Floor profiles and skirting boards: how to choose height and material

To choose a profile, start from three measurements: the floor thickness, the function (edge finishing, transition between two floors, step, joint) and the environment it works in. In the collection the heights range from 4.5 mm up to 20 mm and over, and the bars are generally 2, 2.5, 2.7 or 3 m long. The most common material is aluminium, anodised or painted; for damp or heavily trafficked environments there are also profiles in AISI 304 stainless steel and in brass. Skirting boards, on the other hand, are chosen by height, material and fixing method.

The types

• Floor profiles: they finish or join the edge of tile, laminate or wood. There are profiles to be embedded in the adhesive with a perforated flange, and systems such as Promultifix for wood and laminate floors.
• Carpet profiles: for holding and finishing carpet, such as the Promoquette Fix and Promoquette Gin models.
• Level transition profiles: for the transition between two floors of similar height, such as the Prolevall 25-35-38-50 series in anodised aluminium, available in several heights.
• Step profiles: they protect the edge of the step, such as the Proend Ins model.
• Expansion joints: they absorb the movements of the floor, where the flooring requires it.
• Curved profiles: for edges and junctions that are not straight.
• Shower profiles, gratings and systems for balconies and terraces: for wet areas and for draining water away.
• Skirting boards: in aluminium, also designer ones such as Proskirting Ins, or in expanded vinyl resin, like the Progress Profiles resin skirting board.
• Stair rods: for holding rugs and runners on stairs.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Height: it must match the thickness of the covering. In the collection you find, for example, 4.5 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, or ranges such as 8-20 mm.
• Width and dimensions: they depend on the profile, from 10 x 10 mm to 30 x 30 mm for the small profiles. Look at the model's data sheet.
• Bar length: 2, 2.5, 2.7 or 3 m, in some cases 3.4 m. The 2.7 m bar is the most common.
• Material: anodised or painted aluminium, brass, AISI 304 stainless steel, resin. Anodised aluminium is enough for most jobs; stainless steel and brass are chosen for strength and appearance.
• Colour: gold, silver, bronze, white, satin.
• Marking: many products carry the CE marking.

Common mistakes

• Choosing the height by eye: if the profile is lower than the tile a step is left, if it is higher it sticks out.
• Ordering a single code without checking that corners and joining pieces are available.
• Laying the profile after the adhesive has set, when it should have been embedded while the tile was still fresh.
• Using the same profile in a bathroom and in an office: in damp environments the material matters.
• Cutting with the wrong blade, leaving burrs that show when the work is finished.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an embedded profile and one applied afterwards?

The first is laid together with the tile, with the perforated flange in the adhesive. The second is fixed to the finished floor, with adhesive or screws.

Can I cut the profiles on site?

Yes, with a blade suited to the material. After cutting, the edges must be deburred.

Aluminium or resin skirting board?

Aluminium has a more technical, designer look. Expanded vinyl resin is a simpler alternative. It depends on the look you want and the environment.

Do I also need to order special pieces?

Almost always, yes: corners, joints and end pieces change from model to model. Check the profile's data sheet before ordering the bars.

How is the skirting board fixed?

It is glued or fixed with clips and screws, cut to size, taking care over the corner joints.

All the models are in the floor profiles and skirting boards collection: for a precise measurement, request a quote or advice from the AMES technicians.