PU floor trim is the broader category that includes baseboards, shoe moldings, quarter rounds, and transition strips. The material advantage applies to all of them.
A PU baseboard is the most common PU floor trim. The same material properties that make it work as a baseboard — waterproof, impact-resistant, dimensionally stable — make it the right answer for almost any room in almost any climate.
A PU shoe molding is a small profile (typically 20 to 30 millimeters tall, 10 to 15 millimeters thick) that covers the expansion gap between a hardwood floor and a baseboard. PU shoe molding doesn't cup or split the way wood shoe molding does, and it paints to a finish that matches the baseboard. In a room with a hardwood floor and a PU baseboard, the matching PU shoe molding is the right choice.
A PU quarter round is a similar small profile, with a quarter-round cross-section instead of a rectangular one. Used in the same application as a shoe molding, with a slightly different visual character. Some markets prefer the shoe molding, others prefer the quarter round; both are available in PU.
A PU transition strip is a profile that covers the joint between two different flooring materials — hardwood to tile, carpet to hardwood, two rooms with different floors. PU transition strips come in a range of profiles for different flooring thicknesses and different transition types. The material advantage is the same: waterproof, dimensionally stable, and paintable.
For sourcing, PU floor trims are usually sold as a set. The baseboard, the shoe molding or quarter round, and any transition strips all come from the same factory and the same finish system. Buying the set ensures consistency and usually gets a better per-piece price.
A practical note on the transition strip. The transition strip has to be the right profile for the two flooring types, and the height has to match the thicker of the two floors (with a small ramp down to the thinner). The factory needs the flooring thicknesses to specify the right transition; a standard transition strip won't work for every application.
A practical install note. All PU floor trims install with construction adhesive and a few finish nails. The adhesive is the long-term bond; the nails hold the trim in place while the adhesive sets. After 24 hours, the nails can be set below the surface and the painter's topcoat goes on.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a PU skirting board?
A: A PU skirting board (also called a baseboard) is a polyurethane molding installed at the floor-to-wall transition. It protects walls from scuffs and vacuum damage while delivering a clean architectural edge. PU skirting is waterproof, impact-resistant, and far lighter than the equivalent timber profile.
Q: How do you install PU floor trims?
A: Cut PU floor trims with a fine-tooth miter saw. Apply construction adhesive in a continuous bead along the back, press to the wall, and tack with finish nails into studs where possible. Mitre joints at inside and outside corners, fill with spackle, sand, and apply two coats of paint. PU skirting requires no sanding of the face — it arrives primed.
Q: Can PU skirting be used in wet areas?
A: Yes. PU skirting is fully waterproof and ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Use a polyurethane adhesive (not water-based) and seal the bottom edge to the floor with a thin bead of clear silicone in wet zones to prevent mop water from wicking under the profile.
Q: What height skirting board should I choose?
A: Standard residential skirting heights are 60–100 mm (2.4–4 inches). For modern interiors, taller profiles (120–150 mm / 5–6 inches) deliver a more contemporary look and visually raise the perceived ceiling height. Heritage and Victorian restorations typically use 150–200 mm (6–8 inches) with a stepped or ogee profile.