PVC Skirting Boards That Fit Every Budget

Skirting boards, or baseboards, have an understated but vital function in the field of interior design. They conceal the joint between walls and floors and protect your walls against scuffs, giving the space a clean and cohesive appearance. While wood or material like medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are still great choices, PVC Skirting Boards are quickly becoming the most popular option thanks to their low cost, durability, and low maintenance.

Why Choose PVC Skirting Boards?

Here are some of the major benefits that make PVC skirting boards appealing (especially if you're budget conscious or if you're a buyer looking for practicality):

• Durability and Moisture Resistance: PVC is moisture resistant and will not warp, swell, or rot like wood in damp spaces great for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or anywhere water could be a problem.

• Low Maintenance: PVC skirting boards are very easy to clean. Usually, just a wipe with a wet cloth will do the trick, with zero painting, sealing, or polishing expected like with wood.

• Cost-Effective: PVC is typically less expensive than solid wood. If you have a large project or are trying to follow a strict budget, the low material and maintenance cost make it a desirable choice.

• Design Options: Modern PVC skirting comes in various colors, profiles, and even finishes designed to look like wood grain or stone.

• Ease of Installation: These boards are lightweight and relatively simple to install. They can be glued or screwed to the wall, and many DIYers can successfully do it without assistance from professionals.

• Functional Extras: Some PVC skirting boards come equipped with cable management channels, allowing you to covertly arrange wires for a cleaner look.

• Insect and Termite Damage: In contrast to wooden boards, the PVC material is also not susceptible to damage from termites.

• Hygienic Surface: The non-porous quality of PVC surfaces allows for some mold and bacteria resistance, which is a plus for hygiene in moist environments.

Possible Disadvantages of PVC Skirting Boards

Although PVC Skirting Board has numerous benefits, it has unfavorable aspects as well. Below are some frequent negatives to ponder on:

• Plastic Aesthetic: PVC cannot always recreate the rustic appeal and authenticity of actual wood. For natural material lovers, PVC can sometimes feel "plasticky" or less high-end.

• Impressions Under Pressure: While PVC can crack or break under higher pressure, wood tends to be more forgiving and durable under stress.

• Painting Applicability: Since PVC is non-porous, painting is not as easy. You may need special primers to ensure paint reconnects.

• Thermal Spectroscopy: PVC can deform or warp when exposed to heat and direct sunlight.

• Materials and Disposal Considerations: PVC is synthetic plastic. Because it is not biodegradable and recycling options can be limited, its manufacture and disposal raise environmental questions.

Choosing the Right PVC Skirting for You

To help you make an informed purchase, here are a few things to consider:

Room Type

• Use water-resistant PVC in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms.

• In a dry and formal space (e.g., a living room), a nicer style of skirting with a more ornate profile would suit the space.

 Design Style

• Determine whether you want your skirting to have a smooth, minimal finish or go with a wood grain/traditional look.

• Also, consider color. PVC typically comes in neutrals and whites or wood tones that are more typical for wood products.

Functionality 

Think also about flexibility. If your walls are curvy or uneven, you may find flexible PVC profiles easier to work with.

Installation Method

• If you are installing yourself, you will want to have the right adhesive or screws and the right tools (i.e., a miter saw for corners).

• You will want to plan for perfection with corners (internal, external) and mitred joints; although "imperfect" walls will require caulking to finish.

Budget

Map out how many meters of Skirting Boards you will purchase, as all materials cost on a linear metered basis; longer walls will provide more opportunity for savings when you stick to more simple PVC.

Long-Term Maintenance

While PVC is low-maintenance, it is still helpful to consider how it will wear over time. While lower-grade, cheap PVC can discolor or become brittle over the course of decades, higher-grade products are more likely to last longer.