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

Judicially determined minimum selling price for auctioned property. For example, a judge rules that a foreclosed home may be sold for less than $200,000, ...

All expenses related to maintaining and operating a household. These expenses include the cost of rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, maintenance and structural improvements. The ...

There’s no mystery. The actual age of a property is the chronological age of a property. Say a house was built two decades ago. That house’s actual age is 20 years old.The ...

Arrangement the insured and insurer share on a proportional payment for a loss. ...

Amount awarded by a government when a person's property is condemned and he must move. ...

In appraisal jargon, property currently being appraised. ...

Legal proceeding to exercise a right in a disagreement between private individuals or businesses. One party seeks a remedy against the other. It does not involve a criminal situation. ...

Dry ravine formed by water runoff. ...

In an electrical system, the connection box where all the circuit systems are installed with a series of electrical breakers. The major distribution or collection duct in an ...

Popular Real Estate Questions