How to Install Carpet Wood Floor Transitions
When wood flooring meets carpeting, a transition piece mates the two different surfaces together. Depending on the thickness of the wood flooring and the carpeting, either a universal threshold or a T-molding makes the best transition. Use a T-molding when the compressed carpet and wood floor heights are the same, and a universal threshold when the carpeting is lower than the wood floor. The installation procedures for T-molding or universal thresholds are very similar. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Transition molding
- Miter saw
- 1/4-inch spacers
- Drill with 1/16-inch bit
- 6-d finish nails
- Hammer
- Nail set
- Wood filler
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the edge of the wood floor along which to install the transition. An accurate measurement will provide the best results. Transfer the measurement to the transition molding and mark it for cutting.
-
2
Place the transition strip on the miter saw and align the blade with the cut mark. Cut the strip slightly long and test fit it in place. A tight fit is desirable. If the piece bows up more than one-half inch when you fit it in place, shave a little more off the end with the miter saw.
-
-
3
Place two or more one-quarter-inch spacers along the edges of the wood flooring. Set the transition in place tight against the spacers and over the wood flooring. Draw a light pencil line on the wood flooring along the transition molding. Remove the spacers and replace the molding with the edge that covers the wood flooring aligned with the pencil line.
-
4
Drill pilot holes through the transition molding 1 inch from either end, with more holes spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. Place the holes along the center of the molding such that they will not enter the wood flooring. The wood floor expands and contracts beneath the transition.
-
5
Place a nail in each hole and hammer it down until it is one-sixteenth inch above the molding. Put the point of the nail set on the nail head and tap it with the hammer to fully seat the nail below the transition surface. Add wood filler to the nail holes and smooth with your finger.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The edge of the carpeting installation has tack strips that hold it to the floor for both types of transition strips.
A pneumatic nail finish nailer eliminates the need for drilling holes and makes the holes smaller.
Don't forget the expansion gap or you might find your wood floor warping when the season changes.
References
- Flooring 1-2-3; The Home Depot
