Definition of "Baseboard"

Joseph  DeBronzo real estate agent

Written by

Joseph DeBronzoelite badge icon

RE/MAX Properties, Ltd.

Wondering what is the baseboard definition?

Baseboard is a detail piece placed at the spot where the floor meets the wall. Typically made out of wood, vinyl or PVC plastic, the baseboard has the aesthetical function of covering the void between the wall surface and the floor but also the practical function of preventing dust and other particles from accumulating, and even avoiding that a passerby gets hurt from accidentally kicking or scraping it.

Because of its undeniable role, it became hard to build homes without using baseboards, so homeowners included the decorative function to the baseboard definition. It became common to think of it as part of the home design, adding patterns or contrasting colors and material in relation to the flooring or the wall.

Baseboards are applied after the floor is completely installed, usually by nailing, screwing or even gluing with an adhesive tape. Baseboards rarely require maintenance - but that's until a flood hits your house. Then, chances are it rots the whole thing and you need to fully replace it. But you know better, you've informed yourself, so you have flood insurance and they'll pay for that. Right? Right?

Sometimes baseboards have a large intersection from which springs the house’s heating system. Called baseboard heater, they usually are electrical and homeowners love it because they are very discreet.

Real Estate Tips:

The base of your quest for a new home (or to sell your current home) is a real estate agent. Find one that can help you in The OFFICIAL Real Estate Agent Directory®

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

A fixed asset whose utility is derived from its physical attachment to a property and which usually cannot value or damage. A fixture, under the terms of a lease or other agreement, can be ...

The Federal Reserve Bank's regulation applying to the amount of credit that may be advanced by brokers and dealers to customers to buy securities. ...

Bank financing to a homeowner based on his dollar equity in the home. The interest rate typically fluctuates such as being based on the change in the prime interest rate. Interest expense ...

Table demonstrating the relationship between the depth of a building lot form the street frontage and its market value. Street frontage is the greatest asset of a land parcel. The ...

Preference. Precedence. Something given prior attention. Something having a higher level of importance or ranking. Example of when priority apply are a prospective tenant for an ...

Measures looking at the past, current a future direction of the economy. They may have an impact on the real estate market. Each month government bodies, including the Federal Reserve ...

Roof design having two different pitches. See also gambrel roof. ...

Structure of prefabricated units. ...

Uncertainties associated with real property including lack of insurance coverage in the event of fire or injury, high crime area, and environmental problems. This risk may be reduced ...

Popular Real Estate Questions