If you’re planning on installing laminate floor in any part of your home, you’ll need to consider transition molding. Without this crucial part of the floor, you’ll run into a number of problems down the road. Continue reading to learn more about transition molding and why it’s so important.

What is transition molding and what is its purpose?

In simple terms, transition molding helps one type of floor seamlessly transition into another, and covers up and protects unfinished edges. Transition moldings can also help with safety by eliminating the risk of tripping between two different types of flooring, such as a thick carpet and smooth laminate or hardwood floor.

Not only does it help flat flooring transition from room to room, but also helps flooring transition to the walls. Usually, when flooring is installed, there is a gap between the wall and the edge of the flooring called an expansion gap. Installing transition molding can clean up the edge and give the transition from floor to wall a smooth look.

What are some types of transition molding?

There are many different types of transition molding for any type of flooring situation you may run into. The most common you’ll see between two types of floor is a T-molding. This is the easiest type of transition molding to recognize because of its “T” shape, and it’s meant to be either installed with tracks and screws or glued or nailed to the subfloor.

Reducer Moldings are another popular transition molding because they help two different floorings of different thickness come together to transition smoothly. Baseboard and quarter-round moldings are usually used together around the edge of a room. Baseboard will be installed at the base of the wall, just above the floor, and then quarter-round molding will be placed at the bottom of the baseboard to cover up the expansion gap. With quarter-round molding you’ll want to pay close attention to what the moisture level will be in the room you’re installing in because you’ll want to get a molding that’s mildew resistant.

If you’re redoing the flooring in your home, and need advice when it comes to transition moldings, contact PT Floors today. We can go through all your options and help you make the right decision. Give us a call today at 401-766-8252, or visit our website to learn more about our services.

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