Plintens

Plintens are baseboards or skirting boards installed along the bottom edge of interior walls to cover the joint between wall and floor, protect the wall from scuffs, and hide gaps or uneven floor surfaces. The term plint is used in Dutch, with plinten as the plural form.

Materials and finishes vary. Common options include wood (such as pine or oak), medium-density fibreboard (MDF), PVC, and, in some cases, stone or ceramic. Finishes range from natural wood with varnish or stain to painted or veneered surfaces. Moisture-resistant variants are available for bathrooms and kitchens.

Profiles and sizes differ by style and room function. A typical modern baseboard might be 7 to 10 centimeters high, while taller plinten of 12 to 18 centimeters are used for a more pronounced look or in rooms with higher ceilings. Profiles can be plain and straight or feature curves, chamfers, or decorative mouldings.

Installation involves measuring and cutting plinten to length, usually with mitered joints at corners. They are fixed to the wall with nails or screws and often secured with construction adhesive. Gaps at joints or between the baseboard and wall or floor are sealed with caulk and touched up with paint or stain. Regular cleaning and periodic repainting or refinishing help maintain their appearance.

In Dutch terminology, plintens refer specifically to interior baseboards. The English term plinth is related but typically denotes the base block of a statue or architectural element, not a baseboard.