Skirting boards play a vital role in interior flooring.
They are often used to cover the edges where walls and floors meet, which has practical value. In addition, they also provide a sophisticated finish that makes a room look stylish and attractive.
Traditionally made from wood, skirting boards are now available in a variety of materials, with UPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) being one of the most popular and practical alternatives.
In this article, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and applications of UPVC skirting boards and give you a comprehensive guide on why they’re the preferred choice for many homeowners and designers.
UPVC skirting board is an alternative to traditional wooden skirting board. It has a modern look, is durable, and has the advantage of low maintenance cost.
They are made from UPVC, a hard plastic material that is resistant to moisture, chemicals, and physical wear and tear.
The manufacturing process typically involves combining PVC resin with stabilizers and other additives to create a durable, strong, and long-lasting material.
Unlike traditional wood or MDF, UPVC is less likely to expand or warp, making it ideal for areas exposed to moisture or temperature fluctuations.
UPVC skirting boards have attractive product features, including:
One of the standout features of UPVC skirting boards is their exceptional durability.
They resist everyday wear and tear, and unlike wood, they will not crack, warp, or swell when exposed to moisture.
UPVC skirting boards can withstand impacts and resist pests (including termites) that would normally affect wooden skirting boards.
UPVC skirting boards require little maintenance. They do not need to be sanded, painted, or treated regularly.
A simple wipe with a damp cloth will keep them looking fresh and clean. This makes them perfect for busy homes or commercial spaces.
Unlike wood or MDF, UPVC skirting boards are highly resistant to moisture.
They won’t swell or rot in humid conditions, making them a perfect choice for areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
In addition, UPVC helps prevent mold growth, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.
UPVC skirting boards meet the B1 fire resistance standard, ensuring they are safe for use in both residential and commercial spaces.
This adds an extra layer of safety for homeowners and businesses who wish to comply with fire safety regulations.
UPVC skirting boards offer many benefits, including:
UPVC skirting boards can improve the overall aesthetics of a room.
They have a smooth surface and are available in a variety of styles and colors to complement any decor.
Whether you’re going for a modern, sleek look or a more traditional style, UPVC skirting boards offer a variety of design options to suit your space.
One of the main benefits of UPVC skirting boards is their customization options.
You can choose from different finishes, colors, and sizes to suit your specific needs.
Whether you want a mirror-like skirting board surface to bring a modern feel to your interiors, or a matte skirting board surface that blends seamlessly with the walls, UPVC skirting boards can be customized to suit your design vision.
UPVC skirting boards are durable and offer excellent long-term value.
They do not need to be replaced as frequently as wooden skirting boards, which can crack or rot over time.
Their durability and low maintenance make them a long-term, cost-effective investment.
UPVC skirting boards can be used in almost any indoor space.
They are versatile and can be used in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, as well as in areas with higher humidity, such as your kitchen or bathroom.
Their waterproof properties make them particularly useful in environments where other materials may fail.
UPVC skirtings are significantly cheaper than alternatives such as solid wood, stone, or metal skirtings.
Despite their lower price point, they outperform real wooden skirting boards in terms of durability and aesthetics, making UPVC skirting boards a smart choice for budget-conscious homeowners and businesses.
As we all know, UPVC has many commendable advantages, but it also has disadvantages, including:
While UPVC skirting boards are versatile, they may lack the rich texture and warmth of wooden skirting boards.
Besides, they may not have the premium look of metal or stone.
Therefore, some homeowners may prefer more traditional or luxurious materials to create certain decorative styles.
Although UPVC is durable, it is also susceptible to deformation under extreme conditions.
For example, UPVC may twist or bend under high temperatures or physical impact. In environments with drastic temperature fluctuations or areas with high foot traffic, UPVC may not be as durable as some other materials.
UPVC skirting boards are suitable for almost any room in the house but are particularly useful in areas where moisture is a concern. These include:
UPVC is waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens where spills and moisture are common.
As UPVC does not absorb moisture, it will not swell or develop mold when used in bathrooms.
UPVC skirting boards can enhance the aesthetics of these areas while providing long-lasting performance.
High-traffic areas benefit from the durability and low maintenance properties of UPVC.
For owners who don't know much about decoration materials, it may not be easy to tell the difference between PVC skirting boards and UPVC skirting boards. So what is the difference between the two?
The main difference between PVC and UPVC skirting boards is the content of plasticizers.
PVC is usually hard, and plasticizers need to be added to soften it when producing skirting boards to achieve better molding effects;
UPVC usually adds a small amount of plasticizers or even no plasticizers to control the hardness of the profile.
In summary, PVC skirting boards are usually more flexible and can be easily bent through heat processing to adapt to installation in curved areas, such as pillars or curved walls. UPVC skirting boards are more rigid, harder in material, not easy to bend, and easily break under strong external forces.
Although both profiles are moisture-proof and have low maintenance costs, UPVC tends to be stronger and more weather-resistant, making it a better choice for temperature changes or humid environments.
PVC skirtings are generally cheaper than UPVC.
However, UPVC skirtings are more durable and resistant to damage, lasting longer and offering better value for money.
PVC skirtings may need to be replaced sooner, while UPVC can last for many years without noticeable wear and tear.
While both PVC and UPVC can be used in most indoor environments, UPVC is the best choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and areas with large fluctuations in humidity or temperature.
PVC, on the other hand, is often used for light-duty applications in more controlled environments.
Consider the following when choosing the right skirting board material for your space:
Great for painting and custom designs, but not suitable for wet areas.
Offer a classic and natural aesthetic, but require more care and maintenance.
Durable and stylish, but more expensive and more difficult to install.
Great for wet areas, UPVC offers excellent durability and moisture resistance.
UPVC skirting boards are a practical and cost-effective solution to enhance the beauty and functionality of your home.
With their durability, moisture resistance, low maintenance requirements, and customizability, they offer excellent long-term value, especially in areas exposed to moisture or wear and tear.
While they may lack the natural charm of wood or the luxurious appeal of metal, their practical benefits make them a popular choice for many modern interiors.
Whether you’re upgrading your living room, bathroom, or hallway, UPVC skirting boards are a versatile option worth considering.
CREATEKING is a flooring profile supplier that can help you create custom skirting boards. Why not contact us now?
