Baseboards are a critical component of any building, whether it’s a residential or office building. While baseboards can add a special attractiveness to a room, they also serve a particularly important purpose by protecting the drywall from bumps and collisions that could lead to breakage.
Can baseboards be too high? Not all baseboards are suitable for every individual living space. There are certain guidelines that contractors and designers follow when it comes to selecting the best baseboards for a particular room based on the ceiling height:
- 8-foot ceiling 3-5 inches high
- 9-foot ceiling 4-6 inches high
- 10-foot ceiling 5-7 inches high
- 12-foot ceiling 6-8 inches high
The height measurements also include any molding that can be attached at the top for decorative purposes.
Selecting baseboards is by no means the most challenging part of building or decorating a home, but it is a decision that must be made wisely as it can alter the overall appearance of your house. In this article, you will learn more about the sizes of baseboards and how to select the best baseboard for your living space.
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Does Height Matter?
When it comes to baseboards, height is a particularly important decision criteria. Placing baseboards that are too high in a room is aesthetically unappealing and you are likely to be dissatisfied with the decision. On the other hand, if the baseboards are too low, they will also be visually unpleasant. (Source: Don Pedro Brooklyn)
The look you want to achieve will likely be a significant factor in selecting the height of baseboard to use. If you want to appear more elegant or modern, it is recommended to use a higher baseboard. Depending on the height of your ceiling, this will again exceed between 5 and 8 inches. (Source: Anita Yokota)
The Problem with High Baseboards
You may be interested in making the rooms in your home look elegant, so you are determined to opt for an ultra-high baseboard in hopes of achieving that look. Unfortunately, you will likely not end up with an elegant look. Instead, you will find that your room appears rather small. The ultimate goal when selecting a baseboard is to provide visual balance to the room. (Source: Home Guides)
If the baseboard is too high for the room, it does not offer the balance needed to visually enhance the room. Instead, it appears to close the walls of the room as the distance from the baseboard to the ceiling is too small.
The Problem with Short Baseboards
So, if high baseboards pose a problem, what about short baseboards? Depending on the ceiling height, short baseboards can also be problematic. Remember that they are used to create visual balance in the room. If they are too short, they can get lost in a room with high ceilings and serve no aesthetic purpose at all.
Can You Make Your Baseboards Taller?
Perhaps you have a house with higher ceilings and short baseboards. You probably don’t want to spend the money required to reinstall new baseboards. Fortunately, there are some ways you can make the baseboards in your home more visually appealing.
Making your baseboards taller can be quite easy to accomplish and can be done in a fairly cost-effective manner, depending on the tools you need to purchase and the style or type of molding you wish to use.
You can customize the existing baseboards in your home with layers or moldings:
- Layers: You can use the baseboard that is currently on your wall and add a new layer of baseboard on top of it. When doing this, you must be careful not to exceed the recommended height for your ceiling. If you prefer a chunkier baseboard, this project is likely to make you incredibly happy. When choosing the layers, make sure they complement each other and can seamlessly blend in.
- Moldings: If you are not impressed by the idea of installing an entirely new layer of baseboard in the room, you can easily add height by adding a layer of decorative molding along the top of your already existing baseboard. Again, it would be helpful if you were to ensure that this added level complements the currently existing baseboard. (Source: The Idea Room)
What Tools Do You Need?
When you are ready to make your baseboards taller, you will need the following tools to do so:
- Miter saw
- Tape measure
- Nail gun
- Caulk
- Trim or baseboard
Miter saw: A miter saw is a tool used to create angled cuts for projects like installing baseboards or trim.
Some excellent miter saws are:
- DEWALT
- CRAFTSMAN
If you do not want to invest in a large tool, you can also use a miter box. This allows for the same process as cutting, only instead of using power, it consumes manpower.
Some miter boxes you can try are:
- Olson Saw
- CRAFTSMAN Miter Saw
Tape measure: You will need to accurately measure each length of the baseboard and trim to ensure you do not waste any material or time with unnecessary cuts.
Some great tape measures you can purchase online are:
- CRAFTSMAN tape measure
- Komelon
Nail gun: While not necessarily required, nail guns greatly speed up the process of attaching the baseboard or trim.
Some highly recommended nail guns are:
- CRAFTSMAN V20
- PORTER-CABLE
- Makita
Caulk: When working with baseboards, especially when layering or adding moldings, you may want to give the finishing touch with caulking. While not always necessary, it provides a complete overview of the job. When selecting your caulk, make sure it matches your baseboard color.
Baseboard or trim: The most important part of your project will be the new layer of baseboard or molding you wish to use. This is something you will need to purchase at a home improvement store such as Lowes or Home Depot. When selecting the baseboard or trim, be sure to focus on how it will connect with the current baseboard and the overall height upon completion.
(Source: This Old House)
Shortening Baseboards
If you have baseboards that are too high for the room, there is no easy solution. You will likely need to remove the baseboards and replace them with a shorter option. When selecting the new baseboards, be sure to consider the height of the flooring as this will affect the overall height of the finished product.
Are Baseboards Necessary?
After reading about the logistics of baseboards, you may be wondering if they are necessary for a home to look complete. While there may be some degree of personal preference in this answer, many contractors would advise you to use baseboards to protect the wall plate.
When you bump against the bottom of the wall plate, you risk cracking the drywall. If you spill liquid on the floor, it could seep into the drywall. Since accidents like these can damage your wall, baseboards are an essential part of your home.
Final Thoughts
Baseboards are often overlooked because they are so commonplace. However, they are a great way to make a statement in a home. When selecting baseboards for your home, you need to adhere to the sizing recommendations for your ceiling height.
Baseboards that are too high can shorten a room, while short baseboards can get lost in a room with high ceilings. If replacement is not an option, unleash your creativity by adding layers. You’ll be surprised at the statements you can make with baseboards.