What is the point of baseboards?

In architecture, a baseboard (also called skirting board, skirting, wainscoting, mopboard, floor molding, or base molding) is usually wooden or vinyl board covering the lowest part of an interior wall. Its purpose is to cover the joint between the wall surface and the floor.

Do modern homes have baseboards?

Some of the most striking, modern aesthetics include no baseboard at all. Baseboards help to transition floor materials to wall materials and hide unsightly lines. Eliminating baseboards from your interior decor requires more installation labor and skill.

Are baseboards required by code?

They cover the hole and act as a barrier between moisture in the room and the exposed drywall beneath. Not only is it required by building codes to have elevated trim, but you also run the risk of serious expansion in the drywall if it gets wet.

Can you have a house without baseboards?

Without baseboards, moisture spilled on the floor could easily penetrate the drywall, expanding upward and creating unsightly damage. Baseboards Protect Against Dirt and Debris: Baseboards can provide a solid 90-degree gap for dirt and debris to stop at. Baseboard is necessary to cover the gaps.

Do baseboards keep bugs out?

Gaps and cracks around baseboards give insects an easy way into your walls where they can build nests and eat away at the structure of your home unseen. Caulk on both the top and bottom edge of the baseboards closes the gaps to keep the bugs out.

Is it OK not to have baseboards?

Baseboards Protect Against Water Damage: Because of their material, drywall is susceptible to moisture damage. Without baseboards, moisture spilled on the floor could easily penetrate the drywall, expanding upward and creating unsightly damage. Baseboard is necessary to cover the gaps.

Are Taller baseboards better?

A general rule of thumb for your baseboards is the 7 percent rule — they should equal 7 percent of the overall height of your room. So, if you have 8-foot ceilings, your baseboards will look best at around 7 inches high.

Does flooring go under baseboards?

Baseboards are usually installed before flooring with a reservation gap left at the bottom of the baseboards for the flooring to be slid underneath. The gap left under baseboards for flooring is dependent on the width of the flooring being installed.

Should baseboards touch the floor?

Baseboards should only touch the floor if you have no plans to carpet your floors and if you’ve already finished installing your other flooring. If you have yet to install the rest of your floor, carpet or otherwise, you’ll need to take into account the height of the installed flooring.

Are you supposed to caulk baseboards?

Caulk at the bottom of the baseboard reduces the risk of this happening. Gaps and cracks around baseboards give insects an easy way into your walls where they can build nests and eat away at the structure of your home unseen. Caulk on both the top and bottom edge of the baseboards closes the gaps to keep the bugs out.