Floor moldings? Replace? Color? Model?

[snowjim]

Hello,

We are in the process of renovating the kitchen and we have reached the point where we need to decide what to do with the baseboards. This is what the moldings around doors and windows look like today:


http://i.imgur.com/lfuuofc.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/J5xpCOw.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xfQv1hN.jpg

Is it just a matter of discarding them and buying new ones?

The problem we've noticed is that white baseboards tend to get dirty when, for example, a vacuum cleaner or similar runs into them. Is there a good alternative here?

The first thought was to go with oak moldings instead, but all door and window frames are painted white, which might make it look strange?

I know there are plastic moldings, but it feels a bit off to put plastic moldings in a house?

Then, how should they be attached? Should we rent a nail gun, or can they be nailed in by hand and still hide the nails afterward? The moldings we put around new windows in the living room were shot into place by a craftsman, and then we filled and painted them, which turned out well.

 

[anders07]

I have used MDF moldings. They hold up well and so far no discolorations or dents from the vacuum cleaner...
Glued mine with hot glue.

 

[snowjim]

I've used MDF moldings. They hold up well and so far no discoloration or dents from the vacuum cleaner...
Glued mine with hot glue.

What do you do if you decide to repaint them or even replace them? Can they be removed without tearing apart the wall?

 

[anders07]

With a break-off blade knife, you can easily remove them.