Plinthe

Plinthe is the French term for a baseboard or skirting board, a building element installed along the bottom of interior walls to cover the joint between wall and floor and to protect wall surfaces from damage. It runs the length of a room and helps create a finished transition between wall materials and flooring.

Materials and design vary widely. Plinthes are commonly made from wood, MDF, PVC, or metal, and may also be finished in stone or ceramic tile in specialized settings. Typical heights range from about 70 to 150 millimeters (3 to 6 inches), with thicknesses generally around 12 to 20 millimeters. Profiles range from plain rectangular shapes to decorative forms such as ogee, bead, or chamfered edges, with modern designs favoring clean, minimal lines.

Manufacture and installation involve cutting length segments to fit room dimensions and joining at corners with miters. They are attached by nails, screws, or adhesive, and installation is usually finished with caulking and painting or staining to match the decor. In damp or high-traffic areas, moisture-resistant materials and finishes are preferred to extend durability.

Function and usage: the plinthe protects walls from scuffs, impacts, and moisture at floor level; it conceals the joint between wall and flooring and concealment for minor wall irregularities or expansion gaps. It can also serve as a color or material accent that complements the room’s interior design.

Etymology and terminology: plinthe comes from French, with historical roots linked to the Latin/Greek terms for base or plinth. In English, the corresponding terms are baseboard or skirting board, while plinth refers to the base of a statue or column.