Joining hardwood floors together involves connecting individual planks during installation and, in some cases, connecting different sections or types of flooring.
Joining Individual Hardwood Planks (Installation)
The primary method for joining individual hardwood floor planks to create a solid surface is through interlocking mechanisms. The most common methods are:
- Tongue-and-Groove: This is the traditional method. Each plank has a "tongue" on one edge and a "groove" on the opposite edge. During installation, the tongue of one plank fits snugly into the groove of the adjacent plank. These are often secured with nails, staples, or glue.
- Click-Lock (Floating Floors): Many modern engineered and some solid hardwood floors use a click or glueless locking system. Planks are designed with unique edges that simply angle and click into place, creating a strong, floating connection without the need for fasteners or adhesives between planks.
These methods create a continuous, stable floor surface by mechanically linking each board to its neighbors.
Joining Different Floor Sections or Materials (Transitions)
When you have two different flooring surfaces meeting, such as hardwood in one room and carpet, tile, or even a different type of hardwood in an adjacent area, a transition piece is used to create a smooth, finished seam.
Using Transition Moldings
Transition moldings cover the gap between the two flooring materials and accommodate differences in height or type. Different types of moldings exist, but one particularly easy method for wood-to-wood transitions is using a T-molding.
T-Molding for Wood-to-Wood Transitions
As highlighted in flooring practices, by far the easiest way to transition between two different wood floors is using a T-molding. This type of molding gets its name from its shape, resembling the letter 'T'.
- T-moldings are designed to bridge the gap between two flooring surfaces that are at the same or very similar heights.
- They come in a range of styles and colors, allowing them to match or complement the surrounding floors.
- While available in various materials, they are most common in wood and aluminum.
- T-moldings normally have even channels on both sides, which fit over the edges of the two meeting floor sections, concealing the seam.
They provide a clean, professional look and protect the edges of the flooring.
Here's a simple comparison of the two types of joining:
| Type of Joining | Purpose | Location | Common Method(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plank-to-Plank | Forming the main floor surface | Within a single room or continuous area | Tongue-and-Groove, Click |
| Section-to-Section | Connecting different areas/materials | Doorways, openings between rooms, changes in floor type | T-Molding, Reducer, etc. |
In summary, joining hardwood floors involves interlocking the individual planks during installation and using appropriate transition pieces like T-moldings where different floor sections or types meet.
