How to Transition From Carpeting to Hardwood Floors

The point at which a carpeted surface meets an uncarpeted surface or carpet from a second room is called a transition point. The method of making the transition varies depending on the two surfaces. Where carpet transitions with a hardwood floor, the transition is commonly made by tucking the carpet into the edge of the floor. To secure the carpet in place, a tackstrip is used. The result is a smooth appearance that does not require a carpet bar used to make a transition to a vinyl or tile floor.

Measuring tape
Carpet tackstrip
Metal snips
Nails
Hammer
Marker
Utility blade
Knee kicker tool
Stair tool

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length of the edge of the hardwood floor, where the carpet meets the floor, with a measuring tape.
- 2
  Cut a length of carpet tackstrip equal to the distance found in Step 1 with metal snips.
- 3
  Measure the thickness of the carpet with a measuring tape.
- 4
  Position the tackstrip against the floor, leaving a gap between the tackstrip and the wood floor equal to 2/3 of the thickness of the carpet. For example, if the carpet is 3/4 inches thick, position the tackstrip so that a gap of approximately 1/2 inches exists between the edge of the tackstrip and the edge of the wood floor.
- 5
  Secure the tackstrip to the floor by driving nails through the tackstrip with a hammer.
- 6
  Roll the carpet over the tackstrip and mark the edge of the carpet approximately 1/8 inches past the point where the carpet meets the floor with a marker. This extra 1/8 inches is what is tucked between the tackstrip and the wood floor.
- 7
  Expose the back of the carpet and draw a cutline across the back of the carpet starting with the mark made in Step 6.
- 8
  Cut through the back of the carpet with a utility blade to remove the excess material.
- 9
  Stretch the carpet towards the tackstrip with a knee kicker tool. The teeth of the tool grip the carpet. Tap on the tool's knee pad with the top of your knee to drive the carpet towards the tackstrip.
- 10
  Press the carpet into the tackstrip.
- 11
  Tuck the edge of the carpet into the 1/8 inch gap that exists between the tackstrip and the edge of the wood floor with a stair tool.

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Carpeting