Our home’s baseboards serve a valuable purpose on a functional and aesthetic level. They protect the walls from shoe scuffs, dents, and dings that may occur while vacuuming or during other household chores while covering the joint where the wall and the floor meet. In addition, your home’s baseboards can provide a distinct look to a room.
But with so many different sizes and types of materials available, it can be tough to decide which baseboard option is best for you. There are a number of factors that can contribute to finding the perfect baseboards for your needs, including the style of the home, ceiling height, material preferences, and of course, budget. Oak baseboards are a classic choice for any room in the house. Find out why they’re so popular, and how you can choose the right one for your home.
What is Oak Wood Baseboard?
Without question, the most popular material when it comes to baseboards is oak wood. This is not only because of the luxurious appearance it adds to your home’s interior, but also due to how versatile the material is.
Oak can be either stained or painted, decorative or smooth, and it’s among the most durable materials around. Woods like pine are considered soft woods, but oak is a hardwood. Hard wood is far more adept at receiving stain and varnish but is also more expensive than some of the other options out there.
Types of Different Baseboards
When it comes to modern baseboards, there is something for everyone, regardless of your tastes and design preferences. This is because baseboards are available in a wide array of styles and cuts – including ornate, smooth, and beaded. The following is a breakdown of different types of baseboard that are more popular and commonly found in homes.
Flat baseboard moulding – the most traditional and simplest style of baseboard available on the market, this option is best for those looking to go with a minimalist look.
Flexible baseboard styles – vinyl coated baseboards can be cut, mitered and installed like any other type of baseboard. They are available in all different profiles and are often found in offices.
Jointed baseboard style – adding a base cap on top of a plain, traditional baseboard is an excellent way to create a unique and decorative look. Moulding would be used to cover up the gap created between floor and wall.
Carved baseboard – if you aren’t happy with your current baseboard, but don’t want to go through all the trouble of ripping it out and installing and painting new ones, you can opt for a carved baseboard. Fortunately, there is a baseboard moulding that you can install on top of the existing baseboard as the back is carved out to fit.
High trim profile – baseboards are available in numerous shapes and profiles. This is because not all rooms are the same size. Some rooms have lowered ceilings, some have high ceilings – and there are different baseboard options available that better cater to what you’re trying to outfit. For instance, you can get a higher trimmed profile to have the baseboard reach higher up the wall so it doesn’t look so small in conjunction with the raised ceilings.
Clamshell baseboard – the clamshell baseboard is the perfect option for someone that is looking for a baseboard that doesn’t have the traditional look, but is available as one single piece. Clamshell baseboards differ from traditional styles as the top is curved rather than a squared edge.
Benefits of Oak Wood Baseboard
Because oak baseboards are manufactured using the wood from red oaks, a naturally tough, strong material, it works especially well in areas that experience a high volume of traffic.
Many homeowners prefer these types of baseboards and utilize them in hallways as the natural wood works well to protect walls from dents and scratches. In addition, the natural grain pattern of oak provides an elegant and impressive finish when stained.
Contact the Pros
When it comes to selecting baseboard styles that are best for your home, it ultimately comes down to your overall wants and needs, but investing in oak baseboards is never a bad idea. Its strong, hard nature works well against dents and bumps, and will help to protect your walls for years to come. Whether you’re looking for information on oak baseboards, or baseboard styles in general, call the professionals at VIP Classic Moulding. Our team of experts have years of experience installing all different types of baseboard options and mouldings.
