How do you mix different types of flooring?

Author: Dwight Heidenreich III  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 25, 2025

It is important to be mindful of the overall tones when mixing flooring types. If you use too many different colors, you may end up with a visually overwhelming interior. We recommend sticking to a more monochromatic look when it comes to mixing flooring types, opting for a range of tones within the same palette.

How do you blend two flooring types?

Using a transition piece is a great way to create a smooth and seamless flow between different types of flooring. A transition piece is a small strip that sits between two types of flooring, making it easy to move from one surface to another.

How to connect different flooring types?

Transition Strip or Ramp

One of the easiest ways to transition between two different types of flooring in one room is by using a transition strip, also known as a ramp. This is a specially designed piece of wood or metal that is installed to bridge the gap between two different types of floors.

What to do when you can't match flooring?

The only way you can get a perfect match is to sand and stain the whole floor. I would have used a couple of pieces of flooring to make some stain swatches to compare to the original. (but I have been working on floors since the 90s. and have done this many times) Sorry I can't be of more help.

Is it OK to have 3 different types of flooring?

Not only is it ok, it's part of an unwritten rule that any realtor will tell you. On any floor of your house, you should NEVER have more than 3 variations of flooring. This can go into detail, but basically picture this:

10 Beginner Mistakes Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring

Is it OK to have different flooring in different floors?

There's nothing wrong with using different floorings. But what you don't want to do is use two that are almost the same, but not quite. If perhaps you're trying to find a match for flooring that already exists in your house, it's essential that you do find an exact match and not a close cousin.

What is the rule of 3 flooring?

Apply “The Rule of Three” to Home Flooring

This rule says you should use three flooring types at maximum throughout the whole home. For example, you might use hardwood in public areas of the house, except the kitchen and bathroom, where you use vinyl linoleum.

How to transition flooring between rooms?

In most cases, it's wise to use a transition strip between similar flooring. Floors with similar thicknesses benefit from a transition type known as a T-molding. This transition strip doesn't adjust for height, but it provides a smooth shift from one flooring to the next.

Should the bathroom floor match the rest of the house?

While it might be tempting to match these materials with the rest of the house for consistency, it's not always necessary or practical, especially if other rooms have different functional requirements.

What happens if you don't stagger flooring?

"Without staggering, the planks can shift, and the floor may appear artificial and repetitive," she explained. If you are planning to complete a DIY laminate flooring installation project, you might want to find out what else Bartlett had to say about staggering your planks.

What flooring doesn't snap together?

Unlike click-together flooring , looselay vinyl flooring doesn't snap together. Instead, you lay the planks next to one another over the subfloor, where their rubber backings and increased weight keep them in place. As such, loose lay planks are usually heavier than traditional vinyl planks.

Should flooring run the same direction in all rooms?

As a general rule, make sure to lay your floor in the same direction as the main light source in a room and in the same line as the most frequently used entrance. If there are several doors and windows, then opt for the direction that's the easiest to install.

What flooring looks good next to hardwood?

What Type of Flooring Looks Good Next to Hardwood?
  • Striking Contrasts: The Beauty of Natural Stone. ...
  • Cozy Comfort: The Warmth of Carpet. ...
  • Sleek and Modern: The Appeal of Luxury Vinyl. ...
  • Timeless Elegance: The Simplicity of Porcelain or Ceramic Tile. ...
  • Nature-Inspired Harmony: Cork or Bamboo Flooring.

How to avoid transition strips?

As an alternative to transition strips, you can use a seam binder when the floors are roughly the same height. You could also use an alternative material, like marble.

What is hybrid flooring?

What is Hybrid Flooring? Hybrid flooring is a mix of two popular types of flooring - laminate and vinyl. Vinyl and laminate are blended together to make a durable and hard-wearing flooring option. On its own - laminate flooring is prone to swelling as it is not waterproof.

How many types of flooring should be in a house?

Consistency Across Open Spaces

In open floor plans, it's generally best to use a single type of flooring across the entire space to create a seamless and unified look. This approach helps in maintaining a visual flow and makes the area feel larger and more cohesive.

Should you put the same flooring throughout the entire house?

Choosing the same flooring for all the rooms creates a unified and harmonious environment, and creates a visual effect that expands its dimensions, which allows us to better plan a reform. However, in open-plan dwellings such as studios or lofts, the flooring can help to delimit areas in an organic way.

Should bathroom floor be lighter or darker than walls?

In a bathroom that gets ample sunlight, a dark floor can add depth without overwhelming the space. On the flip side, natural light can make lighter floors seem even brighter, enhancing the airy, open feel of the room.

Should flooring go under or around toilet?

For the Best Look, Remove the Toilet First

Here's the truth: you're going to want to remove the toilet first and then install the flooring in order to get the best look. Getting a perfectly rounded cut around the edges of a toilet can be incredibly challenging.

How to hide uneven floors?

Flexible Flooring for Uneven Floors

Therefore, one of the best options is the carpet due to its low price, easy installation, and attractiveness. Moreover, if your floor is just slightly uneven, keep in mind that a vinyl plank over uneven floor can provide it with full coverage, as well as other sturdy materials.

How to join two floors at different levels?

There are two different options when the floor height varies. You can either create a mini-step or blend the levels together. Blending is only an option when there's a slight variation in height. In most cases a mini-step will be the most practical and aesthetic option.

Do you need transition between rooms with vinyl plank flooring?

Second, we use various rooms for drastically different purposes. While luxury vinyl plank flooring is ideal for several rooms in your home, it will eventually meet other flooring types. It is here that you'll need the right transition piece(s) to create an effortless flow between these surfaces.

How not to install flooring?

Common Flooring Installation Mistakes Homeowners Make
  1. Choosing the Wrong Material.
  2. Not Preparing the Subfloor.
  3. Improper Floor Care.
  4. DIY Flooring Installation.
  5. Transitions.
  6. Moisture Level Check.
  7. Incorrect Measurements.
  8. Working in the Wrong Order.

Can you have two different floors next to each other?

To install two different shades of hardwood, a good rule of thumb is to go dark with one and light on the other. You can also get by with medium-dark and medium-light. An example is mahogany next to maple or white oak. Do be sure the hues don't clash though.

What is the rule for floor color?

Many home experts agree that the floor color should be darker than the walls. The rule generally applies because lighter walls and a dark floor make the room seem larger. Most homeowners prefer a spacious looking interior. However, the rule can change with low ceilings.

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