How to replace the plinth: for the floor, ceiling, in the kitchen, in the hall, with linoleum, laminate, tiles

For many, the skirting board is an integral part of the interior. However, there are many alternatives that allow you to transform the room without harming the flooring. Consider what can be used instead of the plinth.

Why use plinth

A plinth is a plank that is fixed at the junction of the floor with the wall. For a long time it was an indispensable element of the interior. Therefore, many builders today are sure that it is impossible to do without it, and you should not replace it with other materials. This is associated with the feature and operation of floor coverings. Its main tasks are:

1. Smoothing the transition between planes, their harmonious delimitation and masking the compensation gap. For laying some coatings use the "floating" method. In this case, there is no rigid adhesion to the base. Therefore, there is always a small technological gap between the wall and the floor. This is due to the fact that many materials are able to change their dimensions under the influence of moisture or temperature fluctuations. If there is no gap, then the bar may swell, which will lead to damage to the finish.
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2. Protecting the bottom of the wall from dirt or damage. When doing wet cleaning, there is always a chance that the mop will touch the wallpaper.
3. The ability to hide cables, wires or other communications.

What to look for when choosing a replacement

When deciding how to replace the plinth, take into account such points:

1. Joint protection from water, dust, other contaminants. So the gap is closed.
2. Strength. The selected decor, with which it was decided to replace the plank, must be resistant to any mechanical stress.
3. Moisture resistance. Even daily wet cleaning should not lead to damage to the product that replaced the baseboard.
4. Durability.
5. Ease of maintenance. Any contamination should be well cleaned, without the use of aggressive substances.

Read additional material: Warm plinth.

How to replace a skirting board

The plank can only be replaced if the surface of the walls and floor is even. There are many ways to replace. Consider the most popular of them.

Cork damper

It is also called cork compensator. This is a small plank made from crushed, pressed cork bark. To protect against moisture and damage, it is covered with a layer of paintwork material on top. Such a bar is placed at the junction between the wall and the floor. It will be possible to replace the bar with it for all types of floor (hard, floating).

Damper Benefits:

• ease of installation;
• small price;
• the ability to paint with any shade.

Of the shortcomings:

• a small variety of colors available;
• insufficient moisture resistance, so they are not recommended to replace the baseboard in the bathroom or other rooms where there may be high humidity;
• a short period of operation;
• difficulty in care, as the cork does not withstand high humidity, friction, detergents with an aggressive composition.

Liquid stopper

The material is crushed cork bark mixed with polymer. To place a liquid plug in the joint, use a special gun. After some time, the mass hardens, hermetically closing the joint, allowing you to replace the plinth. The material is able to compensate for the narrowing or expansion of the floor covering, therefore it is suitable for all types of flooring.

Advantages:

• ease of operation;
• no shrinkage;
• the ability to use for curved joints;
• high resistance to moisture.

Flaws:

• the need for quick work, as the mass quickly hardens;
• small variety of colors available.

Edge profile

These are strips that can be used to replace skirting boards for all types of floors. The plank is able to close uneven sections of the floor covering. The edging profile is suitable for any finishing materials.

When deciding how to replace the decor for a floating floor, choose a bar with an expansion gap. If the floor is tiled or other stationary material, use a profile without a gap.

Benefits of this option:

• ease of care;
• ease of installation;
• the ability to lay curved if you choose a plastic profile;
• a wide variety of textures and shades.

The decor has one drawback - the impossibility of masking, since the overlay is laid along the perimeter of the floor in the room.

Hidden plinth

Instead of the usual floor plinth, a hidden one is used. It is installed on the wall. To do this, carry out its gating in the lower part. Also, the surface can be leveled with drywall. At the same time, a small hole is left below - the mounting recess. An aluminum profile is inserted here, which is covered with a decorative trim on top. This overlay can be made from various materials.

Depending on the interior, the decor can be puttied or painted in one shade with the wall. As a result, the joint looks even. Also, the insert can contrast with other interior details. To do this, choose a model with ready-made spraying or paint it in the desired shade. Spraying can imitate the texture of natural materials.

Some models additionally have a channel where the backlight is laid. The LED strip can run along the top or bottom edge of the bar.

Advantages of this replacement option:

• the ability to install furniture close to the wall;
• ease of maintenance due to a flat surface on which dust or dirt does not accumulate;
• the ability to create backlight;
• the possibility of installing a hidden door.

Flaws:

• installation complexity - having decided to replace the usual plinth with a secretive one, it is necessary to align the wall well;
• high price - the cost of parts is small, but they are difficult to mount, therefore such work must be done by craftsmen whose services cannot be called cheap.

shadow gap

This name has one of the types of plinth strips of a hidden type. A small gap is left between the wall and the insert, which have the same finish. A shadow seam can replace a plank and frame a room. The shadow gap can be equipped with lighting.

Also, a shadow gap can be created in a similar way to a "floating ceiling". In this case, a small space is left between the floor and the insert. This will allow you to get the effect of a "floating wall".

Benefits of Shadow Gap:

• ease of care;
• attractive appearance;
• the ability to mount a hidden door.

The disadvantage is complicated, expensive installation.

glass plate

The plate is made of tempered glass. It is mounted on the wall, descending to floor level. The design of the glass plate is varied: matte, transparent, colored, engraved. To do this, it is supplemented with an insert, which, if desired, is easy to replace with another.

Advantages of this option:

• ease of care;
• strength (subject to high-quality glass processing);
• resistance to moisture, mold;
• ease of installation.

The disadvantage is that it gets dirty quickly. Therefore, this option needs constant care.

Cord

Sometimes, instead of a plinth, a rope can be laid on the floor. This is a simple, inexpensive interior design option. The cord will look good against a wood or laminate background. A braided jute rope of any thickness can become a decorative element that can replace the bar. With the help of moisture-resistant glue, it is attached to the wall around the perimeter of the room.

Advantages of using a cord:

• ease of installation;
• the ability to use on flat or curly surfaces;
• attractive appearance;
• small price.

Flaws:

• difficulty in care, since the rope is able to absorb liquids that are difficult to wash;
• minimal moisture resistance, so it is not suitable for rooms with high levels of humidity.

Bead

A glazing bead is a bar that is used to fix it in a glass window. It can also be used instead of a plinth. To do this, choose models with smooth edges. Products with locks will not work, as they cannot be laid out on a flat surface. In order for the bead to fit snugly to the surface, liquid nails are used.

Advantages of the bead:

• strength and durability;
• ease of installation, ease of maintenance;
• a large selection of shapes, shades.

Disadvantages were found only in wooden models. They require additional processing, which consists in the use of antiseptic solutions, additional painting. This will protect them from the action of the fungus, extend the service life.

ceramic border

You can replace the bar with a ceramic border in a bathroom or other room where there is high humidity. Usually it is mounted on a tile. The ceramic border has various shades and textures. It is possible to select materials from one collection. If this does not work out, the tile is cut into strips of suitable width and glued to the wall to replace the bar and mask the joint.

Advantages of ceramic border:

• ease of care;
• durability, tightness;
• resistance to moisture, temperature changes, the use of aggressive cleaning agents.

Flaws:

• high price;
• the possibility of mechanical damage with a strong impact.

platband

A platband is called a wide bar, which is trimmed with doorways. Its dimensions and production material are different (wood, plastic). To replace the plinth with it, it is glued or nailed.

Advantages of platbands:

• ease of installation;
• small price;
• large selection of shades.

Flaws:

• the need for additional processing;
• there is a gap where debris can get in.

Decorative panels

They differ from the plinth in width, so they cover the entire lower part of the wall. For mounting panels that need to replace the plinth, use glue or special fasteners.

Advantages of decorative panels:

• ease of installation;
• variety of shades and textures;
• easy care.

Disadvantages were found only in wooden models. They need additional processing.

There are a lot of options than to replace the plinth. In this case, it is necessary to take into account not only their appearance, but also the conditions in which they will be operated. So the bar in the bathroom cannot be replaced with a jute rope or a product made of natural wood. At the same time, in the bedroom or living room, they will serve for a long time.

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