Rating of the best skirting boards for stretch ceilings for 2022

Nowadays, homeowners are increasingly using stretch ceilings to decorate the ceiling space. This method is beautiful and practical, but it will require you to hide the gap that forms between the stretched ceiling film and the wall. Such a gap can be eliminated by installing a special plinth.

By itself, the plinth (aka fillet or baguette) is one of the elements of decorating the room, which allows you to:

• Give the interior an overall finished look, making the whole room more comfortable, stylish and elegant;
• To mask some minor work flaws;
• Install decorative lighting based on the LED strip without laying it in a special niche.

Modern types of skirting boards for ceilings (stretch)

Today's market is able to offer the consumer a wide range of skirting boards for stretch ceilings, which can be made of:

• Styrofoam;
• polyurethane;
• Plastic (polyvinyl chloride);
• extruded polystyrene;
• Gypsum and wood.

Foam Samples

Products made from this material are particularly light and will hold firmly on any type of wall wallpaper. Foam fillets are very easy to install, they have a different texture and are quite cheap in terms of price. If necessary, they can always be “refreshed” with water-based paint.Their disadvantages include the fact that they have low elasticity, as a result of which it is difficult to attach them to uneven walls, because there is a high risk of their fracture. Also, they tend to peel off over time, leaving large gaps. Also, any interaction with chemically aggressive agents containing alcohol, benzene, acetone is contraindicated for them (any type of solvent can be cited as an example).

Polyurethane Samples

They have a very presentable appearance and can be made in the most complex forms. By itself, this material is characterized by particular strength, while maintaining flexibility, and these qualities will allow them to decorate walls with any curvature, up to columns. The disadvantages include their increased cost and sufficient mass, which does not allow gluing polyurethane skirting boards to wallpaper. Such a constructive solution can be performed by attaching a polyurethane baguette to self-tapping screws.

plastic samples

They are made of PVC and have a relatively low price. You can even stick them on wallpaper, and thanks to their moisture resistance properties, they can be placed in the kitchen and in the bathroom. PVC models are UV resistant and do not fade in the sun. With such skirting boards, it is convenient to carry out corner joining (special plastic corners are produced for this), which greatly simplifies the entire installation process. The disadvantages of PVC baguettes include the acquisition of a yellowish color over time, the ability to accumulate dust on themselves, and also weak resistance to various mechanical stresses should be noted (any dent or crack will remain forever).

Polystyrene samples

This type of skirting boards has gained particular popularity due to its low price, wide range on the market, and besides, this material has sufficient elasticity, which simplifies installation. However, polystyrene skirting boards are easily damaged by sharp objects and require a special type of glue to fix them (they can simply dissolve when interacting with most synthetic adhesives).

Gypsum and wood samples

These types of skirting boards have not become more widespread, due to their high cost, especially massiveness, which makes installation extremely difficult. This option is suitable only for those homeowners who are ready to make a considerable investment in finishing with similar interior fillets. However, gypsum / wooden fillets can give the room a special sophistication, harmoniously emphasizing its classic style (for example, baroque), which is clearly impossible to achieve with plastic or foam variations.

Stretch ceilings without plinth

Unfortunately, this practice is very common in the expanses of the CIS countries, which is considered bad manners all over the world. However, there may be several purely technological reasons for this:

• Soviet-built apartments have very low ceilings, so baguettes look very ridiculous;
• The price factor - putting a simple plug is much cheaper than mounting a baguette;
• Plugs are easy and simple to install on your own, without resorting to the services of a professional;
• Plugs are easily dismantled (if necessary).

Naturally, the option with plugs is simple, but in modern realities it no longer looks very good. In principle, it is possible to use a gapless profile to mask the joint, but it is impossible to completely leave the gap open.First of all, this option will look sloppy, and secondly, dust will begin to accumulate inside the ceiling space, which, over time, will show through clearly visible spots through the stretch fabric.

Recommendations for the installation of baguettes for stretch ceilings

The whole process will include three steps:

1. Foundation preparation;
2. Selection of tools and materials;
3. Implementation of installation technology.

Preparatory work

In order to ensure proper adhesion of the adhesive to the wall surface, it is required to clean the wallpaper from dust, and if the wall surface is painted, it will be necessary to prime it. If possible, it is preferable to glue the wallpaper after installing the skirting boards. But the staining must be carried out in advance in order to allow the paint to dry completely.

Selection of materials and tools

Before starting work, you need to take care of the presence of the following items:

• Actually self-mounted baguettes;
• adhesive agent;
• Stepladder (because the work will be carried out at a certain height from the floor);
• Sandpaper with fine grain;
• Cutting device (they can be a knife, a hacksaw for metal, a fine-toothed saw for wood);
• Miter box (tray for cutting at an angle);
• Measuring tape;
• Construction marker;
• Putty knife;
• Ruler;
• A rag (sponge) for removing possible smudges of glue.

Implementation of mounting technology

Step by step, all work is carried out in the following sequence:

• The ends of the baguette are inspected - they must have a smooth surface and a cut angle of 90 degrees. If these parameters are not met, then the desired ends are cut with a cutting tool and a miter box, and the smoothness of the surface is achieved using sandpaper.
• Pasting should be started from all internal corners, so there will be fewer problems with fitting. To do this, the baguette ends in the miter box are cut at an angle of 45 degrees. At the same time, it is necessary to cut both the right and left strips.
• At the end of cutting the ends, the plinths are connected directly on the wall. This method checks how well the edges fit together.
• The remaining places of cuts are sanded with sandpaper.
• Glue (or liquid nails) is applied to the back side of the strip, according to the instructions for the skirting boards. Compliance with the requirements of the instructions is an important point, because for foam fillets it is recommended to apply glue in a dotted way, and on plastic ones - with a layer in the form of a “snake”. Polyurethane specimens will require an adhesive layer over the entire surface. The ends at the fastening points also need to be smeared with glue.
• In order to prevent the adhesive from getting on the ceiling, it should first be pasted over with masking tape to protect it.
• Further, the baguette strips are pressed tightly against the base and held until the glue hardens. The fixing time is indicated in the instructions for the glue. However, in order not to bother yourself for a long time, it is possible to fix the baseboard with adhesive tape.
• Then, with a tape measure, the distance remaining between the glued corners is measured.
• Based on the dimensions obtained, the main plinth strips are cut with a miter box and a cutter, the ends of which are also cleaned.
• Gluing the main bar between the corners occurs according to a similar algorithm.

Features of gluing baguettes on wallpaper and painted walls

For walls with wallpaper, the following recommendations must be followed:

• The adhesive should be transparent and colorless - in most cases, this will protect the wallpaper from getting glue on them;
• The glue that has come out must be quickly removed with a sponge or rag;
• Skirting boards made of lightweight materials for greater reliability during the curing of the glue, it is better to additionally fix it with tailor's pins;
• If the wall is supposed to be decorated with liquid wallpaper, then it is preferable to do this after fixing the fillets; If they are already applied, then you need to carefully remove their upper part, since this is not difficult to do.

For painted walls, the only recommendation should be followed - the adhesive used on them should not dissolve the paint, and the painted wall itself should be pre-primed before attaching the baguette.

Difficulties of choice

Oddly enough, but before buying such a seemingly simple element for stretch ceilings as a plinth, you will need to take into account many different factors that will play an important role in the design. These include the following options:

• Plinth weight;
• The width of its base;
• top dimensions;
• Flexibility;
• Strength;
• Total length;
• Harmonization with the interior;
• Price;
• Calculation of the required amount of baguette material.

Baguette weight

Ceiling plinths are fixed to the wall with the allowance of a technological gap in the range of 3 to 5 millimeters between the stretched canvas and the upper part of the baguette. Thus, the stretch ceiling will be protected from the formation of wrinkles and other damage. Therefore, the entire load on fastening the baguette is placed on the wall, which, in turn, can be wallpapered or painted, which means a different coefficient of tear strength from the fastening surface.

From this it is clear that, for example, wooden, gypsum or heavy polyurethane plinth should not be glued to the tapestries, because there is a high probability of it slipping along with the wallpaper.It may not happen right away, but over time it will. For this case, lightweight foam or extruded polystyrene is better suited. But the plaster can easily withstand heavy polyurethane. For wooden and plaster models, only self-tapping screws will be the best fasteners.

Base Width

The fillets will depend on this parameter:

1. Adhesion strength to the surface - the larger the area will be applied to the adhesive layer, the higher the level of adhesion. The standard requirement is that the width for the attached part must be at least 25 millimeters.
2. The external perception of the plinth - so, for small rooms it is preferable to install narrow variations, rather than wide ones, because the latter will visually reduce the volume of the room. To resolve such issues, interior artists recommend adhering to the following ratios: the ceiling height does not reach 2.5 meters - it is better to use a baguette with a width of up to 4 centimeters, a ceiling with a height of 2.5 to 3 meters - the width of the product should be from 5 to 10 centimeters, the ceiling is above 3 meters - the width of the baguette is from 10 centimeters.

Top dimensions

For the upper part of the fillet, the direct purpose is the function of masking the technological gap, so its dimensions must be sufficient to hide such a gap between the profile and the canvas. In addition, it is necessary to take into account one more parameter, namely, the presence of LED backlight on the plinth. If one is present, then the top of the plinth should be expanded so that it is possible to hide the LED strip there.

Strength category

This factor implies precisely mechanical strength. Optimally, the ceiling plinth should bend slightly without giving out a break.This requirement can be fully met by polyurethane with its superelastic qualities. However, in the acquisition process, this factor must be strictly taken into account, because you should not rely on the strength of foam products in this regard.

Flexibility (elasticity)

This factor should be paid attention only when there are some bulges / roughness on the surface, or the entire base of the wall does not shine with evenness. If such a situation takes place, then only polyurethane products are suitable. Extruded polypropylene will leave gaps that are difficult to mask on such walls, and the foam will simply crumble. Even if you try to hide wall defects by bypassing the bulge by gluing small skirting board elements, it will look extremely messy.

total length

The length of the skirting boards can have many options, however, two-meter samples are the running standard. Thus, it is possible to optimize the baguette size, which will minimize the number of joints and reduce material consumption.

Harmony with the interior

In this matter, most of the points will depend on the tastes of the owner of the premises, but there are certain design principles:

• If there are a large number of corners in the room, it is preferable to use a relief product - so the joint of the ceiling with the wall will look more harmonious;
• When equipping a two-level ceiling with baguettes, a baguette made in one color and having a smooth surface looks more natural;
• For classic interior design options, it is preferable to use decor with stucco elements, and for modernist trends - smooth, not very wide skirting boards;
• The skirting board is smooth and with an average width of 6-8 centimeters will suit most decor styles - from the grotesque to the simple;
• White fillet is able to visually enlarge the room.

Price

To date, the most popular are foam products - they are very cheap and suitable for almost any room. If there are some features in the room (as described above), then you will have to fork out for more expensive options.

Calculation of the amount of skirting material

When purchasing baguettes for decorating a room, you should always take a few items in reserve in order to prevent situations of unforeseen cost overruns. Therefore, when measuring a room for finishing, a correction factor should be included in the calculation formula. It is very simple to do this: you need to add the length of another standard bar to the total perimeter of the ceiling.

Rating of the best skirting boards for stretch ceilings for 2022

Budget segment

3rd place: "Inspire C03/35 3.2x3.2x200 cm white"

This baguette is intended for decorating the joints of ceilings and walls in residential premises, household rooms and commercial offices. Planks are made of polystyrene. The material itself is moisture resistant and lightweight, it can be installed in rooms with high humidity. Characterized by excellent resistance to sunlight. Fastening is carried out by gluing. Country of origin - Russia. The recommended cost for store chains is 28 rubles.

• Sufficient length ensures a minimum number of joints;
• Cut with an ordinary construction knife;
• There is the possibility of coloring.

• Weak ability to work with uneven surfaces.

2nd place: "Inspire 06011A 3x5x200 cm"

This extruded model is a decorative element for interior decoration of living rooms, used at the junction of a stretch ceiling and a wall. The product is made from polymer raw materials and is characterized by unusual lightness and flexibility. With the help of this plinth, you can significantly improve the image of the room, mask various irregularities, and give the interior a finished look. Retains original properties for a long time. The recommended cost for retail chains is 44 rubles.

• Adequate cost;
• Lightness and flexibility;
• Long service life.

• Not detected.

1st place: "Format" 206057 2.8x5.3x200 cm"

This version of the plinth of domestic production is made using innovative technologies. The molding is made of injected polystyrene foam, which is an excellent solution for construction and finishing works. The product is distinguished by special plasticity, the surface is matte and perfectly aligned, there is a decorative design. Easy to assemble and can be painted. The recommended cost for retail chains is 104 rubles.

• moisture resistance;
• Non-flammable;
• High rates of thermal insulation.

• Not detected.

Middle price segment

3rd place: "NMC polystyrene foam white LX-105 8x6.5x200 cm"

This extruded product of domestic production is a modern building material for decorating joints in stretch ceilings.The product is made of expanded polystyrene, characterized by unusual lightness and environmental friendliness, high sound insulation properties and moisture resistance. The white color of the product is able to successfully fit into almost any interior. The recommended cost for retail stores is 114 rubles.

• Eco-friendly and moisture resistant material;
• Adequate ratio of quality and price;
• Light weight.

• Not detected.

2nd place: "Decomaster D133 white 20x20x2000 mm"

This product is made of high density duropolymer and is ideal not only for installation at the joints of stretch ceilings, but can also be used for window slopes. Installation of a plinth in bathrooms, kitchens, bathrooms is allowed. Duropolymer is an innovative and environmentally friendly material and can be used in difficult conditions. The material is resistant to mechanical stress, does not absorb water, does not lose color under the influence of sunlight. Various color variations are available for sale. Installation is carried out exclusively on self-tapping screws. The recommended cost for retail stores is 125 rubles.

• Multifunctionality;
• High material density;
• Moisture resistance.

• Fastening is possible only on self-tapping screws.

1st place: "C639/85 200x6.6 cm white"

This decorative strip is an injection ceiling element and is intended for finishing the junction of a stretch ceiling and a wall. The plinth is made of polystyrene, consisting of granules glued together in a certain way.The innovative production technology gives the product increased resistance to mechanical shocks, increases water resistance and elasticity, while facilitating cutting and processing. The sample has a decorative relief design. The recommended cost for retail chains is 141 rubles.

• Versatility;
• Affordable cost;
• Safety and durability.

• Not detected.

Premium class

3rd place: "C617/100 200x7 cm white"

This baguette for stretch ceilings as a decorating element will give the ceiling space a complete look. This product is made from polystyrene. It has a figured finish and is able to compete with expensive plaster moldings, while at the same time introducing a spark of elegance into the interior of the room. Installation is carried out on an adhesive basis. Possibility of laying LED strip. The recommended cost for store chains is 152 rubles.

• Light weight material of manufacture;
• Easy installation;
• Possibility of laying lighting.

• Not detected.

2nd place: "C628/130 200x10 cm white"

This injection decorative panel is designed to decorate the room and give an original touch to the interior of the room. Along with this, it is designed to hide the shortcomings of the joint between the stretch ceiling and the wall. It is characterized by an adequate price, simple installation, advanced functionality. It is possible to lay LED cable. The recommended cost for retail chains is 210 rubles.

• Excellent decoration;
• Production material - polystyrene;
• Ability to provide lighting.

• Not detected.

1st place: "Decomaster 95775 white 70x70x2000 mm"

This baguette for a stretch ceiling is made of a special impact-resistant duropolymer, which provides it with a long service life. Very easy to install, but mounted exclusively with self-tapping screws. Operation in difficult conditions is possible: in damp rooms, in rooms subject to constant vibrations, it can be exposed to direct sunlight, while not losing its original color. The recommended cost for retail chains is 1200 rubles.

• Manufactured from a special type of duropolymer;
• Ability to operate in difficult conditions;
• Sun resistance.

• Very high cost;
• Installation is carried out exclusively on self-tapping screws.

Instead of an epilogue

The analysis of the market of the materials under consideration has established that it is not difficult to find the right version of the skirting board for the stretch ceiling. It is gratifying to know that even the cheapest models have very good qualities and a long service life. At the same time, there is no clear division in price segments between domestic and foreign brands - both are equally fully represented in all segments.