Installing Hardwood To Carpet T-Molding (Transition Pieces)
The gaps between two distinct types of flooring, such as hardwood and carpets, are covered by transition pieces, which are thin strips of molding. Depending on the type of flooring and height of the two floors, flooring manufacturers have developed a variety of transition strips. Use the T-molding transition strip for this kind of installation. T-molding has two flanges that lie on both sides of the flooring and fits into the tiny space between the floors. Use a T-molding assembly with a track installation to change your home's flooring from carpet to hardwood.
Thing's Needed
- Measuring Tape & Saw
- Metal-Cutting Scissors & Utility Knife
- Electrical Tape, Tack Strip For Carpeting & Hammer
- 1 1/2-Inch Nails & Carpet Kicker
- 1/2-Inch Wood Screws & Power Screwdriver
Step 1: Measure The Exact Length Of The Doorway Or Hallway
- The exact distance between the two types of flooring between a doorway or hallway should be measured. The length of the wood T-molding strip and the metal track were measured and cut. Electrical tape should be used to secure the rolled-up carpet and pad edge.
Step 2: Measure & Cut A Tack Strip For The Area Between The Two Floors
- Measure and cut a tack strip for the space between the two floors. The carpet is held in place by a tack strip's tiny metal hooks, which stop the carpet from moving from its location on the subfloor. In order to prevent the tack strip from making touch with the door frame or walls, measure the tack strip so that there is a 1/4-inch space on either side of the width of the doorway or corridor.
- In the space between the two flooring types, attach the tack strip to the exposed subfloor, leaving a gap of about 1/2 inch between it and the edge of the hardwood flooring. Place with a hammer.
Step 3: Roll The Carpet Pad Lightly Back Onto The Tack Strip
- Do not press the carpet pad firmly into the tack strip; instead, roll it back onto it. Trim the pad along the edge of the tack strip with the utility knife so that it does not rest on the strip. Because the pad is excessively thick, the carpeting won't adhere to the strip as well. Take off the pad's cut edge.
- Over the tack strip, place the carpet lightly. With the carpet kicker, stretch the carpet onto the tack strip and over it. Put the carpet kicker about 6 inches from the carpet's edge. Then, with your knee, kick the kicker by pressing down on the handle. When you move through the entryway or hallway, stretch the carpet over the tack strip.
Step 4: Press The Carpeting Securely Onto The Strip
- The tack strip should be underneath the carpeting, so lightly tap the hammer there. The carpet is firmly pressed against the strip as a result of this motion.
- Remove the additional carpeting that faces the hardwood flooring and extends past the edge of the tack strip. Between the carpet and the edge of the hardwood flooring, you need to leave a space of 1/2 inch of exposed subflooring.
Step 5: Ensure The Molding Sits Snugly In The Track
- Put the metal track with one side softly against the carpet that covers the tack strip onto the subfloor between the two flooring kinds. As a result, there will be about a 1/4-inch gap between the metal track's edge and the edge of the hardwood floor. The hardwood floor can contract and extend as needed thanks to the gap.
- Wood screws are used to fasten the metal track to the subfloor between the two flooring kinds. Use the metal track's predrilled holes as a guide for the screws. Incorporate the T-vertical molding's end into one end of the metal track. Insert it with a snap. Snap the molding into the floor-length track in the same manner. To ensure that the molding fits snugly in the track, apply considerable pressure.