.