Wall base is a type of flooring that resembles wood in texture and grain, but it’s not as hard. Boards, sheets or tiles are available, and the layout is similar to vinyl. Rubber and vinyl wall base flooring are popular because they are both easy to install and relatively inexpensive.
Vinyl and rubber wall bases have some similarities and differences. Therefore, it’s important to know the pros and cons of each material before you decide which one is right for your project.
Ultimately, it’s up to you as the homeowner to decide which type of wall base would work best for your home. To help you make that decision, we will discuss some general guidelines on what each type would be more suited for your project.
What Is a Rubber Wall Base?
A rubber wall base is a type of flooring that has a rubber feel and is made from recycled rubber. The material has been proven to have better sound insulation than a vinyl base. It also gives a home more of an outdoorsy feeling with its softer texture.
What is a Vinyl Wall Base?
A vinyl wall base is often considered to be the cheaper option when it comes to buying materials for your home’s flooring. It is available in different colors, but it does not offer any sound insulation and can snag easily, making it less durable.
Rubber vs Vinyl Wall Base: Which is a better Choice for Your Project?
There are some differences between rubber and vinyl wall base. Rubber is better in many ways than the vinyl wall base. Let’s find out what those differences are in detail.
Applications
Rubber wall bases can be used in many areas of the home like stair, ceramic tile and will not cause any damage to carpets. On the other hand, the vinyl partition base is often marked as a difficult material to work with and can snag easily, which can ruin carpets.
Cost
Rubber baseboard is pricier than vinyl partition base and will require more time to install. Vinyl cove base is a much cheaper option than rubber cove base and will take much less time to install.
Materials
Rubber has also been found to be better at resisting wear and tear than vinyl flooring. This is because it does not have a shiny surface like vinyl which drives away dirt from your shoes. The material will also look good for a long time without frequent cleanings, like vinyl flooring.
Odor
The rubber cove base does not have any odor, unlike the vinyl cove base, which can have a rubbery smell to it although this may be relatively mild when compared to other smells that may come from your home’s materials. It can also be considered to be more environmentally friendly than other types of vinyl flooring.
Flexibility
Vinyl partition base, however, may offer a bit more flexibility in terms of installation since it is thin and can be rolled out easily. It could even be installed with the help of double-sided tape if one were so inclined.
The rubber wall base, on the other hand, is much thicker and will need to be fitted into place with the help of a professional. This means that the installation may be more expensive than with a vinyl base.
Sound Insulation
If you are looking for something that will provide better sound insulation but still have a soft feel to it, the rubber wall base is what you should be looking for.
Color
Rubber wall flooring is available in a wide variety of colors and shades to match your home’s décor. With the help of paints, it is also possible to customize it much more easily. This means that you will not have to worry about it standing out too much and be able to fit in just right. Vinyl, on the other hand, has fewer colors.
Waterproof
The rubber wall base, on the other hand, is waterproof and can be installed in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and even garages. It is also an easier material to clean than vinyl flooring which makes it a good choice for areas that will see more traffic.
The vinyl baseboard has a tendency for molding with the humidity and is not a good choice for people who live in areas with large changes in weather.
Temperature Resistance
Rubber baseboard has great drop resistance at high temperatures that can range from -40 degrees Celsius up to +80 degrees Celsius, which makes it a good option for many areas of your home.
Vinyl baseboard does not have any wide temperature ranges and is not a good option for areas with extreme temperatures.
Fire Safety
If you are looking for a material that is fireproof and will also not show smoke damage, then a rubber wall base is the better option over the vinyl floor. It has been proven to be less flammable than other types of flooring.
Durability
If you are on a budget and don’t mind sacrificing sound insulation in exchange for durability, then a vinyl partition base may just be the option that will work best for you. Either way, there is no denying that both of them will enhance your home’s look as long as they are installed correctly.
Maintenance
Vinyl wall base and rubber flooring both need very little maintenance, making them quite desirable for homeowners. The only thing you will have to do is clean your home’s floors regularly, and that’s about it.
As you can see from the above list, it’s clear that a rubber wall base has more advantages over a vinyl wall base than anything else when it comes to choosing between the two materials for your home’s flooring needs. Rubber is easier and faster to install than vinyl, which means that being able to install it in a shorter period of time.
Tips for Using Rubber and Vinyl Wall Base Flooring
Best for a traditional feel with old-fashioned charm: Vinyl baseboard is the way to go. However, we should bear in mind that it is inevitable for the wall base to be damaged or worn out after time. In this case, you might think about replacing it instead of repairing it. Feel free to use these tips if you plan on doing so:
- For rubber flooring: make sure to check your local building codes. It is not uncommon for rubber flooring to be prohibited in commercial and public buildings due to its tendency to collect grime, which can lead to a slipped hazard.
- If you are planning on replacing the floor with a vinyl partition base, just make sure that it matches your home’s style. When picking out a new wall base, it is also best to pick a darker color; this will help hide stains and maintain the flooring’s uniform appearance.
- If you’re planning on having the old flooring removed, make sure that you seek out a professional for the project. Wall base can be difficult to get up if you do not know what you are doing because it tends to stick very well to the base.
Just remember: before taking off any wall base, have someone check your local building codes for compliance first. Your city might require you to keep them put in place instead of removing or replacing them with new ones.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right base for your wall, you should consider all of these factors and make an educated decision. We have found that vinyl is a great option because of its durability as well as how easy it is to install in any space. You may need professional help with this process, but if you want something more affordable, then rubber would be better suited for your needs.