Baseboard

Baseboards are the trim pieces that run along the bottom of your walls, bridging the gap between flooring and drywall while adding a polished finishing touch to any room. Whether you're installing new baseboards, repairing damaged sections, or upgrading to a more decorative style, the right approach makes all the difference. Angi helps you find local pros and practical guidance to get the job done right.

Related to Baseboard Service

Baseboard Service Articles and Advice
The price to paint your home’s baseboards depends on the square footage and whether you DIY the project. Learn more to budget for baseboard painting.
Installing new baseboards can totally refresh the look of your walls. Learn about the cost to install baseboards in your home.
Shoe molding hides imperfections in your baseboard molding and can elevate the look of a room. Learn about the cost to install shoe molding in this guide.
As homes settle, baseboard may separate from the wall and leave pesky cracks. Learn how to caulk trim and baseboards and refresh your space in this guide.
Cover flooring gaps near walls or add elegant detail to your home’s baseboards by learning how to install quarter-round trim.
Shoe molding is a simple way to seal the gap between baseboards and walls. Learn more about this baseboard finisher and if you need it in your home.
Learn these simple DIY tricks for how to remove baseboard trim for reuse without damaging it, the wall, or the floor.
Decorative baseboards add sophistication, but they’re often expensive. These are the best baseboard alternatives for a high-end look without the high-end price!
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Common Baseboard Service Questions

The standard height for baseboards is 3 to 5 inches, but it ultimately depends on your preference and the style of your home. To determine the appropriate height, consider factors such as the ceiling height, architectural features, and personal aesthetic preferences. Experiment with different heights and visually assess which option complements your space best.

Some people choose not to install baseboards, but it’s far more common to use them than to skip them. Some might choose not to install baseboards to save money or to enhance a minimalist design in a room. If you choose not to install baseboards, it’s essential to make sure the drywall or wainscoting installation fits tightly against the floor, which requires precise work.

Crown molding is installed at or near the ceiling line of the walls, while baseboard trim covers the wall's lower edge. While crown molding is often more distinct and attention-getting, baseboard molding hides the rough edge where the wall meets the floor. Because baseboard trim is functional as well as potentially attractive, it will add more perceived and monetary value than crown molding.

Installing caulk on the bottom of baseboards for aesthetics or water protection is appropriate for some flooring types, such as tile, sheet vinyl, and hardwood. Avoid using caulk where baseboards meet vinyl plank or other floating floors, as the flooring material needs to expand and contract. Remember to use a paintable and flexible caulk in all cases.

Vinyl baseboards are exceptionally long-lasting when compared to their cost, and on average should last anywhere from 8 to 25 years. Factors that influence their lifespan are interior humidity levels, temperature, adhesive strength, and how much they are damaged. Baseboards in a busy garage will last far less time than those in a guest bathroom, for example.