Hardwoods like oak and maple are an excellent choice of baseboard materials if seeking wood baseboards that can be stained. Hardwoods take stain and varnish well but are significantly more expensive than jointed pine and MDF. Hardwoods are popular as baseboards because of their durability.

What kind of baseboard is best?

1. MDF Baseboard. If you are on a budget plan and want to get the best look for your baseboard, the MDF baseboard would be a great option. They are very affordable, relatively durable for interior use, and paintable.

What is a good baseboard size?

A general rule of thumb for your baseboards is the 7 percent rule — they should equal 7 percent of the overall height of your room. So, if you have 8-foot ceilings, your baseboards will look best at around 7 inches high.