Transitioning between two different wood floors will take some time and planning. However, with the right tools and forethought, this task can become a simple one.
When the rooms in your home have different flooring, you want them to look natural and complementary. This can seem like a difficult task, especially if the floors are two different types of wood.
Thankfully, there is no reason why the room-to-room transition has to look strained and out of place. It’s important to take into consideration the overall house aesthetic.
Sometimes, the different rooms will have completely different wood. Whether that is to make the rooms unique or stand out, or because different types of wood floor suit different purposes, the transition between the rooms should be considered carefully.
We are going to look at how wooden floors are installed into a room, what you will need to complete the task and how the floor transition from room to room can be achieved seamlessly. Even if they are completely different colors and textures, you can make the wood look like it was made to be there.
How To Lay A Wooden Floor Key Terms
There are a few technical terms that we will return to. These include:
Floor Joist
Floors can’t just float on air. Floor joists are the mechanisms that support all of the objects in a room. They make sure the floor can be stepped on and withstand furniture without collapsing.
Seam Binder
A seam binder lays at the edge of carpet or wood as a protection against damage from external sources. They can help prevent fraying and lifting and add to the life of your floor.
Transition-Molding
Transition-molding is a term used for the smooth transition technique between floors or floor to wall.
The Transition Between Rooms
To get a smooth transition between rooms or areas, there are a few things to consider.
Often, people prefer to keep consistency with the color of the wood between the room. Keeping the color consistent guarantees an easier transition between the different types of wooden floors. However, if you have selected different colors, there is no reason to panic.
Matching Colors
When it comes to transitioning from one wood to another wood floor, matching the colors is probably the easiest method. This way, it doesn’t have to be the same wood. If the color matches, for example, one gray wood to another gray wood, the transition will appear less obvious and more subtle.
Contrasting Colors
Alternatively, you can look out for colors that are contrasting. The key is to find colors that complement each other nicely, therefore being aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
This will ensure that the room decor is not too stark of a contrast from one to another. There is plenty of colored wood that goes hand in hand. By doing this, you will have a pleasing transition.
For example, a dark wooden floor would sit beautifully next to a light grey wood. Colors that may clash include a light pine next to a dark walnut. This is all down to personal choice, of course.
Mapping Out Space
This one is for the open-plan spaces. Open-plan spaces often encompass lots of different living areas. For example, a kitchen, dining area, living room space, and study area can all be a part of one large area.
Transitioning from one wood to another wood floor can define each area in a classy and succinct way. If this is what you’re working with, make sure to measure out spaces properly. Only then will you be able to create the different wood transitions from each clear zone to another zone.
Floor Direction
Floor direction is a big consideration. You need to make sure when changing the floor, that the direction you lay the floor down matches the adjoining area. If it does not match, the floors will not look smooth and the transition will be rough and very obvious to the eye.
A Door
A door may not always be an option on the table. However, if you wanted to really separate the two different wood floors, installing a door between the areas is also an option. A door is a clear indicator for a closed-off space, which when open, leads to a new area.
Methods Of Transition Between Two Different Wood Floors
Seam Binding
A seam binder is an easy and efficient way to transition between two different wood floors. This is a strip of wood that sits neatly between two floor areas. It is not overbearing, instead of small and subtle. It is a nice way to indicate the different areas and, will give the wooden floor a more finished appearance.
Transition Molding
T-molding is a specific technique that involves edging and trimming the wood to tessellate together. This can be done at home with a bit of research, or by a hired service. T-molding provides a smooth aesthetic between two wood floors and blends the different designs together as though they were a part of the same thing.
Final Thoughts
A wooden floor can look classy and timeless. They are often easier to clean and maintain and if properly looked after, can significantly outlive a carpeted floor area. They are definitely a popular choice for a home with young children or pets.
Perhaps your house is open plan and you are trying to define areas. Or maybe, you want a wooden floor in each room and are trying to smooth over the transition. Regardless of the reason, there are easy and simple ways to make the transition between two different wooden floors seamless. If you do notice some marks to the surfaces, then we suggest reading our article on steps to remove light surface scratches.
With the right tools and proper planning, you can create a flawless transition space. There are a few methods including seam binding and t-molding that will help you along the way. With the right color choices, either matching or contrasting, the transition between two different wood floors will be a timeless, neat, and pleasing look in any home for certain.