How to Install Carpet to Laminate Floor Transition Pieces

Doorway transition piece between carpet and vinyl
  • 1-2 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-100
What You'll Need
Screwdriver
Screws
Transition piece
Hammer
Carpet
What You'll Need
Screwdriver
Screws
Transition piece
Hammer
Carpet

Installing different flooring in different rooms can create the need for a floor transition. This device ensures the two adjacent areas of floor do not touch, and it can cover up loose ends that would otherwise cause people to trip. Different types of flooring require different transition moldings. You will learn in this article how to achieve the right look between carpet and laminate flooring.

Step 1 - Lay the Floors

Before you can install your floor transition, you need to lay the floors as closely together as you can. The laminate flooring should be built right up to the door frame, or whatever will form the break between the two types of flooring.

When you lay the carpet, leave the edge which will connect with the laminate flooring turned up. Ensure both carpet and laminate flooring is clean, with no debris on the subfloor.

Step 2 - Install the Floor Transition Piece

Installing a carpet transition piece is different from hardwood. The carpet molding will be flat on one side but will have a lip on the other with a series of raised teeth. This is the side which faces the carpet. Place your transition piece into the end of the laminate and tap it into place firmly with your hammer. Once the transition piece is over the floor, screw it in securely.

Step 3 - Finish the Carpet

different flooring types meet near entryway

Now you are ready to finish laying the carpet. Place tacks as usual all along the edge, until you come to the transition molding. Lay the carpet flat out on top of the piece; then use two screws to keep the carpet and the molding flat against the subfloor. If you are using an underlay, you may also tack this into the molding at the same time.

Step 4 - Finish the Floor Transition Piece

Your molding will now be ready to take the top piece. This will have to be cut with a saw or similar implement. What you use depends upon the tools you own; so long as it cuts the transition top piece, the tool does not really matter. Unlike the hardwood molding, which has a sort of slip, this will be a tough metal piece which will form a lip over each side of the floor.

After you cut the top, you need to lay it perfectly straight across the molding part and tap it onto the transition piece with the hammer. You will know when the top is in place, as the tapping will make a different noise.