Installing hardwood floors, especially in a do it yourself project, can be tough. Moldings and trimmings tend to be one of the less familiar topics in the installation process. However, adding these last touches tends to make a huge difference. Below is a brief description on the uses of the most common types of moldings and trimmings used to complete a room.

Quarter Round Quarter rounds are used to fill in the gaps between the floor and the wall. They create a nice rounded finish and add a smooth overall look to a room. They can also be used at the bases of stars and cabinets to maintain a flowing transition between the edge and the floor. During installation, nail the molding into the wall, not the floor.

Reducer When transitioning from a hardwood floor to a floor of lower height (i.e. Laminate or concrete). Beads of glue and construction should be applied on the bottom of the molding. When installing a reducer with tongue and groove hardwood, be sure to place the molding down with the groove sliding into the tongue of the floor.

Stair Nose Stair noses go on the front edge of stairs to transition from one level to the next. This finishing touch adds professionalism and a chic overall appeal. The stair nose rests on the front edge of the step with the bull nose hanging over. This like many other moldings and trimmings is installed with construction adhesive. If you decide to further secure it with nails then pre-drill holes in it first to avoid cracking the wood.

T-Molding When moving from a hardwood floor to a floor that is the same thickness in height, use a T-Molding. These are commonly used to transition in doorways or from room to room. The T-Molding is installed with construction adhesive; Also, when installing, be sure to leave at least ¼ inch to compensate for flexing.

Threshold When going from hardwood floors to flooring that is not as thick in height, such as tile or certain carpets, a threshold reducer should be used. Thresholds can also be used to cover expansion gaps where quarter rounds can’t be used, such as sliding glass doors, around fireplaces, and entry doors. Remember, just as in other moldings, use construction adhesive, pre-drill pilot holes before nailing, and leave at least ¼ of an inch for flexing.

The team at FactoryHardwoodFloors.com is here to help you own your dream floors and to help you find the right moldings to add that finished touch. If you have a question about hardwood floors or what moldings you should consider for certain areas of your home, please call our team at 1(877)83-REALWOOD (73259).