How to Install Floor Transition Strip

Many components go into a flooring installation. Some of the materials used in flooring projects include padding, underlayment, quarter rounds, baseboards, and transition strips. These elements help piece the whole project together. At Royal Home Flooring, we pride ourselves in providing top-quality flooring and installation services. Our Royal installers have years of experience in the flooring industry, and our Royal Home Family is here to give you insight into our flooring installation procedures. Here, we will explore how to install floor transition strips in your home. 

What is a Transition Strip

Transition strips are narrow pieces of molding that connect two differently leveled flooring together, providing a smooth transition between rooms. Additionally, this piece helps cover any gaps between the two floors and allows for hardwood to expand and contract with humidity and changes in temperature.

Commonly Used Transitions

Many different types of transitions exist and make a seamless appearance in any home. The most common transition strips are:

• T-Bar– Is made out of solid hardwood and holds the shape of a T. Its design helps transition hardwood flooring to another hard surface of similar height. These transitions are either nailed down or glued. 
• Reducer Molding– This transition is typically used when you join two floors that have different thicknesses from one another. These transitions are the most suitable for laminate and vinyl flooring.
• End Bar– An End bar is needed when you need to help bridge the gap between hardwood, laminate, or carpeted flooring. This transition ensures your flooring stays in place and joins two different types of floor that differ in height, similar to the reducer molding.

How to Install Floor Transition Strip

1. Measure the length of the area where the transition is to be installed

2. Measure the length of your transition piece to match the measurement of the area of transition and mark it with a pencil

3. Cut transition piece

The following step may differ depending on which method of installation you choose to proceed with: If choosing the glue-down method, continue to step 4. If using the nail-down method, refer to step 5.

4. Place a bead of adhesive on the floor and slide the transition piece into place. Make sure it’s flushed up all the way, and leave something heavy on it overnight to cure and form a solid bond

5. Line up your transition piece and use a nail gun to nail your transition into the flooring

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