No More Tripping! DIY Floor Transitions from Kitchen to Living Room
Open floor plans are popular for creating a seamless flow between rooms like the kitchen and living room. But this stylish design often comes with an annoying downside - going from tile to hardwood or other flooring can create safety hazards from shifting floors. Gaps, uneven surfaces, and height differences between types of flooring often lead to trips, stumbles, and falls in high traffic areas. Poor transitions between rooms also allow dirt and moisture to get trapped, damaging floors over time.
Luckily, it’s easy to fix potentially dangerous flooring transitions with some simple DIY techniques. Let’s walk through how to install the right threshold strips for a smooth, safe transition between tile, hardwood, carpet, and other popular floors.
Why Proper Flooring Transitions Matter
Open floor plan homes are popular for their airy, spacious feel that allows rooms like the kitchen and living room to blend together seamlessly. But this stylish design often comes with an annoying downside - transitioning between tile, hardwood, and other flooring types can create safety hazards if not done properly.
Gaps, uneven surfaces, and height differences greater than 1/4 inch where two floors meet lead to trips, stumbles, and falls. This poses a hazard, especially for kids and seniors in high traffic areas.
Moisture and dirt also easily get trapped between poorly joined flooring, which can damage surfaces over time. Preventing these problems starts with understanding flooring transition basics.
Flooring Transition Basics
What is a Threshold Strip?
Threshold strips, also called transition strips or reducers, are materials used to cover the seams where two different flooring surfaces meet. They create a smooth, even bridge across the floors to eliminate height differences.
Some common types of threshold strips include:
- T-molding - For minimal height differences
- Reducer strips - Gradually taper floors of differing heights
- Carpet trim - Joins carpet and other surfaces
- Stair nosing - Covers edge of floor at top of stairs
Benefits of Proper Flooring Transitions
Installing the right threshold strips provides several benefits:
- Creates seamless transitions between flooring surfaces and heights
- Prevents dangerous tripping on uneven surfaces
- Allows for expansion and contraction of floors
- Protects flooring edges from damage
- Stops debris from getting lodged and causing damage
Where are Transitions Needed?
Anywhere floors meet, you likely need a transition strip. This includes:
- Doorways between rooms
- At connections between rooms with different flooring
- Top and bottom of stairs
- Any change in flooring surface material
Transitioning Tile to Hardwood Floors
One very common scenario is transitioning from ceramic or porcelain tile in the kitchen to hardwood floors in an adjoining living room or dining room. Here are some tips for a smooth connection.
Measuring Floor Height Differences
First, carefully measure the difference in height between the tile and hardwood surfaces using a threshold gauge or tape measure. Note the thickness of both floorings. Calculate the total change in height you need to account for with your transition strip.
Picking the Right Threshold
For a large height difference, use a vinyl or metal reducer strip that gradually tapers down from the tile to the hardwood. For minimal height change, pick a t-molding strip in a color that coordinates with both floors.
Installation Tips for Reducers
Follow these tips for a smooth, seamless installation:
- Thoroughly clean the flooring connection point
- Use construction adhesive for stability
- Face-nail strip to secure it
- Caulk trim edges for a cleaner look
Reducing Trip Hazards
To further reduce the chances of tripping, take these extra precautions:
- Start with an even subfloor
- Keep floor heights as close as possible
- File any lips or ledges completely smooth
- Opt for longer transition strips when possible
Tile to Carpet Transitions
Going from tile to plush carpet also takes some special considerations. Use a tapered carpet strip designed to transition from hard surfaces to soft carpeting. Tuck the carpet under the metal edge for maximum stability. Anchor it down firmly along the tack strip.
Tile to Vinyl Flooring Transitions
Use a vinyl reducer strip to move from tile down to sheet or vinyl plank floors. A coordinating t-molding can work in some cases as well. Keep in mind floating vinyl floors require extra expansion room under transitions.
Entryway Threshold Options
Front door entryways also often need dedicated transitions. Take the opportunity to upgrade the look with wood, marble, or metal threshold strips. Pay close attention to height differences and width of the entry. Always leave a little expansion room underneath.
When to Call a Professional
While many flooring transitions can be DIYed, consider calling in a flooring pro for:
- Complicated flooring combinations
- If subflooring must be removed and releveled
- If installing all new floors throughout home
Recommended Products
Some top-rated threshold strip brands to look for include TrafficMaster, M-D, Schluter, and Home Depot's in-house brand. Choose wood, vinyl, or aluminum materials. Use colored caulk to match visible trim edges. Construction adhesive adds stability.
By planning flooring and transitions together, carefully measuring, following manufacturer instructions, and using shims and caulk for a clean finish, you can solve annoying flooring transition problems. No more tripping or ugly gaps between rooms!