If you are installing tile in your home, you may come to a point where you must transition to another type of flooring. There are a variety of options available.
The easiest way to transition from tile to any other type of floor is with a specialty transition strip. These types of strips are permanently installed under the edge of the tile, making them a very sturdy part of the process. It is possible to make the transition to flat floors, such as laminate or vinyl plank, or even to carpeting.
As you will see in this article, there are many options available for transitioning from tile to another type of floor. Many of these involve a Reno type of product, and you will have to choose the one that is best for the application.
There are also instances in which you must use another type of transition strip. This is especially important if you are going to change to another flooring at some point in the future because the transition strip that fits under the tile is so permanent.
In either case, there is going to be an option that will help to make the transition to another flooring type flawless. As long as you choose the one that is right for your type of floor, you would be surprised by how well it will work.
How To Transition Tile To Laminate/Carpet/Linoleum/Vinyl Plank
The primary type of transition strip used for the purpose of transitioning from tile to another floor is a Reno-style strip. These provide a variety of finishing profiles, allowing you to transition to a lower elevation or even to a different surface, such as carpeting.
Below are some of the more common types of strips that you may use. All of these are installed underneath the tile, so they are a permanent part of the floor. It is possible to break away the strip if you change the adjoining floor, but it isn’t ideal.
Reno TK – This is one of the more popular types of transition strips for tile. It is installed with the base piece under the tile and then it meets the adjoining floor, which is typically at a lower level. The Reno TK allows for a smooth transition to a lower level so you avoid tripping hazards.
Reno U – This type of product, which is also known as a ramp or a ramp K also allows for the transition to a different elevation from tile. One of the reasons people choose this particular option is because it is extra heavy duty compared to other Reno products.
Reno T – Like many types of T moldings, the Reno T allows you to span the distance between two different floors that are of a similar height. For example, you can use a Reno T to transition from tile to vinyl and it allows the vinyl to float, expand, and contract.
Reno Deco – There are a variety of other styles available, giving you plenty of options to choose a decorative edge that will span the space between two different types of floors.
There are also a variety of options available that will protect the edge of the tile but won’t necessarily make the transition to another type of floor. These provide more of a spacer option and then you move to the other type of floor without actually covering the edge.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of transition strips before you make your decision. Since you are installing them under the tile, they will be a permanent part of the floor and are not easily removed or replaced.
How To Transition Tile To Laminate
You have options when it comes to transitioning from tile to laminate. Some are permanent and others are easily removed.
The most common and best option for transitioning from tile to laminate is a T molding strip. These strips bridge the gap and, since laminate and tile are of similar elevations, you don’t typically need to adjust for elevation. You can install the channel between the two floor types and install the T molding to allow for the laminate to float.
If you are using the T molding between laminate and tile, you must allow enough gap between the T molding channel and the laminate so the laminate floor doesn’t buckle. You would also not attach the T molding to the laminate with adhesive.
If you are installing it on a wood subfloor, you can use tacks to hold down the T molding channel. Screws can also be used, but these tend to bind the channel and you may need to trim out part of the molding to allow it to fit properly.
Another option is to use a Reno T-type transition strip. This is very similar to a team molding in the way that it looks, but it is a metal strip that is permanently installed under the edge of the tile.
The Reno T makes a very solid transition but it is also permanent. If you are planning on changing the laminate at any time in the future to another type of flooring, it’s better to choose a more temporary transition strip.
Gather the Following Tools:
- Hammer
- Tape Measure
- Drill (to Pre-Drill Holes)
- Rubber Mallet
How To Transition Tile To Carpet
It is possible to transition tile to carpet without using a transition strip. This makes for a very seamless finish.
The process of transitioning from tile to carpet without a transition strip is known as turn and tuck. You turn an inch of carpet under itself, kick it into place, and staple it to the subfloor or a tack strip. When done properly, it makes a seamless edge.
The process of turn and tack is simple, but it is also something that needs to be done properly. Take the following steps to complete the process.
Lay the tile so that it is approximately 1-1 1/2 inches underneath the edge of the carpet. You should then put down a tack strip on the very edge of the tile. This will allow the carpet to be at the same elevation as the tile floor.
Turn the edge of the carpet under itself and use a carpet kicker to push the folded edge tight against the edge of the tile. Adjust as necessary so you have a clean, straight edge without any gap.
Use a staple gun to attach the carpeting to the tack strip. Be cautious not to staple down the nap of the carpet. Work the staple gun through the nap so you are stapling the backing.
Use enough staples to hold the carpet in place and to make a smooth finish. You may need to use multiple Staples in a small area. When finished, it should look as if the two floors blend together.
Gather the Following Tools:
- Hammer
- Carpet Kicker
- Staple Gun
- Tack Strip
How To Transition Tile To Linoleum
When transitioning from tile to linoleum, you need to hide the edge of the tile and adjust for the elevation difference. Here’s how to do it.
A transition strip known as a Reno U is used to transition from tile to another floor at a lower elevation. This would include linoleum. The transition strip is installed under the tile so it is permanently in place. It creates a slope that transitions the elevation of the tile to the elevation of the linoleum and reduces tripping hazards. This product is sometimes known as a Reno ramp.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on January 28, 2022.
A number of factors need to be considered when making this type of transition. One of those factors is if you are keeping the linoleum for the long term.
A Reno transition strip is installed when you install the tile and the edge is underneath the tile. It is not easy to remove the strip once it is in place.
If you are planning on transitioning to another type of floor, you may want to use a standard T molding strip. You can install the channel of the T molding directly against the tile, since it does not expand and contract a noticeable amount.
Gather the Following Tools:
- Reno Transition Strip
- T Molding Transition Strip (Optional)
- Tape Measure
- Drill
- Five in One Tool
- Rubber Mallet
How To Transition Tile To Vinyl Plank
Are you putting down a tile floor and butting up against vinyl plank? Here’s how to make the transition the right way.
When you have a tile floor adjacent to a vinyl floor, the transition is made with a product known as a T molding transition strip. This can either be a standard strip made of wood or you can use a Reno T, which is a metal strip that installs permanently under the edge of the tile.
T molding is used in this case because the elevation of vinyl plank and tile is typically similar. There is not a need to change elevation, so you just need to cover the imperfections along the edge of the tile and the edge of the vinyl.
If you are using a Reno T, it is put in place under the tile as it is being installed. It is more of a permanent feature but it is also beneficial because it does not move and is very difficult to damage.
A standard T molding strip can also be used in this case. You would install the channel for the team holding directly against the edge of the tile floor. Be sure to leave enough space for expansion next to the vinyl floor.
Gather the Following Tools:
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on January 28, 2022.
- Hammer
- Tape Measure
- Rubber Mallet
- Straight Edge
- Five in One Tool
- Drill
- Masonry Bits
When installing a tile floor and transitioning to any other type of floor, you would often use a transition strip for that purpose. These can either be permanently installed under the edge of the tile or you can install a molding strip with a channel that fits between the tile and the adjacent floor.
Since you are working on proper transitioning tile to laminate, carpet, linoleum or vinyl plank. You might also need to consider how to transition tile to hardwood, doors, stairs and concrete.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on January 28, 2022.