Exposing the truth about wooden flooring accessories: Don't let these "invisible supporting roles" ruin your flooring

Model: | Date:2026-03-20

Introduction: Skirting boards, moisture-proof membranes, battens, glue... These "supporting roles" in floor installation may not be eye-catching, but they directly determine the service life and environmental performance of the floor. Choosing the right auxiliary materials is the key to selecting a truly suitable flooring set.
Main text:
Many people spend a lot of money on high-quality flooring, but they neglect the auxiliary materials, which often leads to issues such as floor deformation and unusual odors. The following four major auxiliary materials deserve your special attention.
1. Skirting board
Function: To cover the expansion joints between the floor and the wall, protect the wall base, and serve as a decorative element.
Common materials:
Solid wood skirting: It has a good texture, but the price is relatively high, and it is prone to deformation due to moisture.
MDF skirting board: affordable, but poor moisture resistance, and high formaldehyde risk for inferior products.
PVC skirting board: waterproof and moisture-resistant, affordable, but with a general texture and prone to aging and becoming brittle.
Metal skirting boards (aluminum alloy or stainless steel): Strongly modern, waterproof and durable, but limited in style adaptability.
Shopping advice: Prioritize selecting materials that match the style of your flooring, and pay attention to the environmental rating of the skirting board to avoid it becoming a new source of pollution in your home.
II. Moisture-proof film (moisture-proof pad)
Function: It is laid between the wooden floor and the ground to isolate moisture from the ground, prevent the floor from being damp and deformed, and also serve as a sound-absorbing and cushioning layer.
Key points for purchase:
Thickness: Typically, 2-3mm is suitable. Being too thick can lead to excessive elasticity in the floor, affecting the stability of the locking mechanism; being too thin can result in insufficient moisture resistance.
Material: High-quality moisture-proof film is typically made of PE (polyethylene) material, which possesses good toughness and moisture resistance. Inferior products are prone to breakage, significantly compromising their moisture-proof effect.
Laying requirements: The damp-proof membranes should overlap by 10-15cm and be sealed with tape to form a complete damp-proof layer.
III. Batten (edge strip)
Function: Used for transition and connection between flooring and floor tiles, threshold stones, and flooring in different rooms, as well as edge finishing at doorways, staircases, and other locations.
Common types:
Leveling strip: used for planar transition between the floors of two rooms or between the floor and the tile.
High and low pressure strips: used to solve the problem of height difference between the floor and the floor tile.
Edge strip: used at the edges of the floor near the wall or stairs.
Purchasing advice: The color should be coordinated with the floor or door frame as much as possible. In terms of material, aluminum alloy batten is sturdy and durable, while solid wood batten is natural and beautiful, but moisture prevention should be noted.
IV. Glue
Function: Used for installing parquet flooring, stair treads, skirting boards, and reinforcing some locking flooring.
Key indicator: Environmental friendliness. Poor-quality glue is a significant source of formaldehyde and TVOC. It is imperative to choose glue specifically designed for branded flooring and review its environmental testing report to ensure compliance with national standards.

Conclusion: Although auxiliary materials may seem minor, they have a significant impact on the overall situation. When purchasing flooring, it is essential to inquire about the brand, material, and environmental protection level of the accompanying auxiliary materials. If necessary, negotiations can be made to include upgrading the auxiliary materials in the contract.