Commercial Wall Base Options for Government, Education & Commercial Facilities
Continental Flooring offers a variety of commercial wall base solutions, specifically with cove base (with toe) and straight base (toeless). We also offer rubber and vinyl wall base in profiles that mimic the appearance of high-end baseboard, while protecting your walls. Wall base is the “icing on the cake” for your floor coverings, and can have many functional benefits to supplement your floor’s style. Not only does wall base protect your walls from the day to day foot traffic or being damaged during the floor cleaning process, it also protects against weatherization or light moisture from causing dry rot.
What is Wall Base?
Commercial wall base is often called cove base and is typically installed along the bottom edge of interior walls. While often described as the finishing touch to a commercial flooring installation, it has an important role in protecting surfaces. These products are routinely manufactured in vinyl, rubber or thermoplastic rubber (TPR) composition and offered in several heights, profiles, colors and thicknesses.
Vinyl Wall Base
As one of the most economical choices, vinyl wall base provides a clean appearance and provides basic wall protection for light to moderate traffic areas.
Benefits of Vinyl Wall Base
- Flexible for curved walls and corners
- Available in rolls or cut lenghts
- Offered in a wide range of colors
- Lighter weight than rubber so easier to handle
- Typically a cost-effective solution
Note: If there are significant temperatures or heavy impact traffic, it may not be the ideal choice.
Rubber Wall Base
True rubber wall base is highly resistant to scuffs, gouges and impacts making it a go-to for demanding facilities. These products are more of a premium choice for commercial installations due to its durability, flexibility and performance.
Benefits of Rubber Wall Base
- Through-color construction helps to hide scratches
- More impact resistant to carts and equipment
- Construction is through-color to help hide scratches
- Durable for high-traffic areas
- Can be used around columns and in corners
- Multiple profiles and designer style options
- Long-lasting appearance retension
Because of rubber base construction and thickness, it can help to conceal wall irregularities.
Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Wall Base
This additional option of TPR base is commonly used in commercial installations as its performance and budget create a winning combination. TPR wall base combines characteristics of both rubber and vinyl while also having great flexibility, durability, and design options.
Benefits of TPR Wall Base
- Easier than true rubber for installation around corners
- Durable for medium to heavy traffic
- More cost-effective than true rubber
Ask about TPR wall base and how it may meet your sustainability and low-VOC formulations for your LEED projects.
When do you use straight base or cove base?
- Straight Base (Toeless): Commonly used with carpet or where a more modern appearance is desired. It features a vertical profile without the curved bottom edge.
- Cove Base (With Toe): This is the most common choice in wall base. With a curved “toe” at the bottom edge, it transitions smoothly onto the flooring surface.
What are Common Wall Base Heights?
- Light traffic areas typically utilize a 2.5″ wall base.
- Commercial flooring projects routinely select 4″ base
- When more protection is needed or to hide removal of prior lower base options, choose 4.5″ base
- High traffic areas that need extra protection should request 6″ base.
Note: Commercial wall base is available in .080″ or 1/8″ thickness. Again, consider the environment, traffic and budget to find what works best for your renovation.
Are There More Decorative Wall Base Options?
Yes. When you are looking for a profile that can boost your project to the next level, choose a millwork wall base. These profiles mimic traditional base but are offered in rubber and TPR. Along with a variety of colors, there are paintable options or even wood-look visuals.
What are Recommended Applications by Facility Type?
- Government Buildings: Rubber or TPR vinyl is a common choice here. Both provide a durable solution, long-term performance and reduced maintenance in high-traffic public facilities.
- Educational Facilities: Most schools and universities benefit from impact-resistant rubber wall base. This more durable option can more easily withstand carts, backpacks, chairs and cleaning equipment.
- Healthcare Facilities: Cove base is the choice here due as it easier to clean. For operating rooms and treatment areas, there are special base options that can be welded to installed flooring to adhere to strict guidelilnes.
- Multi-Family Housing / PHAs: Vinyl base is ordered on a regular basis due to its budget and availability of color choices to match up to installed flooring.
Why Choose Continental Flooring Company?
We can provide all types of wall base to meet your budget and design requirements. There are many options available on our GSA Schedule and national cooperative contracts. Our government sales specialists can provide guidance to make sure a manufacturer is selected that meets your performance, maintenance and budget guidelines.
Contact Us Today!
Call Toll Free 800-825-1221 | Request a Quote | Email: info@continentalflooring.com
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Continental Flooring has been servicing government agencies since 1979, and continues to be a top flooring and ceiling provider in the public sector.
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