Transitions for thresholds tiles tiles. How to make a technological joint between tiles and laminate
Zoning of the space of the premises is often performed by the device of floor coverings with dissimilar materials. The surface of the kitchen area is covered with ceramic tiles, the floor in the dining room or living room adjacent to the kitchen is finished with laminate. The materials belong to completely different groups of facing products, but they perfectly coexist side by side. To decorate the connecting lines between them, there are sills for laminate and tiles, which can divide the space, at the same time making it whole. They are framed by stair steps, podiums, exits, transitions between rooms from laminate to tile.
Since it is no longer customary to equip door frames with a threshold, the joints of the floors of neighboring rooms are also joined with an additional profile, hiding the gaps. It does not matter if they are made only with laminate or its combinations with ceramic tiles. Docking lines are straight, curvilinear, complex. Floor surfaces can be in the same horizontal plane, with a slight difference in height. There are many strips, profiles that help hide all the transitions, bumps. They can be found on the shelves of almost any building materials store.
In addition to thresholds, there are other ways of joining inhomogeneous elements. It is impossible to accurately determine their effectiveness, but it is necessary to get to know each other better. The transition from tile to laminate can be done using:
- sealants (foams, pastes, mastics) - they can seal seams of any configuration. It is important to choose a sealant that will have good adhesion to tiles and laminate. The connection is almost permanent. This is both an advantage of the method and its disadvantage. If repair work is necessary, the entire floor will have to be dismantled. Since sealants tightly grow together with laminated surfaces, tiles. They can only be used with absolutely the same height of both coatings;
- cork compensators are completely new products that are already popular. If the work is done exactly according to the technology, the transition is neat and beautiful. The installation process is quite simple, the compensator is laid with a conventional screwdriver. Preparatory actions take a lot of time, require special care, since the seam must be obtained along the entire length of the same depth and width. No damage to the edges of the coatings is allowed. This is especially true for laminate.
Sealants 
Cork expansion joints Of all the methods, the most convenient option for joining different quality materials is the threshold between the tile and the laminate. A large number of offers on the market of building structures make it possible to give the floor surface a neat, finished look.
Types of thresholds for laminate and tiles
The classification of connecting elements for joining ceramic tiles and laminate can be performed based on several criteria: materials, purpose, connection methods. The most commonly used raw material is aluminum, plastic, wood, cork, a combination of metal plus rubber are also used. According to its intended purpose, the threshold (this is how even a completely flat element is called) happens:
- traditional, classic, if it is a frame for steps, external corners of the same quality or two different materials. It has the shape of an inner or outer corner. The threshold is usually made of metal, since wood or plastic is not strong enough, stairs need strong profiles. A sufficiently large load from the movement of people and goods falls on the steps, therefore, increased requirements are imposed on the upper coatings;
- edging or leveling - with a small difference in levels for tiles and laminate, the sills are made of metal, equipped with an elastic rubber gasket. It is the rubber layer that compensates for height differences during installation. The result will make itself felt - a fairly flat surface is obtained. If there is a larger difference in height, it makes sense to choose a hard plastic threshold that is suitable for the dimensions of the section;
- decorative overlays that trim the threshold during transitions between rooms. The material is used in the case of joining homogeneous and dissimilar parts. Covers are made from almost any material. If metal is taken, then it can be decorated with a finishing film for the main type of floor, plastic strips are produced in any color, for any texture;
- curvilinear sills - are used when dissimilar surfaces are to be connected with an unusual design solution. The joint can turn out to be beautiful, even only when both floor surfaces are laid on the same level. Aluminum is not useful here, since it is not malleable enough, it is impossible to make arbitrary bends. Therefore, durable plastic, cork, is used. It is not easy to set such a threshold, but it looks very beautiful;
- final ones - they are used when they frame the edges of the hallway covering, at the exit to the balcony, loggia, at the podium. The threshold of this type is very often used as a multi-level one when making a connection between a laminate and a ceramic product.
final 
Decorative 
Classical 
Curvilinear 
Docking There remains one more option for dividing the thresholds into types - the method of connection. According to the cross section, the product can be an integral letter H, a flat bar, as well as a composite letter H, consisting of two T-shaped bars. A profile in the form of a solid letter H, laid on its side, is applied by laying the coating on both sides of the plank. Fastening to the floor is carried out with self-tapping screws. In the latter version, one of the strips is installed from the bottom of the seam, leg up. The second, which has a decorative surface, is mounted on top, then connected with a lower clamp.
Which is better to choose
It is impossible to unequivocally determine which threshold, from which material to choose. For the simple reason that different connection conditions require their own products. According to the constructive solution, the thresholds must be purchased according to the purpose, as well as the intended installation method. Sometimes you need flat pads, corners, sometimes you can’t do without a special profile, sometimes only a cork product can help. If we are talking about the material that is used in the manufacture of thresholds, it is chosen based on the intensity of operation of the floor elements. It should be borne in mind that wooden products, soft plastic moldings are highly susceptible to abrasion, and will quickly cease to serve. Metal profiles are not suitable for creating complex curved joints. Then you need to opt for plastic products, supplemented with rubber material, designed to warm up, bend, take the desired configuration.
Texture, color solutions will not deliver problems, everything is much simpler. There are no restrictions here. Plastic sills are produced in such a wide range of colors that they can satisfy the needs of any design option for decorating the floor, the general interior of the room. Metal products solve the problem a little differently. Designers came up with special film decorations with high wear resistance. They can be matched to the color, texture of the used laminated, tiled surface.
Installation rules
There are two ways of mounting connecting products: open and closed. The first option is used to install metal elements. They call it open because the caps of the fasteners remain in sight, which subsequently need to be painted with the color of the threshold. Fastening is carried out using ordinary plastic dowels, equipped with self-tapping screws. The metal plane for this has holes made at the factory. With a hidden method of fastening the thresholds, the lower part of the profile is first installed, screwing it to the ceiling with self-tapping screws or planting it on strong glue. On this part of the profile there are special clamps for the top bar. The decorative part of the molding snaps into place securely, resulting in a very strong connection.
The floor covering must not completely occupy the gap of the threshold. It is necessary to create an expansion gap that will not allow linear changes in the coating due to temperature changes. Installation steps
Features of the installation of flexible sills
If framing straight thresholds with a corner practically does not cause problems, then the installation of curved joints has some features. They should be considered in more detail. Neither wood nor metal is suitable for these cases because of their inability to bend under any degree. There are two ways to connect laminate flooring and tiles: use cork inserts or a complex plastic profile. The cork is easy to install, but its arrangement requires thorough, thorough preparation. Cork wood compensator cannot close flaws in uneven trimming of laminate or tile edges. In order for the joint to turn out to be neat and beautiful, the gap between different coatings should be no more than two millimeters.
Abutting surfaces of laminate and tiles are located strictly in the same plane. Their edges are carefully aligned, polished, very precisely adjusted to one another.
If ceramic tiles do not cause problems, then laminated boards are difficult to process, they will require additional labor and time. The result is worth it - high-quality cork joints look very beautiful. 
Mount options
For a curved connection, a plastic molding also needs a curved one. With ready-made radii, it is impossible to purchase one. Usually products are sold that have a relatively small bend. To obtain a rail of the required configuration, it must be softened before installation work. This can be done with a building hair dryer or by simply immersing in hot water. After such actions, the material becomes pliable, easily bends according to the specified parameters. This profile has two parts.
The lower part is attached to the floor along the contour of the seam. It is mounted in parallel with the main cover. On the side of the laminated surface, it is necessary to provide a small gap to create an expansion joint. Since the boards can shrink and expand with changes in temperature. Let it be insignificant, but, in order to avoid deformations, this must be done. The upper part is carefully connected to the mounting clips located on the lower element. In order not to damage the surface of the decorative profile and the floor covering, it is necessary to use not an ordinary hammer, but a wooden mallet. Plastic strips are convenient because they can hide a fairly large height difference between the coatings. There are profiles that can bridge the vertical difference between laminate and tile up to 18mm.
Video of installing the threshold between tiles and laminate
In the video you can see how to correctly arrange the joint between the tile and the laminate.
Tiles and laminate are combined for greater practicality of the room and its zoning. For example, in kitchens, kitchen-living rooms, in hallways, as well as under doors. Here are 5 main ways to design a joint (list by degree of popularity):
- With the help of a nut or a docking profile;
- Using a sealant (silicone, acrylic, polyurethane);
- With the help of a cork compensator;
- With the help of interstitial tile grout;
- With a liquid stopper.
In this article, we examined each of these solutions in detail and presented 40 photo examples.
A joint WITHOUT a threshold - how to do it and why sometimes it's better not to take risks
Let's start with a more preferred, but also more complex solution - the junction of tiles and laminate without a threshold.
How to make a junction of tiles and laminate WITHOUT a threshold?
It is possible to join tiles and laminate without a threshold only if ALL of these 5 conditions are met:
- Lay both coverings not in a floating way, but on an adhesive. If the laminate is laid in a floating way (when the lamellas are laid on the substrate and are not glued to the base), then a threshold is indispensable.
- Achieve the same height of tiles and laminate by adjusting the thickness of the adhesive and screed. The maximum error is 1-2 mm. This is the second reason why you need to plan the junction of tiles and laminate without a threshold in advance.
- Make a expansion joint of sufficient width. In order for the laminate to expand and contract naturally, there must be a gap of at least 5 mm between the tile and the laminate (an average of 1 mm of expansion gap is required for each meter of laminate length). Otherwise, the laminate will swell, begin to creak, and the cork may even fly out of the joint.
- The joint should have a length of no more than 3 m, and the room should be no more than 25 square meters. m. After all, the larger the area of \u200b\u200bthe laminate, the greater the compensation gap it needs.
- Trim the laminate very carefully. This requires special equipment and a qualified craftsman, especially if the shape of the joint is complex.
If at least one of these requirements is not met, then the threshold will still have to be set. Do you doubt whether it is worth bothering with a joint without a threshold, or is it better to go the easy way? The advantages of the first solution are obvious: a neat look, no gaps that complicate cleaning, nothing interferes with walking.
The joint of tiles and laminate without a threshold in the interior of the kitchen in Khrushchev
And the absence of a nut is shown if the joint has a complex configuration. For example, if it is too long, radial, wavy or curly (zigzag, with six- or eight-sided tiles). Here are a couple of photo examples of complex joints.
On the other hand, when making a decision, keep in mind that no matter how perfectly the joint is made and no matter how high-quality the laminate is, there is still a risk of swelling. In this sense, the threshold is a more reliable solution.
So, where to start planning the joint:
- If you want to connect tiles and laminate without a threshold, then you need to choose specific materials and a method for designing a joint in advance - before the screed stage. Then some math: add up the thickness of the tile and tile adhesive, and then the thickness of the laminate and its substrate / adhesive. Finally, we calculate the difference between the heights of the two coverings. The task of builders is to level this difference due to the thickness of the substrate, screed and / or glue.
- However, if you have already laid the tiles, but have not yet laid the laminate, then there is still an opportunity to make a single-level floor. Since the tile has a standard thickness, it is laid first, then the laminate can be adjusted under it.
Finally, we talk about 4 ways to design a junction of laminate and tiles without a threshold.
Attention! Whichever of the following methods you choose, when laying the laminate for its thermal expansion, you should leave 5-10 mm indent from the opposite wall (later it will be closed with a plinth).
Method 1. Sealing the joint with tile grout
Pros: Simple, inexpensive and working way. Suitable for difficult joints.
Cons: The grout can crack as the building shrinks. Since the joint between the tile and the laminate is rigid, the expansion gap for the laminate must be left under the baseboard.
Installation: It is possible to fill the seam with grout both during the laying of the floor and after its completion. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- On the screed we draw the markings of the line of the future joint;
- We lay the tiles to the line, cut the unnecessary part and trim it with a grinder;
- We cut the laminate, lay it taking into account the compensation gap, and process the edge with silicone;
- We fill the resulting seam halfway or a little more with sealant and let it dry;
- On top of the sealant, lay the grout in the seam and level it;
- For greater durability of the seam, cover it with a transparent varnish.
- Epoxy grout or polymer grout for porcelain stoneware is especially well suited;
- You can use the same grout that was used to grout the tile joints.
Method 2. Sealing the junction of tiles and laminate with sealant (silicone, acrylic, polyurethane)
Pros: Due to its plasticity, sealants allow you to “walk” a little. For the same reason, the joint between dissimilar coatings does not deteriorate when the building shrinks.
Seam 1.5 mm filled with silicone sealant
Cons: Sometimes silicone sealants harden over time. Only narrow joints with a width of about 5 mm can be sealed with sealant.
- Acrylic sealant can be painted and varnished after drying (unlike silicone).
Installation: In this video you can see the process of bringing tiles and laminate into one plane and the process of making a joint with silicone sealant.
Method 3. Joint with cork compensator
Cork compensator is the most popular alternative to the nut. They can arrange a straight joint, and sometimes a radius one.
- Many designers prefer the cork compensator. And there are those who consider it the same relic of the past, like aluminum profiles.
Pros: Looks good, the joints are very neat. Pressed cork is soft and elastic, so it can allow natural expansion of the laminate/parquet. Due to its naturalness and plasticity, cork expansion joints are particularly suitable for joints between tiles and parquet/parquet board/engineered board.
Cons: higher price, not suitable for curly joints, limited choice of shades, theoretically it can start to crumble due to shrinkage of the house or even fly out of the seam (but, as practice shows, this is unlikely). Another significant drawback is that the elasticity of the cork is not enough to compensate for the expansion of the laminate in spacious rooms (more than 25 sq. M).
- When laying laminate, you can buy a cork compensator to match it and already with varnish. If you are laying parquet / parquet board, then you can buy a cork compensator without any processing (pictured) and sand and varnish it at the same time as the parquet.
When connecting two materials that are different in texture and texture, it is necessary to somehow arrange the place of their connection. In this article, we will discuss how to beautifully join laminate and tile. The methods are different, as are the results.
Where can there be a joint and how best to arrange it
In a modern house or apartment, different floor coverings are used. In places of their connection, height differences are often formed - due to the different thickness of the coating. You can make such a transition beautifully and reliably only by knowing what and how to do it. Most often you have to join tiles and laminate. These are the two most popular types of floor coverings for rooms for various purposes. The junction of tiles and laminate in place occurs in two places:
As you already understood, there are two ways to make a joint between a laminate and a tile - with and without a threshold. The first requires high quality tile trimming, the same gap between the two materials throughout the seam. Only in this case a decent result is obtained. The second one is simpler in execution, does not require special accuracy when cutting material and special skills when performing. But it looks a little "rough".
Docking methods without a nut
When joining tiles and laminate without a threshold, you first need to solve the problem of height difference: due to the adhesive layer, the tile can be higher. Only after that you can start working. Also, the junction will look good if it is carefully processed, the gap will be even.
If two different materials are joined - ceramics and laminate - it is impossible to place them close to each other without a gap. With a change in temperature or humidity, they can increase in size (the laminate “suffers” more from this). The presence of a gap prevents the problem - it allows it to change in size without compromising the integrity of the coating. When joining laminate and tiles without a threshold, this gap is filled with a suitable elastic material.
Whatever material is used for sealing, the edge of the laminate adjacent to it must be treated with a protective compound that prevents moisture absorption. Most often, a sealant is used for this. Better - silicone, which after drying does not lose elasticity and does not turn yellow over time.
Cork compensator
A cork expansion joint can be placed between tiles and laminate. This is a thin strip of cork, which is painted on one side and covered with a layer of protective varnish or finished with a layer of veneer. The second option is more wood surface, you can choose a color that is very similar to your flooring. But they use it more often for joining parquet - it costs a lot.
Dimensions
In addition to the fact that the "face" of the cork compensator is finished with different materials, it can be of different shapes: with or without a chamfer of different types. In addition, the sizes can be different:
Cork compensator of standard length is only good if the joint is under the door. Then its length is sufficient. In other situations, you either have to splice or order.
Mounting
A cork compensator is installed at the junction of tiles and laminate when laying the flooring. When one type is already laid, and the second will only fit. First of all, if necessary, cut the height of the cork - it is not always possible to find the ideal option. Therefore, carefully, with a sharp knife, cut off the excess.
Another preparatory work is finishing the laid edge. Once again, we remind you that it must be even and well processed. Most often, the edge is sanded with sandpaper, aligning the traces of cutting.
A cork compensator is mounted on glue, preferably for wood. Pre-installation site is well cleaned and degreased. Next, the process is:
If everything is done correctly, it turns out a neat, not conspicuous seam. What is good, so you can make out both straight and curved joints.
Grout for joints
If the materials have already been laid, the junction of the laminate and tiles can either be decorated with a threshold or filled with tile grout. We'll talk about the thresholds later, but now we'll discuss how to use the grout.
The edges of the laminate should be smeared with silicone. They can also fill the joint by about 2/3. When the silicone dries, fill the remaining space with diluted grout, level it and wait until it dries.
Simple and effective way. But only if the edges are processed with high quality. For greater color stability and easier maintenance, it is better to cover the seam with a colorless varnish.
cork sealant
Another joint between laminate and tile can be sealed with cork sealant. It is itself a sealant, so this is the only option where the laminate cut does not need to be protected from moisture. Another plus - the dried composition has the color of a cork tree - light brown. If it suits you, you won't have to worry about painting it.
Cork sealant is a mixture of cork wood chips and a water-based binder. Without dyes, after drying, it has the color of a cork - light brown. There are palettes painted in primary colors. Available in polyethylene tubes, can be applied with a closed-type gun (with a container) or a spatula. Can be used to fill joints in floor coverings.
When using this composition, you will most likely have to use a spatula. Therefore, on both sides of the mot seam, we paste masking tape. We clean the seam itself, remove dust. You can work at temperatures above +5°C.
Sealing the junction of tiles and laminate with cork sealant is simple:
After drying, we have a joint of tiles and laminate ready for use. The only drawback is that the base color is not suitable for everyone. And yet - it is necessary to carefully and evenly distribute it immediately after application. Then it will not be possible to align or correct.
With the use of thresholds
It makes sense in three cases to make a joint between a laminate and a tile using thresholds. The first, when the joint is obtained under the door. In this case, the presence of a nut is logical and "does not hurt the eyes." The second option is in the presence of a height difference between the two joined materials. There is simply no other way out.
And the third case. When tiles are laid in the hallway near, and then there is a laminate. Even if their level is the same, it is better to put a threshold here. It rises slightly above the finish and will retain sand and litter, which is inevitably brought in by shoes. This is the option when you can close your eyes to some aesthetic imperfection.
Types of thresholds for joining materials
There are the following thresholds that can be used to close the junction of laminate and tiles:
It just seems like there aren't many options. There are all these sills in different sizes and colors, with different fixing systems. There are a lot of them in big stores.
Installation of a flexible PVC profile
As already mentioned, a flexible PVC docking profile consists of a base and a decorative lining, which is held on it due to the force of elasticity. It must be installed after the tile is laid, but before the installation of the laminate.
First, a base is mounted along the cut of the laid tile. It is attached to dowels or screws. Choose fasteners with flat caps - so that in a twisted state it almost does not protrude and does not interfere with installing the overlay.
The installation process is as follows:
With the help of a flexible PVC profile, it is not difficult to seal the joint of the laminate and tiles. Outwardly, of course, not everyone likes it, but installation is simple.
Video on the installation of thresholds at the junction of laminate and tiles / porcelain stoneware
How to make a threshold between tiles and laminate - choose the best way
To date, it is not difficult to combine two floor coverings in one room at once. The article will discuss how to choose and install a threshold between tiles and laminate with your own hands, while getting the original floor finish.
Closing the seam between tiles and laminate
Modern fashion trends have to finish the floors with the division of the room into functional areas. This is done through the use of several facing materials. The most interesting is the combination of ceramic tiles and laminate.
To harmoniously combine these two coatings, you will need to use a threshold for laminate and tiles so that the joint between the two zones does not stand out. In the photo and during inspection, this element of the cladding will not stand out, but rather complement the originality of the coating.
The joint between two materials is a line and is not always perfectly straight. If it is not closed, then making the seam invisible will be quite difficult. A special decorative threshold will allow you to hide it, as well as compensate for the possible difference in height between adjacent areas of flooring.
Materials for the manufacture of sills
To date, three main types of sills are known, depending on the materials used in the manufacture:
- aluminum- high strength characteristics and wear resistance, low degree of abrasion during operation and good resistance to mechanical stress;
- plastic- mounted together with a rubber backing, which ensures the tightest fit of the nut to the mating surfaces;
- wooden- have less flexibility and tend to dry out, therefore they are less popular, but sometimes their design is ideal for combined coatings.
Threshold configuration classification
As for the parameters, the threshold between the tile and the laminate can be of two types: flexible or straight. If the first is the simplest plate to eliminate the visible rectilinear gap between two floorings, then the curvilinear one is a real accessory for people with design talent, which helps to bring the most non-standard ideas to life.
Existing flexible sills for laminate and tiles can change their laying path along a small radius.
To date, thresholds are supplied for sale in a collapsible form. If earlier it was possible to purchase a threshold and pre-cut it, insert it into the gap, now you will need to first use the substrate, and then fix the decorative strip itself on it.
It is worth remembering the low elasticity of wooden thresholds, therefore it is worthwhile to understand that a flexible threshold for laminate and tiles can only be plastic or aluminum.
Kinds of connection types
There are several basic modifications that laminate and tile thresholds can accept, depending on how the plank is connected to the coating. See also: "How to make a threshold between laminate and laminate - ways".
It is worth highlighting the following options:
The H-shaped threshold for the junction of laminate and tiles is laid in the following sequence:
- The plank is turned over on its side and inserted under adjacent floorings in such a way that a laminate is inserted into one groove of the threshold, and ceramic tiles are inserted into the other.
- The seam formed at the same time on the side of the tile is sealed with grout, and a sealant is used under the laminate. Thus, it turns out that one side of the letter “H” is held by a hook from the bottom of the coating, and the upper one is laid on top of the flooring like a simple metal sill.
There is also a version of the split H-nut, which was created to facilitate the installation process. Separation occurs at the level of the jumper. The lower part is laid under adjacent decks in the same way as described above for a solid element, and the upper part is simply inserted into it.
The process of laying the threshold between tiles and laminate
As for laying the simplest metal nut, the owner can do the work on his own.
To do this, he will have to do the following:
- measure the thickness of the seam at the junction of tiles and laminate;
- mark the stacked bar, taking into account the previously obtained dimensions;
- attach a threshold and mark the intended places for fixing with self-tapping screws;
- drill holes for fasteners, taking into account the sealant, which must first be driven into them;
- screw the screws through the bar into the seals.
If it is not possible to use a puncher with a drill and a thickening to take into account the size of the seal, then you can process the joining threshold for laminate and tiles with a larger drill.
As for the screwed self-tapping screws, it is necessary to recess them below the surface of the bar so that they do not cause discomfort during operation. Mistakes made during installation can lead to injury if residents start to stumble on a protruding fastener or an insecure threshold.
It will be more aesthetically pleasing to use hidden fasteners to secure the bar. You can use liquid nails for this. Such an adhesive composition is applied under the threshold for laminate and tiles, a multi-level laying method will not be a problem. In the photo and during visual inspection, such a mount will not be noticeable, which makes the decorative element more original.
You can do without sills to combine different floor coverings, given that the price of such decorative strips is high, but it is not recommended, because without them the work on laying the flooring itself is much more complicated (read: “How to make a junction of tiles and laminate without a sill - options" ). A correctly selected threshold will perfectly fit into the interior of the room and will complete the idea that the designer has conceived.
Naturally, when working with construction companies, the owner can also order a service for laying the threshold in combination with flooring equipment in the room. Specialists will take responsibility for the choice of planks, their installation and even provide a guarantee for all services rendered.
Choosing sills for laminate
Laminate is a very popular flooring material. It is beautiful, comfortable, durable and easy to install.
But sometimes there is a need to divide the room into zones using different types of flooring. And this is where the problem arises - joints.
From different materials, at different levels, they interfere with walking, spoil the appearance of the coating and reduce its durability.
The joints must be closed and special thresholds for laminate come to the rescue.
What are they like?
Laying thresholds - the final stage of work on finishing the floor. All types of coverage are already laid, and you can safely choose the appropriate thresholds. First of all, you need to decide on the material.
Powders for laminate can be made of: metal, wood, plastic, cork and, in fact, laminate. They differ both in price and consumer properties.
Metal thresholds are made of steel, brass or aluminum, their surface is decorated with various colors. Quite inexpensive, but very strong and durable, they are very popular.
Another plus is the ability to choose the sills to match the color of fittings, door handles, chandeliers.
Wooden sills are most harmoniously combined with laminate, their price is slightly higher than metal ones. Wood is a natural and environmentally friendly material. The disadvantage is their shorter lifespan. Sometimes they will have to be sanded and re-varnished.
Cork sills are used in cases where it is necessary to close the transition from a laminate to a stone floor. Due to their flexibility, they take the load from the movements of the laminate and at the same time decorate the joint.
Plastic decorative sills for laminate flooring are the cheapest. Their advantage is a huge palette of colors.
The plastic pads do their job very well. But, as they say, the quality corresponds to the price.
The durability of these thresholds is a relative concept. The same as with laminate thresholds.
They fit very well into the interior, they can be matched exactly to the color of the floor - taken from the same collection as the laminate, but such thresholds are afraid of water and are unstable to mechanical damage.
The choice of material is carried out depending on the joint:
- for example, to connect a laminate and a tile, we choose thresholds that are resistant to water - metal,
- and if you need to level the difference in heights, then cork sills are better suited.
One more classification of sills can be distinguished - according to their functional purpose and form:
Multi-level thresholds for laminate can be of the following forms: 
Good for connecting laminate to laminate, or as a threshold between laminate and linoleum. Such a threshold can be used between tiles and laminate, for their joining.
Equipped with an open installation system.
Fastens with dowels and screws.
It is used in cases where it is necessary to hide a large difference in height on different types of coverage.
As you can see from the picture, it is attached in a hidden way.
It is also used for mating coatings of various types with a large height difference.
Of the advantages - a hidden system of fastenings and good protection against water leakage
Flexible laminate thresholds are indispensable when creating complex design floors when you have to combine different materials, shapes, heights.
They are also indispensable when decorating the joints of tiles and laminate.
This combination is often found in kitchens: tiles are laid in the working area, and laminate is laid in the dining area.
With the help of flexible thresholds for laminate, joints near niches, columns, arches are also decorated.
Such sills are made of hypoallergenic plastic or cork, supplied in rolls.
They are easy to transport and easy to install. The minimum bending radius is 30 cm when heated and 60 cm when cold.
A little about how to install a threshold on a laminate
The installation of thresholds on laminate can be done in different ways, depending on what type of fastening is expected on your product.
open mount
In the sill, holes for fasteners have already been made in the factory way.
To fix such a threshold, you need to attach it to the base of the floor, make markings and drill holes.
Plugs are driven into these holes, self-tapping screws are screwed into them.
It is necessary to properly prepare the base, namely, remove the foam lining in the area of the nut and install a hard plastic or plywood bar. This will protect against loosening of the screws and the cork itself in the base.
The open mounting method has its advantages: cheap thresholds, ease of installation.
But there are also disadvantages. Because of the holes, the appearance deteriorates, over time they will begin to break and no longer hold the sill in place.
If you do not want to spoil the appearance of the floor, you can use the sills with a hidden mount. At the heart of such a nut is a guide, which is attached to the base in various ways.
Christmas tree dowels
The dowel heads are inserted into the guide on the back of the nut, holes are drilled in the base (the diameter is smaller than that of the dowels). Then the nut with dowels is inserted into the hole and hammered with a rubber mallet.
You can also use a regular PVC cork. The method is very similar to the open mount. The only difference is that the dowels are not mounted in a hole, but in a guide on the nut.
Thresholds with mounting plate
Advantages: low bar height - no more than 1 mm. and ease of installation.
This method is reversed.
First, the bar is fastened (with screws and plugs), then the laminate is laid, and lastly, the threshold is set.
Flex profile.
This is a threshold for laminate flooring with a hidden fixing. It is made of high-strength PVC, can take any shape, allows you to join different materials with a thickness of up to 25 mm.
The algorithm of actions is the same as in the previous case: the bar is attached - the coating is laid - the decorative part of the profile is installed.
Cons of this method: high cost, the need for pre-installation of the bar. It is impossible to install sills from a flex profile after laying the floor.
How much do sills cost?
The price of sills can vary greatly depending on their type, material and manufacturer. The estimated cost of some models, we have given in the table.
Threshold between tiles and laminate: installation features, types and reviews
The finishing of building surfaces is rarely carried out according to the monolith principle. Modern houses and apartments are more often designed zonal, which involves the conjugation of several heterogeneous sites. Technically, this is especially noticeable in the case of floor coverings, in which the material is joined by special means. One of the most common means of decorating transitional areas is the threshold between tiles and laminate, which is placed directly at the point where the two coatings meet. In a sense, this is a universal adapter, since its design allows you to mount other materials.
Purpose of the floor sill
This element performs several functions. Firstly, it structurally covers the technical gap, which is formed at the point of convergence of two dissimilar materials. This usually concerns the installation of coatings made of chipboard or monolithic wooden materials and tiled products. These are coatings that have a significant difference in both operational properties and technical characteristics. In turn, the installation of a threshold between the tile and the laminate eliminates precisely the structural difference, which, in the opposite case, will provide a quick process of deformation of the extreme sections of the mating materials. In other words, the edges of the target coatings without the nut will be subject to intense wear. The second functional point is related to the decorative task. The gap from one coating to another looks unattractive, especially if the materials in the form of tiles and laminates and in their texture have significant differences. The transition element evens out the difference, masking the unsightly strip of the gap.
Varieties of the element by material
The manufacture of thresholds is practiced from three materials - metal, plastic and wood. Metal models are mainly represented by aluminum. This option is considered the most advantageous in terms of strength, wear resistance and durability. Plastic elements are the most practical and easy to install. Thanks to the rubber lining, it is possible to provide a sealed damper at the joint, which will prevent spilled liquids from penetrating into the underground niche. In addition, a plastic flexible threshold between the tile and the laminate allows you to optimally adjust the lining line to the gap in accordance with the geometric features of the joint. As for wooden sills, they are the least popular. Although manufacturers produce such elements from solid rocks, they are not able to withstand intense loads in the long term. On the other hand, in terms of aesthetic value, natural wood thresholds are a more attractive solution compared to metal and plastic counterparts.
Varieties by type of construction
In this case, two classifications are taken into account. The first involves the division of thresholds into curvilinear and straight. In essence, these are flexible plastic and inflexible wooden elements. Aluminum can only be bent in the longitudinal plane along the length, but not to the side. Another classification involves the division into collapsible and solid elements. Collapsible consist of two parts - the lower one is placed under both sides of two floor coverings, and the upper one covers the outer side. The hitch is formed by special slotted clamping systems. But this option is allowed only during the initial installation, when the main floor material is also laid. The one-piece element provides only an external masking of the joint, but can be installed at any time without requiring intervention in the structure of the laid deck. It is also worth noting the threshold between the tile and the laminate at different levels, which is designed for an organic bonding of coatings located at different heights. For example, if you need to technically level the gap between a thick tile and a thin laminate, then a multi-level threshold of the appropriate size will do.
Connection options
There are two types of fixation available. The first provides for the rigid and most reliable fastening by means of self-tapping screws or other hardware. Metal sills are installed in this way, since they are durable, which eliminates the risk of accidental damage to the material at the attachment point. But how to fix the threshold between the tile and the laminate if it is made of plastic or wood? Obviously, fixing with the same self-tapping screw in such cases does not justify itself, since there is a risk of cracking at the site of the connecting hole. In such situations, it would be more appropriate to use the second mounting option through a groove connection. A collapsible type of nut is used, in which the pairing of two parts from the lower and upper sides will provide a sufficient effect of reliable fixation.
Mounting technique
The entire installation process of the connecting threshold consists of several stages. First of all, a suitable configuration of the element is selected, its dimensions, length, etc. are calculated. Next, the working line is marked, along which the threshold will be laid. At this point, the method of installation should also be determined. How to install a threshold between tiles and laminate using holes? To do this, the points of twisting of the hardware must be marked. A prerequisite for this option should be the compliance of the base material with drilling and installation through a self-tapping screw. Then the complete fasteners are carefully screwed in with a screwdriver. Seals are also used if necessary. Even easier is the installation through the groove connection. One part of the nut is superimposed on the other and, by means of force, until it clicks, is introduced into the spacer mechanism of the hitch.
Positive feedback about the sills
Among the main advantages of this solution, many designers and ordinary users note the effect of decorative masking and increased reliability of the flooring at the junction. The advantages of individual models include the possibility of creating original design solutions. For example, a multi-level threshold between tiles and laminate allows you to form a small podium. True, this applies to massive instances of a non-standard shape. An unusual stylistic effect is helped to create models with a natural texture and curvilinear plastic sills.
Negative Feedback
This solution is criticized for certain design flaws, which are often found even in products from large manufacturers. First of all, this is an overestimation of the threshold above the level of mating coatings. If we are not talking about the difference in the heights of tiles and laminate, then the elevation of the threshold itself will be a serious disadvantage. When walking, it will touch, contaminating the surface and contributing to rapid wear. In addition, the threshold between tiles and laminate does not always give the expected results in terms of technical resistance. Even aluminum models may not be able to do their job if there is high mechanical stress in the contact patch with a rigid plate. Therefore, the intensity of possible loads should be calculated in advance.
Nut tips
It is not so much the surface of the nut that needs regular care as the damping materials. As already noted, plastic models are supplemented with rubber layers that soften mechanical pressure and increase tightness at the junction. In order for the connecting thresholds between the laminate and the tile to last longer, such gaskets should be changed periodically. The same applies to metal products, which also use sealing elements. As for wood, it also needs special external care. Like laminate with parquet, such a threshold needs to be treated with protective mastics and moisture-resistant agents.
Conclusion
Even before the development of a project or scheme for organizing a floor covering, it is desirable to assess how, in principle, the use of a joint will be justified. Although the threshold between the tile and the laminate is the most appropriate way to design gaps of this kind, its presence also carries certain disadvantages from the point of view of the operation of the coating. Therefore, it is important to decide whether it is possible to do without a joint and lay a monolithic coating over the entire area. If we are talking about connecting two rooms, then such connections will be justified, but when zoning, for example, studio apartments, it is undesirable to abuse the sills.
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