Laying Laminate Flooring Around a Tile Entryway

Casing Strip

• 1

  Confirm that a casing strip will work by sitting one end of a level on top of the laminate area and the other end on top of the tile area. If the surfaces are level, you can use the casing strip technique.

• 2

  Measure the length from edge to edge between the tile and the laminate, and the width for the casing strip. Subtract ¾-inch from the length measure to provide an expansion gap for the left and right edges of the casing strip.

• 3

  Apply glue to the subfloor and install the casing strip. Use a jigsaw, if needed, to undercut any existing framing, such as baseboards or molding. Leave a 3/8-inch space between the bottom of the baseboard and the top of the casing strip to serve as an expansion gap.

T-transition

• 4

  Measure the length between the tile and the laminate for the transition piece with a tape measure. Subtract 3/4-inch from the measurement to allow for an expansion gap on the left and right ends of the T-transition piece.

• 5

  Lay the track in the transition space area. Use a T-square to make sure that the track is positioned straight. Make marks inside the holes of the track with a pencil at 1-foot intervals, or as close as possible, based on how the holes line up.

• 6

  Use a hammer drill to drill holes into the subfloor material at your marking points with a ¼-inch masonry bit. Drill down about 1 1/2 inches.

• 7

  Insert 1/4–inch wooden dowels into the marks for the drill holes. Use a hammer to tap each dowel into place. Break off the top of each dowel with a chisel so it is flush with the top of the track.

• 8

  Put the T-transition track into place. Use 1 1/2-inch screws to screw the track into place. Do not over tighten the screws initially. Wait until all screws are attached, then go back and tighten each screw.

• 9

  Measure and cut the T-transition piece with a miter saw. Lay the T-transition piece on top of the track to see if you will need to make any adjustments on the ends. If so, make the cuts with a jigsaw. Allow a 3/8-inch expansion gap between the bottom of the baseboard or other molding material, and the top of the T-transition piece.

• 10

  Center the T-transition piece above the track, and lower and snap it into the track. Use a rubber mallet to tap on the piece so that it snaps in firmly to complete your tile to laminate transition project.