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.
Yes, changing the direction of hardwood floors between rooms is a common design choice. However, using transition strips or T-molding is recommended to create a seamless look where the planks change direction. You can also change direction using splines.
Transition strips play a vital role in bridging laminate flooring between different rooms. These strips come in various materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, and are designed to provide a smooth transition.
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.
Yes, you can absolutely put two different wood floors next to each other. This can create an interesting design effect or help define different areas within a larger space. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when doing this:
Using Transition Pieces and Thresholds Between Rooms
Whether dealing with a change in direction or using different materials between rooms, the use of a threshold or a transition strip will almost always be a requirement. That's because every flooring material requires some sort of finishing along the edge.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with using multiple types of flooring in one house. Doing so can help create distinct looks in separate rooms and give you more ways to mix and match as you decorate. If one room is more likely to suffer from water damage, for example, you might want to use tile in that area.
Transition strips provide an aesthetically-pleasing way to accommodate the shift from one type of flooring to another (e.g., carpet to tile, tile to hardwood, etc.). Not only that, but transition strips can prevent trip-and-falls by making it easy to see where the floor type changes.
Yes, your manufacturer will void your warranty if you do not use transitions at breaking points like doorways and long runs that they state “are too long”.
In some cases, you may want each room to feel separated from the other. If you make the direction of the planks flow perpendicular to doorways, you can achieve a clear-cut separation without having to change flooring materials between rooms.
Apply one, long, steady bead of Loctite® PL PREMIUM MAX to both the T-strip and the floor. Loctite® PL PREMIUM MAX works on wood, laminate, drywall, concrete, brick, masonry, stone, marble, metal, stainless steel, fiberglass and more. It's Omar's go-to adhesive for quick fixes he wants to last - like loose T-strips.
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.
Parallel Planks
The direction you install your flooring makes an immense impact on the flow and spatial feel of a room. We recommend placing the planks parallel to the widest wall. This will create an elongated look by drawing attention to the longest portion of the space.
The best solution for uneven flooring is a latex floor screed. It is a powder mix that you can pour down on the uneven flooring and let it settle down by itself. Then you can use the wooden screen to even out the floor. A self-levelling compound like latex floor screed is excellent for a wide range of flooring.
An alternative approach to transitions between flooring materials involves using wide strips of mosaics or pebbles as detailed transition borders.
If you are installing a transition strip along with the flooring, you must leave a space between the two areas of flooring where the transition rail will sit. The width of the gap will depend on the individual rail and should be measured and marked before you install the flooring, but it is typically around one inch.
What is the difference between T-molding and reducer? A reducer occurs when a higher hard surface meets a lower one, like when hardwood meets vinyl. T-molding, on the other hand, is used to smoothly transition between two floors of the same height.
A seam binder, or transition strip, is a thin strip of wood or metal that covers the gap between your floors. Lay the seam binder over the gap between your floors and trim it to size with a saw. Then, just screw the seam binder into the subfloor.
Stick to two or three coordinated flooring materials total to retain a unified flow. For example, combining stone, wood and carpet can start to look busy if used broadly across rooms. Pay special attention to transition zones by avoiding abrupt seams or staining color mismatches.
The purpose of a floor transition is to not only make a cleaner looking seam between different types of flooring, but also to protect the edges of your flooring from damage due to wear and tear and foot traffic.
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.
Striking Contrasts: The Beauty of Natural Stone
Natural stone stands tall as an outstanding choice when looking for a flooring option that exudes sophistication and provides a stunning contrast to your hardwood floors. Materials like marble, granite, or slate create a sense of luxury and unparalleled visual impact.
Matching flooring is often recommended because it creates a seamless finish and better flow throughout your home. However, when it comes to interior design rules for flooring, there are no hard and fast rules — if you like mixing flooring or think your interior design could benefit from it, go for it.