Why They Are Required
Transition strips are necessary for a variety of reasons, for example: (1) To terminate one flooring next to another type of flooring - such as in a doorway from a hardwood floor in one room to carpet in another room. (2) To change directions of plank flooring such as in an L-shaped hallway. (3) To terminate flooring next to walls, fireplaces and exterior doors. (4) To terminate the floor at a level change such as a step. Common to all these reasons, is the necessity to cover the expansion gap that most floors require along the entire perimeter. There are various shapes and they are pictured and described below.
Buy transitions with our 19,000+ item Transition Strip Finder
We have over 19,000 flooring transitions which are color coordinated with 40+ brands of Laminate, Cork, Hardwood and Vinyl (LVP, LVT, WPC, SPC). Brands like Armstrong, Forbo Marmoleum, Karndean, Mannington, Mohawk, Shaw and more. Moldings include Stair Nose, Reducer, End Cap, T-Molding, Threshold, Base Shoe and Multi-Function.
Note: The images/illustrations shown below are descriptive only. The actual shape will vary by manufacturer.
Wall Base (a.k.a. Baseboard)
Baseboard or Wall Base is used to cover the expansion gap along the perimeter walls. It can be any shape that pleases you aesthetically, as long as it is thick enough at the base to cover the required expansion gap.
Quarter Round (a.k.a. Base Shoe, ¾-Round, Shoe Molding)
This has the same use as a Wall Base - to cover the expansion space along the perimeter. It is often used in tight spaces like the toe kick underneath kitchen cabinets.
T-Molding (a.k.a. Expansion Molding)
The T-Molding is used as a bridge between two floors of approximately equal height. T-moldings are typically used in doorways without thresholds (with the same flooring on each side of the doorway) or in L-shaped rooms or hallways, when you want to change the direction of the planks.
Reducer
Reducers provide a transition to another floor with a lower height. For example, a Reducer would be used from a Hardwood Floor to bare concrete in a doorway leading to a garage.
End Cap (a.k.a. Square Nose, Threshold, Carpet Reducer)
End Caps are typically used at exterior doorways, around fireplace hearths, at sliding patio doors, at closet door tracks and next to carpeting.
Step Down (a.k.a Bull Nose, Stair Nose)
This molding creates an attractive threshold and provides the proper overhang for a transition from one floor level to another, such as a step into a sunken room or a landing.
VersaEdge Stair Nosing
The VersaEdge stair nosing is a unique and adaptable stair transition. VersaEdge works with a variety of floor thicknesses and can accommodate overlap, lock down or flush mount installation methods. It works equally well for an entire stairway (flush mount) or a single step like a sunken room or landing (overlap).
Slim Trim Multi-Function
The Slim Trim is a low-profile multi-function transition strip that can work as a Reducer, T-molding or End Cap and is available for many brands.
5-in-1 Multi-Function (a.k.a. Incizio, InstaForm Profile)
This ingenious multi-function molding comes with a cutting tool which enables you to change it's shape into different varieties (T-molding, End Cap, Reducer, Carpet Threshold). Also, it can become a Stair Nosing when combined with the stair base sub-profile. It is exclusive to Mohawk, Pergo and Quick-Step flooring.
Track
An optional plastic or metal channel that provides a secure attachment point for transitions.
