Hi - We are in the process of renovating our bathroom, and are not sure the best route to go on the baseboards. Our contractor has recommended MDF baseboards, but I'm wondering if either foam molding (which we've used for chair rail) or just continuing the floor tile up the wall 4" would be better since there could potentially be water on the floor (it is a bathroom, after all, and we are in an apt building - we've had leaks from upstairs before). Anyone have any idea?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: nyscorpio,
my preference would be to use tile of a different color than the floor tile (color matching),or, and this is the way my house is, we continued the tile (same color as the floor but smaller than was used on the floor, white) up the wall for 4 ft., going to 6 ft in the tub/shower area, above that we used what is called rope tile in a color of my wifes choosing (green in one bath and black in the other), above the rope tile we put a row of 2 inch finishing tile of the same color as the main color (white). It's very attractive and we dont have to worry if the wall and floor get wet, at least for the first 4 ft.
Either would work fine. To be honest, the type of baseboard that you have isn't going to prevent water from causing issues. Attentiveness to how a person uses water by not letting it run over or not splashing like you are in a pool is one major factor in keeping water issues at bay. The other is the quality of the caulking around the tub, tile and fixtures.
If you are worried about the water damaging the baseboard, then I personally would use the foam. If you wanted to use tile, then that would be the ultimate choice. The thing that you will have to pay close attention to is the caulk and grout around the floor tile, the tub and the tile that you will use as the baseboard. This will be key in preventing water issues below the flooring.
Small area rugs will also help considerably in preventing water from going into areas that might cause problems. Other than that, you will just have to quit swimming in the tub!
My contractor has already installed MDF, but I am going to ask them to replace it with the foam. It will match the new chair rail we've put in, and is easily replacable if there is an issue.
I'll be going to the store this afternoon for a new fluffy rug too.
to have the contractor replace the mdf is going to cost you. he will buy a new truck they love that kind of thing, he is doing your work already, so he will jack that price up. he figures that you will not even ask someone else for a price, because he is already there. watch out.....thats how you get ripped or shall i say gauged your contractor may not be this way. but.....
Posts: 1682 | Location: i i live in southern mississippi | Registered: Jun 01, 2008
