Selecting the Correct Laminate Flooring Transition
The use of the proper laminate molding or “moulding” covers the expansion gap and gives your laminate flooring that finished look. The expansion gap reduces the opportunity for future floor failure. There is a variety of laminate moulding and transitions. T-Molding, Stair Nose, Reducer Strip, 1/4- Round, Threshold, and Wall Base. Always read the manufacturer’s installation instructions to determine where and what type is required.
“T” Style Transition
T- laminate molding: Used in doorways or entryways to finish the space between two pieces of laminate flooring. Add expansion space to divide large rooms. Cover this space with a T-molding or similar transition. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. T-Molding is a good choice where you have two floor surfaces that are nearly the same height. For laminate-to-carpet transitions, a T-molding can be used.
Reducer Transition
Reducer laminate molding is used to transition laminate flooring to other floors of different heights. Used with carpet, vinyl, ceramic tile, and hardwood. Reducers are sloped on one side. This type of molding usually secures to a track.
Stair Nose
Stair nose laminate molding is available for overlap and flush mount applications. Flush Stair nose finishes the flooring edge at staircases, step-downs, and landings. Overlap Step nose: Used where the flooring meets a step-down or landing. The function of the Stair Nose is to create an attractive threshold. Stair nosing catches the traffic impact and adds a finished appearance to a step.
Threshold (Baby)
Baby threshold transitions is used on sliding glass doors, along wall bases, door thresholds, fireplaces, closets, carpet, and against exterior doorways. The baby threshold serves as a transition between the flooring and the threshold. This is a versatile trim adaptable to a slight vertical height difference.
Wall Base – Base Board
Baseboard, also known as wall base, is the trim at the bottom of an interior wall. Wall base is typically made of wood, MDF, or PVC, and available in several styles and sizes. The thickness you will need will be determined by the size of the expansion gap you need to cover. If the wall base is already installed, you will need to use a quarter round to cover the expansion gap.
Quarter Round
Quarter Round: Used much like a Wall Base molding to conceal the required expansion gap between the wall and the laminate flooring. Also, under cabinet toe kicks where a wall base won’t fit. Quarter round is commonly used at vertical objects and the base of a stairs.
Final Thoughts on Laminate Flooring Transitions
As we’ve explored, there’s a wide array of transition moldings designed to complement your laminate flooring installation—each serving a specific purpose while offering aesthetic flexibility in style and color. Whether crafted from wood, MDF, or PVC, these components are readily available from flooring manufacturers, local lumber suppliers, big box retailers, and online sources.
Keep in mind: wherever your flooring meets another surface—between rooms, around fixed objects like cabinets, along walls, or at stair edges—there will be expansion gaps that must be properly covered. Choosing the right transition not only ensures a clean, finished look but also protects the integrity of your installation for years to come.
