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

Restoring real property to an improved state. The restoration is usually needed because the property's condition has worsened. ...

Right to select something or perform some act. An example is a renter of property that is given the option to buy the home at the end of the rental period or to renew the lease. Not ...

In urban areas, one way to organize urban development is to keep track of building density. The building density definition is a way to determine the concentration of buildings in a given ...

Appropriateness of the soil for the designated purposes. An example is soil suitable for the growing of vegetables and fruit, or grazing for horses. ...

Act of receiving the rights and privileges of a citizen including property rights. ...

Regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) establishing the criteria to avoid a private offering. For example, John wants to sell shares in an apartment house to several ...

Detailed financial accounting of all the credits and debits for the buyer and seller upon consummation of a real estate sale. ...

Insurance affording protection against losses due to damage to or destruction of property or contents therein. Insurance protects assets and any future income thereon from loss, such as a ...

Bankruptcy declared by any insolvent person or business. In contrast to involuntary bankruptcy, which is applied for by the creditors. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions