How to Install Laminate Floor Covering on Curved Surfaces With Transitions

Transitioning from laminate floating floors to another surface isn't always difficult -- until you throw a curve into the mix. To put a transition molding around a curve, you'll need a flexible molding or a custom-made curved transition piece. A handful of companies specialize in either flexible or custom-made transition pieces, so you'll have to choose which route to go. The custom-made pieces are more expensive and can quickly tear through a flooring budget. Cutting the curves in the laminate isn't difficult with a jigsaw.

Curved or flexible transition molding
Measuring tape
Tracing paper
Jigsaw
Construction adhesive
Nailer
Nails

Instructions

- 1
  Measure and mark the required distance for your desired trim with a pencil. Transition moldings have a required distance between the two flooring surfaces for the molding to sit in. Depending on the flooring type, this will vary and will be included in the manufacturer's detailed instructions.
- 2
  Install the laminate flooring up to the mark per the manufacturer's instructions.
- 3
  Lay out the first plank that butts up to the curve without installing it.
- 4
  Trace the curve that hits the plank onto a piece of paper to make a template.
- 5
  Trace the template on the back of the plank with a pencil, ensuring the template is in the correct position for the plank.
- 6
  Cut the curve with a jigsaw and install the plank to the rest of the floor.
- 7
  Continue cutting the planks as needed as you come to them during your installation.
- 8
  Apply a medium serpentine bead of construction adhesive to the back or bottom of the transition piece.
- 9
  Press the transition molding into place.
- 10
  Nail the transition piece with a nailer in the spacing increments recommended by the manufacturer.
- 11
  Cover the nail holes with putty and finish by coloring the putty with a matching touch-up marker.

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