Different types of trims used with Laminate and Hardwood floors

When you have picked out the hardwood or laminate floor for your home, one of the other things you need to think about is the trim that is used to finish out the job and give it that completed look. What are the various trim pieces used for finishing your flooring? Here is a quick and concise list:

· QUARTER ROUND-Quarter Rounds are used in much the same manner as a Wall Base molding, and much of the time, used along with Wall Base, to conceal the required expansion space between the wall and the flooring.

· END CAP - Also referred to as Baby Threshold. It is used to terminate the edge of the flooring where it meets carpet, sliding glass doors, fireplaces and exterior door jambs. Anywhere that there is an abrupt vertical surface. In the instance of carpet, the edge of the carpet is tucked up tight to the End Cap.

· T-MOLDING - Used in doorways and other areas where one floor will transition to another floor of the same height.

· REDUCER STRIP - Used in transitioning to a floor of lower height. An example would going from a laminate or hardwood floor to a sheet vinyl floor.

· STAIR NOSE - This is used at the front edge of hardwood or quick step laminate flooring that is put on steps. It is usually rounded on the front edge

· WALL BASE - This is attached to the wall to cover the expansion gap where the floor meets the wall. Generally (but not always) used in conjunction with Quarter Round.

· RISER -The vertical element in a set of stairs, forming the space between one step and the next. Risers can sometimes be obtained to match the flooring that is being installed.

There you have it. A short list of terms for hard-surface floors. These trim pieces are essential for a finished appearance, and it is essential to use the right trim piece in the right place. Hopefully this list will help you get what you need to do the job correctly.