Comparison of skirting boards for countertops and tips for installing them

When the kitchen renovation work has already been completed and the furniture has been installed, it comes down to small but very important details. One of them is a kitchen plinth for countertops.

A modern kitchen has a dozen mandatory attributes. The premises are not complete without additional lighting, hoods and baseboards for countertops.

What is it needed for?

When the problem of choosing and installing a plinth arises, many people think about why it is even needed? We suggest you understand the purpose of this element and its important characteristics.

The structure and appearance of the kitchen plinth is similar to the floor plinth. A kitchen plinth allows you to cover the distance between the countertop and the wall or apron.

Of course, this is primarily a functional element. It performs several important functions at once, which will be discussed in the next paragraph.

The baseboard will help prevent the ingress of crumbs and liquids that could have a negative impact on the wood of the kitchen unit.

In addition, it is also a decorative detail. It would seem that it is almost invisible and does not attract much attention, but it is important not to forget that the overall picture of the interior is made up of such insignificant details.

In addition, many models of baseboards for countertops have an additional functional feature - they are equipped with internal space for wires.

Advantages and disadvantages

PVC skirting board is a practical decor that allows you to solve several problems. In addition to the decorative effect, it has the following advantages:

• Low cost. An important advantage, since towards the end of the renovation the construction budget becomes very limited.
• Masking of wires. Products with a cable channel allow you to hide wires, your home takes on a neat appearance and becomes safer. The latter is especially important if there are small children and pets in the house.
• Operational benefits. Skirting boards are lightweight, waterproof parts that can be installed in wet areas. They have a long service life and are resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

Thin plinth made of foamed PVC Source prom.st

• Environmental friendliness. The decor is made from plastic that is harmless to health and is certified. The material does not give a chance to mold or insects.
• Easy installation. Installation does not require preliminary preparation or special tools and can be easily performed on uneven walls.
• Easy care. The material does not require finishing or updating (except for painted decor), and is not afraid of household chemicals.
• Appearance. The material is quite diverse in design and color palette (there are samples that imitate wood), has a smooth, even surface, and fits into different styles without any problems.

There are only three significant shortcomings. Many people are confused by the fact that plastic is an artificial material with possible health hazards. In fact, such a problem has long been absent: modern plastics are chemically neutral and do not emit volatile compounds. This is evidenced by quality certificates that can be requested from the seller.

Color palette of the model with a cable channel Source b.allegroimg.com

The second drawback is flammability, but it also varies (and is characteristic of most materials present in the house). Some manufacturers produce skirting boards made of plastic that does not support combustion or with reduced smoke generation.

The last disadvantage of plastic products is related to the aesthetic side of repairs. It should be taken into account that PVC decor does not look good with all floor coverings, and does not fit into all interior styles. If parquet boards or tiles are to be laid on the floor, the best choice would be wooden or ceramic decor, respectively.

Material of manufacture

It is very important to make the right choice of material from which the baguette will be made. Both the functional and aesthetic components depend on this. The most common options are plastic and aluminum. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Worktops without kitchen skirting boards look unsightly, and the hygiene of the kitchen gradually deteriorates.

Plastic frieze

If we discard the complex names of chemical elements and technologies, this is the result of adding a colored pigment to the composition of molten plastic. The coloring turns out very natural.

Plastic skirting boards, due to their availability, are in greatest demand.

If you use additional lamination, you will get an imitation of natural wood, stone or metal. Plastic skirting boards in the kitchen can be used with a countertop made of any material.

If we talk about the advantages, we can highlight several of the most significant:

• low price;
• high resistance to moisture;
• easy installation.

Plastic is resistant to moisture, environmentally friendly and has an inexpensive price range. The material is very convenient in cases of uneven walls and complex shapes.

It would be fair to note the disadvantages that this material has:

• the appearance, of course, will be inferior to natural material;
• Even with slight thermal exposure (for example, being near a hob), the material can release formaldehyde.

The main advantage of plastic skirting boards for countertops is a wide variety of design solutions.

Aluminum frieze

The best option, since it does not differ much in cost from the previous one, and is also convenient to use - easy to clean and wash. Another important advantage is resistance to high temperatures. Aluminum countertop plinth can be safely installed in the kitchen in the stove area.

Aluminum plinth is durable, as a special oxide film is applied to it. It helps to withstand various loads and easily tolerates various cleaning agents, including aggressive ones.

However, this material does not differ in the variability in the choice of colors. Suitable for stainless steel countertops only.

Important! To take into account the aspect of compatibility of the baguette with the countertop, it is better to immediately order everything from one manufacturer. It is also important to pay attention to the edge holders. It is necessary that they be transparent so as not to stand out from the overall picture of the interior.

An aluminum baseboard can harmoniously fit into the interior of any kitchen, as this color matches metal furniture handles and household appliances.

Kitchen plinth made of other materials

When choosing a kitchen set, pay attention that the baseboard is included in the kit. In this case, there will be a complete match in color and shape.

The set, purchased to order, is equipped with a kitchen plinth, necessary fittings, plugs, and joint elements.

If wooden furniture was chosen for the kitchen, then the most suitable option would be to make a frieze made of wood or laminated chipboard. If granite was chosen as the material for the countertop, it will go well with an artificial stone baguette.

It is important to ensure that the baguette and the working surface match completely in color and texture. The most economical option is plastic. It imitates any surface well.

The material of the tabletop or apron is the main criterion when choosing a baseboard.l

Variety of designs

On the market, floor decor is offered in different designs, from the usual wooden planks to more specialized options made of metal or ceramics, but plastic products remain the most popular. The material for their manufacture is polyvinyl chloride. Using the extrusion method, durable, seamless skirting boards with excellent performance characteristics are made.

Depending on the technology features and purpose, products are divided into the following types:

• Solid solid (deaf). Lightweight profiles with good elasticity are used on straight sections; at turns they are connected with fittings (corners). The downside is that it is quite fragile: the plastic may not withstand it and may burst even from a slight impact or pressure.
• Hard hollow. Profiles with an integrated channel are also used on straight surfaces. Thanks to its complicated shape, the hollow plank has greater strength and can withstand high loads. The disadvantage of the model is the low quality of workmanship, which is why it is used for cheap repairs and installed in utility rooms and offices.

Design of straight sections of the wall Source blogspot.com

• Semi-rigid. Semi-rigid skirting boards are varied in color and texture, and, thanks to technology, have increased flexibility. They are convenient to lay on radius (up to 30 cm) and curved surfaces; this leaves no gaps. If a product made of semi-rigid PVC needs to be given a greater bend, it is immersed in hot water for 2-3 minutes.
• Foamed (for painting). The product made of foamed PVC has a porous structure, so it can be painted. This option is a lifesaver if a non-standard color scheme is needed for the interior design (the color palette of other types is quite limited). Additional plus: lightweight design with low thermal conductivity; enhances the thermal insulation of the floor.
• According to the method of application, skirting boards are divided into the following types:
• For linoleum. The classic version, made of foamed PVC. Installation of such a profile is very simple: it is simply screwed or glued to the wall, closing the joint between the floor covering and the wall.

Using a flexible plinth you can even decorate a column Source chudopol.ru

• For carpet. The profile resembles the letter "T". The base of the baseboard presses the covering to the floor, the flat side is pressed against the wall. The carpet is cut into strips of 5 cm and inserted into the groove on the profile. The result looks as if the baseboard is made from flooring.
• Universal. Equipped with rubberized edges, used for all floor coverings. Presses linoleum, laminate, tile, and parquet equally well.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in finishing materials and related work

Kitchen baseboard shape

This parameter depends on what functions the plinth will perform. However, there is one main rule - the larger the gap between the wall and the working surface, the wider the baseboard should be. Otherwise, it will not be able to hide all the irregularities and imperfections, and it will not save you from debris and moisture either.

If the distance between the wall and the countertop is minimal, flat baseboards will be the best solution.

Manufacturers offer a large selection of forms:

• flat;
• triangular;
• rectangular;
• rounded;
• curly.

You can choose the shape based on your taste preferences, wishes and design features of the space.

Baguettes made of wood and plastic have the greatest number of different shapes.

Rectangular or square elements, due to their design, will allow you to hide the wires. Most often, such a baseboard is metal.

Additional elements

Installation of a plastic profile is impossible without additional elements. This is the name for the small shaped parts needed to join the profile strips to each other. They are varied enough to design junctions in different conditions.

Basic additional elements Source stroim-dom.net

The answer to the question of how many additional elements may be needed depends on the geometry of the room. The more complex it is, the more angles, and the more connecting elements will be needed. Designers advise purchasing plinths and joining parts from the same batch. Otherwise, the shades will almost certainly be different, and this will be noticeable in the finished design.

Shaped elements are available for sale in the following versions:

• Connectors. Designed for connecting straight elements of any size located on the same line.
• Corners. Fasteners that help to form external and internal corners. With their help, systems of any complexity are installed.

White color fits into any style Source pinimg.com

• End caps. The final details that give the plinth a neat look. Allows you to create cuts in places adjacent to a door or arched opening.
• Brackets. The parts are attached in the corner and help lay the cable; closed at the top with a corner connector.
• The required number of components is calculated for each specific case; It is most convenient to create a project that includes the following details:
• The number of external and internal corners in the room being designed.
• The number of plugs is two for each opening.
• The number of connectors is difficult to determine exactly, so they are usually taken in excess.

Wide plastic baseboard Source wp.com

Dimensions

As mentioned earlier, the baseboard should not be smaller than the existing gap between the countertop and the wall. It should also be laid along the entire working surface, as well as the wet area where the sink is located.

The choice of product size is influenced by the width of the gaps between the wall and the countertop.

The length of the baguette can be 3, 3.5, 4 meters. These are the most common solutions. Additionally, you can equip the frieze with a silicone seal, which helps make the installation airtight.

Alternative skirting options

Floor PVC products have standards established by GOST. For example, the standard height is 58 mm. Since the value is not strictly regulated, companies are expanding their product line. This allows you to find the right decor for any design task. Height-based products on the market are used as follows:

• The height of the plinth is less than 50 mm - for small rooms, kitchens, bathrooms.
• For most rooms, a standard height of 58 mm is suitable, plus or minus 2 mm.
• Ceiling heights of 2.6-3 m increase the height of the decor to 70-90 mm.
• The height of the room exceeds 3 m, the height of the plinth increases to 10-15 cm. Sometimes a high profile is needed to disguise wires or as an element of a design idea.

Some types of decor can be painted Source piramida-stroi.ru
World-class standards provide for a width of 22 mm, but it can vary between 15-25 mm. The popular products presented in the assortment of any manufacturer have the following height/width proportions: 4.5x2.1 cm, 6.7x2.2 cm, 5.5x2.2 cm, 8x2.2 cm, 8.5x2.5 cm.

The length is 2.5 m - a convenient size for storage, packaging, transportation and installation. Rolled material is somewhat more convenient, since it can be ordered in a single piece of 5 m or more. Flexible plastic does not have to be cut into fragments of the required length. It is specially designed to bypass walls and non-standard obstacles (for example, columns).

Installing kitchen baseboards for countertops

If you decide to attach the plinth to the work surface, then it is better to use self-tapping screws instead of screws.

The kitchen plinth consists of two parts: before installation, you need to separate the whip by removing the decorative base.

1. First step: remove the decorative insert.
   The tabletop must be measured along its entire length from the corner. The measurements are transferred to the profile and carefully cut with a hacksaw. The ends must be cleaned with abrasive. Before proceeding with fastening, the joint between the tabletop and the apron must be treated with silicone for greater tightness.
2. Second step: fasten the plinth to the work surface with self-tapping screws.
   After this, you need to secure the joining corners. Usually there are special grooves for this that allow you to simply snap the corner onto the base.
3. Third step: set the angle and take measurements of the decorative part.
   From the size of the long side of the surface you need to subtract 3-5 mm from each edge. This will ensure that the decorative insert fits tightly into the corners, while it will not extend beyond them. The result that was obtained must be transferred to the bar and cut off.

   After this, we carefully bend the decorative profile and insert it into the corners until it clicks. Next, you should cut out the side elements and also fix them.

4. Fourth step: install the plugs.
   To keep them as tight as possible, you need to treat the parts and ends of the plinth with silicone. You need to wait until it sets and insert the plugs, pressing them tightly until they are completely secured.

Laying is carried out gradually with the sequential installation of all necessary elements.

How and with what to attach the baseboard to the tabletop?

It is not enough to wisely choose a plinth for the countertop in the kitchen; it is also important to attach it so that it fully performs its functions, looks beautiful, and also lasts a long time.

The procedure for installing the plinth directly depends on its type.

A common option is fastening with self-tapping screws. For tighter pressing, it is better to use self-tapping screws with a head with a diameter of 3 and 4.5 mm and a length of 18, 19, 22, 25 mm.

When installing skirting boards yourself, preference is most often given to glue.

If the plinth is made of stone or ceramics, it is better to attach it with a special glue, which will match the color of the profile itself.

How to choose

The most popular option when choosing a baseboard is the option to match the color of the tabletop. This visually expands its area, making the structure look expensive.

To make the right choice, you need to consider several important aspects.

• The location of the set in the kitchen: it is installed along several walls or along one.
• The width of the gaps between the headset and the wall.
• How smooth are the walls in the apartment and the type of finishing material.
• The presence of a cooking surface or other sources of strong heat and open flame nearby.

Choosing a reasonable baseboard height

The choice is based on the principles of perception: the height of the plastic skirting board for the floor must correspond to the height of the ceilings. To fulfill the condition, it is not necessary to delve into the theory; the necessary correspondences have long been identified and are successfully used in practice. The optimal numbers look like this:

• A room with a ceiling height of 2.5 m corresponds to a plinth 3-5 cm high.
• A ceiling height of 2.7 m requires increasing the height of the decor to 6-7 cm.

These dimensions are not final; Adjustments to the final choice are often made by the area of ​​the room and the color palette of the floor and walls. The style decision also influences a lot. For example, classic interiors are characterized by a calm, often light color scheme. Therefore, even in a medium-sized room, decorated in a classical manner or with classical elements, it is permissible to increase the profile height by 2 or even 3 times.

High plinth in a classic interior Source dekorator-s.ru

The color of the planks can be used to change the visual perception of the space. If you choose decor that contrasts with the wall design or the color of the floor, the ceilings will appear slightly lower, but the space will expand. If the panels are close in color and saturation to the color of the walls, they can be made higher than required by the rules; this will not affect the perception of the ceiling.

Tips on how to choose and install baseboards for countertops

To achieve the ideal combination of tabletop and baseboard, you need to order them simultaneously from the same manufacturer.

At first glance, it may seem that choosing a plinth for a tabletop is a difficult matter. However, if you study all the nuances, this process will not be difficult. Let's summarize and once again briefly outline the main points that are important to consider when choosing and installing a kitchen plinth.

1. Functionality. Kitchen plinth is not only beautiful, but also functional. In order for important functions to be performed efficiently, it is important to choose a baseboard that is no less wide than the gap between the wall and the countertop.
2. Design. Although the baguette is a fairly small detail, it still should not stand out from the style of the room in its shape, texture and design.
3. Fastening. It must be reliable and also match the selected material. You can install the baguette yourself. The main thing is to first study the relevant instructions or once again return to the paragraph in this article, which describes the installation process step by step.

Particular attention should be paid to the practicality of the plinth, its resistance to high temperatures, which is very important in the area of ​​the hob.

Following these recommendations, you can safely go in search of the ideal option!