Transitioning From Laminate Flooring to Linoleum

T Molding With Track

• Named for its shape, T molding consists of a long middle section with two sides to resemble the letter T. The thick center portion resides in the gap between the laminate and linoleum floors. Each side of the T molding rests over the edges of each type of flooring. Each type of flooring needs to have the same thickness for T molding to work properly. If the floors are uneven, the molding will gap and buckle.

T Molding Installation

• The gap between the two flooring types needs to be wide enough for the T mold to fit in somewhat loosely, which allows for the natural expansion of the flooring that occurs over time because of temperature changes. Cut the track to fit inside the gap and install the track with screws or glue if you’re installing the flooring over concrete. Then cut the T molding with a miter saw long enough to fill the whole gap or seam between the laminate flooring and the linoleum. Snap the molding in place for a seamless transition from laminate flooring to linoleum.

Hard Surface Reducer With Track

• When you have flooring of different thicknesses, the transition piece you will need to install where the two surfaces meet is known as a hard surface reducer -- the transition molding will slope or reduce from one side to the other, creating a ramp of sorts that allows for the difference in height. You install this transition piece in much the same way you install a transition molding where the surfaces are level. Leave the expansion joint between the floors when you install a hard surface reducer. Nail or glue the track down and snap the reducer in place.

Measuring

• Before you begin measuring for the transition molding pieces, decide what type of molding you need to install. Measure the doorways and entrances to new rooms. Add 10 percent to your measurement to allow for errors that might occur when you cut the wood. If you have an opening wider than the molding, install two pieces in the slot.