Online buying is one of the most popular shopping methods for almost every homeowner. Today, you can purchase nearly everything you want online, including building materials such as dado rails and baseboards.

However, if you are planning to buy dado rail from Skirting World, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Material

There are various types of material to consider for your dado rails for molding. The most common options are wood, PVC, and MDF. The suitable material for you depends on your preferences and needs:

• MDF: MDF, also known as medium density fiberboard, is the most cost-effective option, available in many styles. This type of dado rail usually comes pre-primed.
• Wood: Wood is the conventional option for dado rails, but it requires understanding which type of wood is most durable and aesthetically appealing. There are various types of wood to pick from, each with pro and cons. Wood dado rails can be raw or primed, stained or painted, depending on the exact type of material.
• PVC: This is ideal for moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms since it does not absorb water. You can also use it outdoors since it’s resistant to insects and rotting. PVC dado rails are low-maintenance and can be painted.

It can sometimes be hard to differentiate between various material types when you purchase online. Furthermore, you don’t have the opportunity to check and feel the material which can be a disadvantage.

Remember that dado rails may appear attractive and durable online but be fragile and unappealing in person. So, it’s crucial to ensure you thoroughly research the material before buying online.

Look for Pre-Primed and Pre-Painted Products

Consider buying pre-primed or pre-painted dado rails for a more straightforward and flawless installation. Pre-primed rails have an undercoat that ensures better paint adhesion, increases the durability of your paintwork and protects the wood. It’s already completely done for you, so you only need to install it.

On the other hand, pre-painted rails save you time and trouble and help ensure you end up with a beautiful finish.

Although buying pre-painted rails is usually the best option, it can be difficult to determine paint colors online. As such, it’s wise to ask about ordering paint samples before making any purchase.

Buy More Than What Your Require

When buying any building material online or in person, it’s always important to buy more than you think you will require. There is nothing worse than realizing you don’t have enough material in the middle of the project.

It’s better to buy more than you require and use it for another project rather than going back to the store or waiting for more dado rails to be delivered. Returns are not easy online, but it’s worth the extra purchase to ensure your project has enough rails to complete your project.

Placement

Another crucial thing to consider is the placement of your dado rails. This is particularly important since it will determine the height, type, and the number of materials you need to purchase.

For instance, if you are placing the rails in an area that is prone to moisture, such as the bathroom or basement, PVC rails are the best option. You can still use MDF and wood in these areas, but you must ensure they are not directly exposed to water.

Decide What Height You Want the Rails to Be

Generally, you want your dado rails to equal about 7% of the overall height of your room. For instance, if your room is 9 feet tall, your dado rails should be around 8 feet. However, this is just an estimate, so your rails can be whatever height you want them to be.

Make Your Dado Rails Stand Out

Selecting the color of your rails and baseboards is usually an exciting decision. White and creamy rails are often popular choices. You can also match your rails to the color of your room to add curb appeal.

However, consider selecting a complementary or contrasting color for your rails to create a stunning statement. Also, be careful when choosing colors online since colors tend to be slightly different on the display than in reality. To be safer, consider buying pre-primed rails that can be custom painted to your taste or preference.

Buy the Longest Pieces You Can Get

Most residential homes have a wall that is 16 feet or longer. However, most homeowners don’t know their exact measurement requirements. As such, it’s best to buy the longest pieces you can find and measure them out at home. Generally, pieces must be at least 16 feet long.

Consider the Costs of Different Materials

Shopping for your materials online might be cheap, but you need to be careful since low-cost materials can sometimes be a red flag for online purchases. Generally, the most cost-effective option will be MDF, followed by PVC and then wood.

If you plan to buy dado rail from mdfskirtingworld.co.uk, ensure you determine whether you are looking for functional or decorative moldings. In addition, consider the overall style of your space, your ceiling height, and whether you will finish the moldings with stain or paint. This will help you make a well-educated decision.