Color Options

Each of the wall base manufacturers has over 100 colors of baseboard molding. The most common rubber baseboard molding colors are black, gray, brown and white; followed by similar earth tones such as tan, beige, blue and green.

Matching Colors

When you can't find the right color at Home Depot or Lowes to match up to your existing wall base. We have a team of experts standing by to help you identify the color and style to find the closest option to fit your specifications. The molding that we sell comes brand new from the manufacturer. It is all high grade industrial strength rubber or resilient commercial grade vinyl material designed to be fitted against most standard walls.

To get an exact match we do recommend ordering a sample but we usually can provide a text message or email with a high resolution photo of the real product. The only issue with relying on computer monitors or phone screens is the lighting of the product will not be as bright or distinct in reality.

Wall Base Buying Tips & Information

Most people do not put a lot of thought into wall base. In fact, most people don't even notice it. That can mean that when you do need to purchase coved wall base with a toe or curved foot at the bottom that sticks out, you can feel like you are flying blind. Here are some things you should know before purchasing baseboard molding to make sure you get the right stuff for your project.

What is Wall Base?

Wall base, also known as cove base, is typically made of rubber or vinyl and covers the bottom few inches of a wall. It comes in a roll and serves as a protective barrier against scuffs and bumps from things like footwear and vacuum cleaners. In a home, a wooden baseboard serves this same purpose. Wall base is generally used in commercial settings such as offices, stores and hospitals.

Cove base with toe or straight toeless wall base without toe is also made of rubber providing more flexibility and resilient qualities. Rubber floor base has a more dull matte finish on the surface and vinyl is more shiny. Rubber comes in 1/8" and .08" upon request. Rubber baseboards with the toe that sticks out from the wall is recommended for high foot traffic spaces and is also a standard for keeping up to most city building codes.

Commercial grade baseboard would qualify as base materials made of rubber. Although vinyl wall base and blends of rubber and vinyl or thermoplastic are also designed to be resilient. Vinyl and rubber wall molding is great option if your looking for an inexpensive way to add protection to your walls.

Rubber vs Vinyl Wall Base

Not all wall base is created equal. The three types are rubber, vinyl and rubber-vinyl composite. Each has its pros and cons.

• Vinyl- On the upside, vinyl is the least expensive of the three types of wall base. Its interior is lighter than its exterior which means nicks and gouges stand out. It makes wall imperfections noticeable. It is also less flexible than the other types of base.

• Rubber-vinyl composite- This is the middle of the road option. Its interior is still lighter than its exterior but it is more flexible than regular vinyl wall base. This makes it easier to work with.

• Rubber- Wall base made from 100% rubber has the highest price point. Its color is consistent throughout, which means nicks and gouges are virtually unnoticeable. It hides wall imperfections pretty well. And, because it is quite flexible, it is the easiest type of wall base to work with.

What Are Standard Baseboard Sizes?

You will find the widest variety of widths, thicknesses and lengths among the rubber wall base as it is among the most popular. Cove base comes in heights ranging from 2.5 inches to 6 inch. Thickness is generally about 1/8" of an inch and the most common height is 4 inch for commercial use or 4-1/2 inch to cover previously removed base installations. Six inch base is also commonly used when water damage has occurred to the lower portion of the wall and this higher profile will allow the installer to hide blemishes from things like flooding, fire or accidental damages. Cartons contain 120 feet of cove base, either in four-foot increments or in one continuous roll. It comes in the following profiles.

• Straight Wall Base- Completely vertical wall base without a toe.
• Cove Wall Base- This base has a toe that a rounded or smooth intersection for better maintenance.
• Butt-to-Wall Base- This also has a toe that butts against the floor. The leading edge of this toe is square for a tight fit.

How to Install Wall Base Moldings

Installing wall base is not difficult but does require some care.

1. Begin by sanding the area where you plan to apply the base.
2. Unroll the cove base. You should be able to apply it continuously until you come to a doorway.
3. Use a V-notched trowel to apply adhesive to the back of the base. Keep the adhesive within approximately ¼ inch of the top so that it does not seep out of the top when you apply the base to the wall.
4. Press the base against the wall and move it up and down about ¼ of an inch to ensure that it adheres properly.
5. When going around inside or outside corners, use a hair dryer to soften the base to make it more flexible. Also, be sure to cut the toe to go around or fit inside of corners as the occasion dictates.

When you are looking for wall base for your business or office, it is a good idea to make sure you get the right thing. Consider your needs and your budget before making your purchase. And when you are ready to choose, or if you need more information, Call Floor City. They have a wide selection of wall bases to chose from.

Wall Base Brands / Manufacturers

• Armstrong
• Burke
• Flexco
• Johnsonite
• Roppe
• Tarkett
• VPI Corp

Floor City is a leading wall base distributor that specializes in supplying commercial projects for large retail and corporate spaces. The majority of wall base sold in the United States is vinyl or vinyl-rubber blends for design and sanitary purposes. Floor City is a Washington State based supplier that distributes wall base molding nationwide. All orders must be in full box quantities we do not cut or mold to fit custom spaces. This product is sold in 120 foot rolls / coils and 4 foot pieces. To make sure you get the correct color we recommend you order a sample of rubber or vinyl baseboard prior to ordering a full carton. All shipments are special order and are not returnable unless material is deemed damaged or defective from the manufacturer.

Wall Base for Carpet

Straight or base with no-toe is often used for carpet installation. Cove base moulding is best applied in vinyl, laminate and tiled floors. Retail stores also like cove base because it makes cleaning or maintenance simple and fast. The wall molding protects the lower portion of the wall but it also offers an accent to any room that separates the floor from the wall. Rubber wall molding is popular for having the ability to be molded and shaped in and out of corners. Glue is required and can be applied with a caulking gun or putty knife. We recommend using a 30 oz cartridge and an oversize caulking gun to apply adhesive to base and wall. A 3 or 5 hole nozzle will also help you spread the adhesive on to the backing of the base before pressing firmly on the wall.

Going Around Corners?

Tip: Try scoring the back of the floor moulding material on corners to make the base fit firmly against the wall. Roppe cove base is a great option for apartments, condos and other residential living spaces.

Custom colors and a variety of lengths, thicknesses, heights, profiles, and external corner options are available in sizes from 2 1/2 to six inch heights. If you don’t see the product you are looking for, contact one of our Flooring Specialist at (800) 898-9540 to discuss your requirements and answer any of your questions.