Ultimate Guide To Installing Transition Strips On Concrete
The thin, stiff strip of metal or wood that smooth's the transition from carpet to another form of flooring—typically tile, wood, laminate, or linoleum—is known as a carpet transition strip. To stop damage to the floors and stop people from falling and being hurt, it covers the area where the two types of flooring converge. One of the final tasks when changing flooring is to install carpet transition strips, but it can be difficult. Usually, they are fastened into the floor, but what if the concrete foundation is beneath? Transition strips serve to avoid potential trips and falls by bridging the space between two floors. When placed in a doorway, they can also reduce noise in adjacent rooms. Unlike to other floor types, installing transition strips on concrete or concrete subfloor involves a few more steps, but it's still a simple DIY project that the majority of people can finish in an afternoon.
Tools & Supplies Needed
- Tape measure & Handsaw
- Hacksaw & Power Drill
- Construction Adhesive
- Transition Strip & Screws
- Masonry Drill Bit & Anchors
Step 1: Prepare To Install Transition Strips
- Before start, carefully measure your strips to make sure they are the right length for your project. Making measurements and bringing them with you to the hardware store will allow the staff to cut the transition strip for you. Use a miter saw if any additional adjustments are required.
- Your transition strip might already include holes or markings for where to place the screws, depending on the material. If not, you will have to create them on your own. In either case, precisely indicate with a pencil where you will drill holes into your concrete using a tape measure.
- Then, put on safety goggles and drill holes broad enough for your screws in the concrete using a hammer drill and a carbide drill bit. drill to a depth of 1.5 inches. After you're done drilling, clean up any dust and debris using a vacuum. Debris left behind could get caught under the transition strip for a very long period.
Step 2: Measure The Area
- The length of the space where the transition strip will be installed can be determined using a tape measure. Measure the distance between the two door jambs if it is in a doorway. You should measure the complete length of the seam between the two floors, which is often measured from wall to wall, if you're joining two rooms without a doorway.
Step 3: Cut The Metal Rail
- Your transition strip might be a metal rail that stands alone, or it could have a vinyl or wood covering that is fastened to it by a metal rail below. In either case, cut the metal rail according to the first step's measurements. Mark off the exact dimensions on the rail with a marker, then cut the rail to size with a handsaw.
Step 4: Glue Or Screw The Rail To The Concrete Subfloor
- The metal rail can be fastened to your subfloor using screws or construction adhesive. The transition strip will be more secure if screws are used, which is excellent for high-traffic areas. Since your transition strip won't have any holes or screws, employing construction glue provides a more streamlined appearance. Installations using construction glue are also easier.
- If you're using glue to attach your rail to the subfloor, all you have to do is spread the adhesive on the rail's back and push it over the seam. Hold it down firmly for approximately 30 seconds.
- If you're screwing the rail down, place it over the seam and indicate the location of the rail's floor-facing holes with a marker. After that, put a masonry drill bit in your power drill; the appropriate size will depend on your transition strip. After making your marks, drill pilot holes through them, and then place anchors in the holes. Lastly, place your transition strip on top and insert the screws into the anchors and designated holes on the strip.
Step 5: Cut The Transition Strip
- If your transition strip is made of metal and is not covered with vinyl or hardwood, you can skip this step. But, if you have a cover for it, cut it to the correct length with a hacksaw. This will be the same length that you measured in step two. After that, place the cover atop your metal rail and secure it with a snap.
Step 6: Install Your Transition Strips
- Place the transition strips on top of the space between the two types of flooring to start the actual installation process. Ensure that the holes in the strip are precisely positioned over the holes in the concrete. Keep in mind that this is a precise task, so even the slightest misalignment might be evident. The concrete screws should be carefully inserted through the transition strip and into the drilled holes using a screwdriver. Here is your last opportunity to fix anything that seems out of place.
- Apply a small coating of glue to the floor and a second thin layer to the transition strip if you're using construction adhesive. Put it in place slowly and carefully, then press down for about a minute. Painter's tape should be used to protect the transition strip so it doesn't move while the glue dries for at least a day. The installation of your transition strip is then complete once you remove and discard the tape.