The process of finishing the interior is a very responsible task, where there is no place for all the little things. To give a harmonious look to the interior, you need to choose the floor plinth correctly. The market offers many options for this element, but the real leader is the MDF floor plinth.
To put it as simple as possible, a skirting board is a bar made of various materials that closes the gap between the wall and the floor. Today, manufacturers offer products from a huge amount of materials: plastic, natural wood, ceramics, natural or artificial stone.
MDF floor skirting is quite popular among consumers, it demonstrates an excellent combination of quality and value.
Material Features
MDF is nothing but one of the analogs of particleboard. However, this material is more environmentally friendly. No harmful epoxy resins or phenols are used for production. Often a skirting board made of this material is combined with floors made of laminate or linoleum. As a final step in repairing the walls, the panels can be covered with MDF panels.
Skirting Production
MDF is a so-called plate material. These plates are produced by dry pressing. As raw materials use wood shavings. It is compressed under the influence of high temperatures. The connecting element is a special urea resin.
The top layer is a special paper that has been pre-impregnated with dye. Next, a melamine coating is applied to it. It serves as a reliable shield to protect against dirt and moisture. In addition, the same shell protects the baseboard from ultraviolet radiation.
What functions does the skirting board perform?
The first and main task is to hide from the eyes the joints between the floor and the wall. Dust is often collected in this gap, as well as various debris, which is not so easy to get out of there. If moisture gets into the gap, it will soon lead to the formation of fungal bacteria and mold. It is not necessary to say that then the finish flooring will deteriorate.
The second function that this element performs is to ensure a smooth transition between the floor and the wall surface. If this part is installed on the floor, then the joint of the floor covering and wall decoration looks more harmonious. And high skirting boards also help to hide various defects on the surface of the walls.
Properties and characteristics
Modern products are equipped with a cable channel. It allows you to conveniently arrange various communications. In this way, you can hide various cables, such as twisted pair.
If we compare these elements with the same baseboards, but plastic, then MDF does not fade under the influence of direct sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. The skirting board can maintain its ideal appearance throughout its life. The product is not afraid of moisture, as it is covered with a special protective layer.
These parts do not require any serious maintenance using special cleaning agents. Another advantage that such a skirting board has is the price. She is more than available.
Also among the characteristics is a simple installation that can be carried out independently, without the involvement of specialists. Dismantling, if necessary, is also simple.
As you can see, this solution has a lot of advantages. There is a drawback, but very small - the increased fragility of these products.
Types of baseboards
Modern manufacturers produce several types of these products. There is a skirting board for painting, with a laminated coating or just white.
The product intended for subsequent coloring is the most universal of all. If the walls of the apartment are also prepared for painting, then the best option is not worth looking for. It may turn out to be a very interesting design. This element can be painted several times along with the rest of the interior or just to make some variety. Skirting board for painting should be painted after it is installed.
The interior element, finished with veneer, is actually not made entirely from MDF. However, by properties this product is closest to this material. This skirting board is a wooden plank of raw and cheap glued raw materials. The outer surface is veneered - this is a layer of natural wood. The veneer fixes a layer of varnish. The plinth floor MDF veneered is durable and unpretentious. This is a good choice, although it is a budget model of natural wood options.
They also offer classics in interior design. This product has long been popular in Europe. This classic solution is completely white. With it, you can give any room a very aristocratic and expensive look. In addition to the aesthetic appearance, the white plinth has all the properties of an MDF product.
How to choose a color?
It would seem that the coloring of this interior element is a minor nuance. However, if the skirting board is incorrectly selected in color, this can destroy the whole idea. Wrong color will easily destroy the attempt to organize space. There are some rules that will allow you to get an excellent harmonious interior.
In order to expand the room, you should choose the MDF skirting board exactly to the color of the flooring. Usually they get this element a few tones darker than the floor covering.
To create a unique and interesting accent, you can apply any non-standard, as well as contrasting colors or an unusual configuration.
If you want to give the room a little rigor, then choose a white baseboard. If you install the product at maximum height, then you can achieve an additional visual effect. Installation of such a product will require a perfectly smooth wall, otherwise all defects will become very noticeable.
Skirting board sizes
Size is just as important as color. The shape is also very important. All these parameters should clearly correspond to the geometric characteristics and the general style of the room.
For small rooms with a low ceiling, a narrow border of up to 45 mm is used. It’s good if you choose the MDF floor skirting veneered so that its shade matches the floor.
In rooms with high ceilings, you should adhere to the opposite scheme: the higher the ceiling and the larger the room, the higher should be the baseboard. And by the way, high borders are in fashion today.
MDF skirting
Although the product has a smooth surface, the painting process is quite complicated. Since this element has porosity, the pile rises when stained, due to which the part takes on a sloppy appearance. To avoid this phenomenon, you must first use a special primer, and remove the pile by grinding. Only then can the product be painted.
Paint is best selected according to RAL standards - it is very convenient. MDF floor plinth can be painted in a shade that fully matches the colors of the room. But you can achieve other effects.
Manufacturers and prices
One of the advantages that distinguishes the baseboard is the price. The modern construction market offers many collections. So, MegaWood company produces several types of baseboards from MDF at a price of 200 to 450 rubles. Models from QuickStep can be purchased from 350 rubles. Skirting Pergo will cost 540 rubles per linear meter.
So, skirting boards from this material is a rather aesthetic and affordable choice, which in its characteristics is not inferior to expensive wooden models. Another advantage that this baseboard has is the price. Everyone will find an option for every taste and budget.