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How To Transition Tile To Hardwood/Doors/Stairs/Concrete

When installing a tile floor, you may come to a point where you have to make the switch to a different type of floor. This transition should be as seamless as possible.

By and large, the best way to make a transition from a tile floor to another type of floor is by using a transition strip. These are made specifically for tile, and they are a permanent part of the floor. Reno transition strips make it possible to seamlessly bridge the gap between two different floor types.

Hardwood floor in the bedroom

Of course, there is going to be a difference when you make the transition from tile to hardwood in comparison to another type of floor, such as concrete. You want to make sure that you make the best decision so that it looks as good as possible.

Although looks are important, it is also a safety matter as well. It is rare that you will have two different types of floors that are at the same elevation and even a little change in height can create a tripping hazard.

Most of the transition strips that are used to bridge the gap between two different types of floors can also be used to ramp the floor from one elevation to another.

Let’s consider some of the options.

By the way just as a reminder we have this is partner article How to Transition Tile To Laminate, Carpet, Linoleum or Vinyl Plank we think having this article is a must if you have/are considering tile there should be a complete list of flooring types you eventually need to transition to.

How To Transition Tile To Hardwood/Doors/Stairs/Concrete

Don’t automatically lock yourself in on a single type of transition strip. When you are talking about transitioning from tile, you have options to be considered.

One of the more common options is using a strip that is permanently installed under the edge of the tile. This is installed during the tile installation, and once it is in place, it is in place permanently.

A benefit of using this type of strip is the fact that it is heavy-duty. Although many transition strips will work just fine in a home environment, there may be times when you want to take things up a notch.

Heavy-duty transition strips are commonly used in parts of the home where there is a lot of foot traffic. For example, coming in and out of the garage is a good place to have a permanent transition strip in place. The same would also be true at the edge of the mudroom or in a laundry room.

That isn’t to say, however, that you shouldn’t consider a standard type of T molding transition strip. These can be used to bridge the gap from tile to any other type of floor, both horizontally and vertically.

In the end, it is really up to the homeowner to decide which type of transition strip will be best. Just make sure that you consider your options so that you have the strip in place that will be right for your needs.

How To Transition Tile To Hardwood

Man fixing the floor

When a tile floor comes up against a hardwood floor, the transition is often a simple one. It isn’t necessary, in most cases, to consider the vertical difference.

Transitioning from a tile floor to a hardwood floor is done with the use of the Reno T transition strip. This transition strip is made of metal and is permanently installed under the edge of the tile as it is laid. It will cover both the edge of the tile to protect it and cover the edge of the wood floor to make for a seamless finish.

The primary benefit of transitioning from tile to hardwood is the fact that you don’t have to adjust for elevation. In most cases, if there is an elevation difference, it is going to be slight enough that you can use a standard T molding strip.

On the other hand, if you are dealing with a significant elevation difference, that doesn’t mean that you are out of options. Many standard T molding strips will also adjust for elevation.

There are also Reno strips available that will work the same as the Reno T but they adjust for elevation with a small ramp. Why is that of benefit?

First of all, Reno products are permanently in place so they are heavy duty. The small ramp is often enough to bridge the elevation difference and eliminate any stumbling hazard.

If you’re going to install a standard T molding transition strip, leave a slight gap between the edge of the hardwood and the channel. This will allow for some expansion if the moisture content in the room changes.

Have the Following Tools Available:

  • Hammer
  • Straight Edge
  • Hacksaw
  • Rubber Mallet

How To Transition Tile To Doors

Man fixing the floor

Are you installing tile and need to install it at a door? It is easy to do once you understand the process.

Installing tile at a door is possible when you cut the base of the doorjamb to the height of the tile plus the thin-set. After cutting the doorjamb, you can install the tile by inserting it under the edge so that the cut edge is not visible.

There is something else to keep in mind when installing a door. This is especially important if you are coming up against a different type of floor, such as carpeting or vinyl.

Most people tend to install the tile so that it completely covers the doorjamb but in reality, it should be stopped in the center of the door. This makes for the most seamless look when changing from one floor type to another.

If you are continuing the tile from one room to another, there is no need for you to cut the tile at the center of the door. Simply continue with the tile seamlessly from one room to the next.

For transitioning to another type of floor, you would use a transition strip for that purpose. A Reno strip is one of the most common for use with tile because it is installed under the edge of the tile and makes a permanent transition from one floor to the next.

Have the Following Tools Available:

  • Doorjamb Saw
  • Rubber Mallet
  • Broom and Dust Pan
  • Shop-Vac
  • Screwdriver or Five in One Tool
  • Scrap Wood Slightly Higher Than the Tile

How To Transition Tile To Stairs

Man fixing the floor

Are you putting in tile and need to transition to stairs? This is possible with a nosepiece.

A nosepiece is a strip used at the top of the stairs to transition from a tile floor to any type of floor on the stairs. These types of nose pieces are typically made from wood or laminate but they can also be made from tile in some cases. Getting things to line up properly is the key to success.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on January 29, 2022.

In order to set things up properly for this transition, you need to leave some space between the edge of the tile floor and the top of the stairs. Depending upon the type of flooring you use on the stairs, it may also be necessary to add some backing to the riser so there is not a nose.

If you are using laminate or wood for the stairs, it is best if you use that type of material to transition from the tile to the stair. Most of those transmissions are made by the manufacturer so they match the color and style of the wood or laminate perfectly.

The same is also true for vinyl flooring. Transitioning from vinyl stairs to a tile floor is possible by using a vinyl nose as well.

In any of these cases, the true benefit is the fact that you are covering part of the tile with the nose overlap. This makes up for any imperfections that exist on the edge of the tile. Otherwise, you will have to butt the nose up against the tile and have a clean edge.

If you are using a tile nose, you will have to start at that point and install the floor in the opposite direction. You don’t want to have a cut edge or any imperfections will show.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on January 29, 2022.

Have the Following Tools Available:

  • Hammer
  • Tape Measure
  • Rubber Mallet
  • Five in One Tool
  • Nail Gun
  • Invisible Nails
  • Adhesive (Liquid Nails)

How To Transition Tile To Concrete

Concrete tiles in the living room

The transition from tile to concrete comes with multiple options. In almost every choice, there is a transition strip.

A Reno transition strip provides the easiest and best option for making the transition from tile to concrete. It is installed under the edge of the tile, so it is a permanent fixture but it includes a ramp that will make up for the difference in elevation. This type of transition strip is often referred to as a Reno ramp.

Although Reno makes a great option for making the transition, it is not the only option available. In some cases, you may want more of a gradual transition from the tile to the concrete.

A wide variety of transition strips are available that fit under the edge of the tile and provide a permanent option. If you are able to make the transition with a wider ramp, it will be less of a tripping hazard.

You should also choose a transition strip that closely resembles the floor. You don’t want something that is too contrasting or it will stand out like a sore thumb.

Have the Following Tools Available:

  • Tape Measure
  • Five in One Tool
  • Rubber Mallet
  • Drill
  • Masonry Bits
  • Level (Can Be Used As a Straight Edge)

Making the transition from tile to another type of floor requires the use of the transition strip. These Reno strips are put in place and the tile is laid over them, so they are a permanent part of the floor. A variety is available to suit any need, some of which will even make up for a difference in elevation between the two flooring types.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on January 29, 2022.

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