Is PVC trim cheaper than wood?

by Alexis Till
Is PVC trim cheaper than wood?

Plastic is definitely cheaper than wood. While plastic molding won’t rot or mildew, it is very brittle and not very forgiving. You’ll waste more in installation due to breakage. … Because it is brittle, there was no way to just ease it up a little at a time and save it.

Furthermore, Are PVC baseboards good? PVC holds up well to water damage, but when damaged by contact, is nearly impossible to be repaired and requires being replaced. Generally, it is easy to work with, but is considered less forgiving with saws and cutting than wood.

Secondly, Can you nail PVC baseboard?

Fasten PVC trim with stainless steel screws or hot-dipped siding nails. … Stainless steel screws with small finish heads are the best choice because they’ll never corrode. You can also use hot-dipped galvanized nails, but they may corrode and stain the trim over time.

Should PVC trim be primed before painting?

You do NOT have to prime it first. You also (against conventional wisdom) do NOT have to “scuff it up” with sandpaper beforehand in order to get the paint to “adhere” properly. … This paint “reflects” the UV rays that otherwise would be soaked up by the dark color and cause the PVC to heat up, warp and distort.

Can you nail PVC trim boards?

Just like with wood use a scarf joint to join PVC trim boards. … PVC cement is used on any joint that doesn’t require an expansion gap. For fastening use stainless steel trim nails so the nails will last as long as the trim. Nail within two inches from the edge of the boards and at least every 18 inches along the length.

Is PVC baseboard waterproof?

PVC trim is made from a honeycomb, cellular structure of polyvinyl chloride. The honeycomb makeup of the product means that it’s completely impervious to moisture, even when cut.

Are MDF baseboards OK?

MDF is a very cost effective material for baseboard and casings. MDF has zero imperfections. It is always primed and ready for paint. MDF and has zero warps or twists in the material.

How do you fasten PVC baseboards?

To fasten the trim to the wall, I use 2 1/4-inch-long 15-gauge nails. On the interior of a home, nail holes in PVC can be filled with almost anything used with wood; Bond-and-Fill is a safe choice. To glue joints together, use PVC cement, since wood glues like Titebond II don’t work all that well with PVC.

Is PVC trim better than wood?

Cellular PVC trim is a wood replacement product most commonly used in exterior applications. The applications are similar to wood, except it won’t rot, crack, cup, split or warp like wood and its resistive to termites and wood boring insects. … PVC stands up to the elements and looks beautiful all year long.

What paint will stick to PVC?

PVC Painting Avoidances

Latex-based paints. Water-based paints. Acrylic-based paints. Non-plastic-specific epoxy-based paints.

What is the best paint to use on PVC?

Any spray paint is fine. Most spray paint is oil-based enamel. Sand the PVC lightly, clean, primer and paint.

What is the best primer for PVC?

The best primer we have found for PVC is Sherwin Williams’ Extreme Bonding Primer. PVC will hold paint better than wood due to the fact that the PVC is not absorbing and releasing moisture. However, the paint on PVC will take longer to cure.

How do you attach PVC baseboard to drywall?

Use the brad nailer to attach the baseboard to the drywall, going into the studs to secure it. Along the bottom of the baseboard, add a brad nail, as well. The brad nails closer to the bottom will attach to the wall framing behind the drywall.

What’s the best baseboard for bathroom?

Wood baseboards – Pros

Choosing wood is a good option for baseboards in a bathroom. Wood baseboards will not swell when it gets wet. You can continue the look of baseboards that you have throughout your home into the bathroom. Wood baseboards can be stained or painted giving you lots of options to complete your space.

What are the disadvantages of MDF?

What are the downsides of MDF?

  • Engineered wood is easy to damage. One of the main differences between solid and engineered wood is the surface. …
  • MDF is heavier. …
  • MDF is vulnerable to extreme heat Remember that engineered wood is made out of wax and/or resin-like compounds. …
  • MDF can’t support too much weight.

Is MDF trim OK for bathroom?

Re: MDF trim in bathroom

It will last awhile regardless, but MDF really shouldn’t be used in any wet locations like bathrooms or kitchens. When I’m forced to use it in these areas I space it at least 1/8″ or 3mm above the floor. For baseboards I cover that gap with PVC shoe molding and for door casings I caulk.

Should baseboards touch the floor?

For the most part, you will want the baseboard to be flush with your flooring so that it covers up the edges, which can really improve the aesthetics of your home. You will need to take the type of flooring into consideration because of the height difference in types of flooring.

What is the best glue to use for baseboards?

A construction adhesive like Loctite Power Grab Molding and Paneling Construction Adhesive is suitable for installing baseboards. Cut the tip of the adhesive tube, taking care not to create too large of a hole, and pierce the foil inside the tube with the metal rod on a caulk gun.

What are the disadvantages of PVC?

What are the Disadvantages of Polyvinyl Chloride?

  • Polyvinyl Chloride has very poor heat stability. For this reason, additives that stabilize the material at higher temperatures are typically added to the material during production.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride emits toxic fumes when melted or subject to a fire.

Is PVC Trim good for bathrooms?

PVC trim is waterproof. It’s just like the white water pipes used for plumbing in lots of homes. It’s nearly indestructible, but it can be cut and nailed just like ordinary molding. … For all intents and purposes, quarter-round PVC trim is the best option for showers.

Can you paint over PVC?

The fact is that uPVC and cPVC (PVC from here on) are difficult to paint. The reason because PVC has a low surface energy. All materials and liquids have a “surface energy”. … In order for the water to “stick” or “wet out” onto PVC, PVC has to be treated to rise the SE of the PVC above the SE of water.

Does acrylic paint stick to plastic?

Will Acrylic Paint Stick to Plastic? Acrylic paint basically dries into a plastic, making it difficult for the paint to adhere to a plastic surface. Many other factors can either promote or inhibit how acrylics adhere to solid plastic.

How do you prepare PVC trim for painting?

Remove and Clean the Trim

  1. Remove and Clean the Trim.
  2. Remove the trim with a pry bar, if possible, and lay it on a workbench or a table. …
  3. Sand the Trim.
  4. Scour the surface with 220-grit sandpaper. …
  5. Apply a Primer.
  6. Brush on a PVC paint primer that is made to accept a latex topcoat. …
  7. Paint the Trim.

Related Articles

Leave a Comment