moldings

Correct Use & Measuring for Molding/Trim

Of all the order-related questions we receive about wood and laminate flooring, the most common concern
is the finishing pieces. Sometimes referred to broadly as accessories, these pieces are more accurately
called trim, transition strips, or moldings. Because customers can be confused by the terminologies, they
often ask what type they need and how much they should order.

The following information should provide a better understanding of the various types of trim, their proper
application, and how to accurately determine how much is needed. Of course, if after reading this article
you still have questions, feel free to call us. We’ll be glad to help.

Before we start, please note that the illustrations in this article may not precisely match the material that
you will purchase due to variations among manufacturers. However, if they are not an exact match, they will
be very similar. You will also notice what is called a trim track in some of the illustrations. Trim tracks were
designed as a hold-down mechanism, but most installers have had better results with an adhesive or
adhesive caulks, like those produced by Liquid Nails.

Regardless of the size of the installation, one or more molding and/or transitions strips will be required to
properly finish the job. Be sure to read all of this information to ensure that you, or your installer, purchase
the correct type and amount.

Quarter Round and Wall Base Moldings

"Quarter round" and “wall base" moldings are used to cover the expansion gap between the flooring and
the wall. If the original flooring did not have wall base installed, it could be added with or without quarter
round. These molding types can be purchased unfinished from any local lumber supply and painted or
stained as desired. Another option would be to purchase pre-finished molding that matches your new
flooring. The illustration at the left shows the flooring and the expansion gap covered by wall base and
quarter round. This is more a decorative treatment, since it is not necessary to use both. It is easy to see
that the wall base alone would have covered the expansion gap.

End Cap or Square Nose Moldings

"Square nose" molding is also referred to as “end mold," “end cap," “universal edge," or “baby threshold."
This is probably the most commonly used “transition molding." We say transition molding because unlike
quarter round or wall base, this molding is used to transition from a wood or laminate floor to another type
of flooring. But this is just one use for square nose. It is also used against sliding glass door tracks and
metal thresholds of exterior doors, or to join another floor or surface that is higher than the new floor. For
example, if your new flooring met the marble threshold of a bathroom doorway, and the threshold was the
higher surface, then square nose would be the correct molding to use.

Reducer Strip

A “reducer strip" is another type of transition molding. It is used when transitioning from a wood or laminate
floor, to a lower flooring surface, such as a vinyl floor or painted concrete. Another application for the
reducer strip is at a sliding glass door, but only if there is no lip or track protruding above the floor. In other
words, if the flooring edge ended without butting up to anything, then the reducer strip would be a good
choice.

T-Molding

“T-molding" is another common transition molding. T-molding is used to transition from one floor to another
when both are at the same finished height. For example, if you installed laminate flooring in your living
room and hallway, and later decided to install it in the bedrooms, then T-molding would be used to join the
new laminate flooring with the previous installation. Another example would be where a new laminate or
wood floor joined a ceramic tile floor at the same finished height. As you can see from the illustration, T-
molding gets its name from its shape. Also note that the lip on each side of the T-molding is supported by
the flooring. That is why it is important that both floors are at the same finished height. Any height variation
between the two could cause the lips could snap off. Additionally, it is important to make sure there is
adequate expansion space between flooring edges joined by the T-molding. The purpose of the extended
lips is to cover the expansion space without interfering with the function of the space.

Stair Nose: Flush and Overlap

"Stair nose" is used to trim out the edges of step-downs and staircases covered by laminate or wood
flooring. It is available in two styles: flush and overlap. The illustration at the left shows the overlap style.
This style is easier to work with, especially if you do not have a lot of flooring experience. As you can see,
a lip overlaps the flooring on the top or "tread" of the stair or step down. This style of stair nose is ideal for
covering up any imperfect saw cuts.

The flush style of stair nose connects to the flooring through the tongue and groove configuration. If you are
installing your flooring on a staircase and you can start each tread off with a full piece of flooring at the
edge, then the flush stair nose will not be difficult to use. If you are installing flooring where there is a step
down to a sunken living room, you will not have control over whether or not there will be a factory edge at
the step down. If you cannot butt the flush stair nose up to a factory edge, there would be a lot of work
involved trying to create such an edge. Obviously, this would not be recommended for the novice.

Measuring for Moldings

Trying to determine how much of each type of molding you may need might seem overwhelming at first, but
it is really not that difficult. Once you know how each type of molding is used, it's a snap! The easiest type
to calculate is the wall base or quarter round molding. Simply measure and write down the length of each
wall then total them up. We recommend that you also add about 10% to your total to be on the safe side.
After you have the total running feet you need, divide it by the sold length of the molding. For example, if
you came up with a total of 960" or 80' needed, and the molding is sold in 96" or 8' lengths, you would
need 10 pieces of molding. Again, adding a 10% margin for error would mean ordering one more piece
for a total of 11 pieces. If your calculations don't result in an even number – and they probably won’t – it is
always better to round up one piece.

When it comes to transition molding, it's a little different. You will need to write down each doorway or
opening measurement, and also the type of transition molding that will be used for each one. 36". Also if
you have an opening that is wider than one piece of molding, we recommend that you use two equal.
Length. pieces of molding as opposed to one big piece and a small cut piece. You may have a little bit
more waste doing it this way, but overall it will look better with the seam in the middle.