How To Install Transition Strips On Concrete Floors

Tip

When using transition strips that are installed on tracks, glue the track instead of the strip.

If the manufacturer requires the flooring to be sealed, run a bead of 100-percent silicone along the flooring edge before installing the transition.

Transition strips are used to finish hardwood and laminate floor edges where the product meets an existing floor in a doorway, and are typically cut to fit and then nailed in place or snapped into a track that has been screwed to the floor. When you're working on a concrete floor, the installation of transitions is different from the way it's done on a typical subfloor installation. The key to keep in mind is to always follow the manufacturer's directions in order to maintain the integrity of the flooring warranty.

Step 1

Mark the floor where the transition strip is to be located, taking care to allow for any required expansion space as specified by the flooring manufacturer.

Step 2

Apply a 1/4-inch-wide line of construction adhesive to the bottom of the transition strip where it will rest on the concrete.

Step 3

Press the transition firmly in place; allow it to cure per the adhesive manufacturer's recommended time before allowing traffic on the floor.

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