Tips For Beautiful Tile-Wood Transitions

Transitioning between two types flooring is a detail that many customers don't consider when choosing floors. We highly recommend that our customers consider how their various flooring materials will jive before selecting a product. One common transition we see is between a tiled bathroom, laundry room, or entryway and a wood, laminate or vinyl product. Here are some tips to make your flooring transition feel harmonious!


1. Keep It Simple! 
Some homeowners may be tempted to make a design statement with their transition piece and while we respect any decision a homeowner makes for their personal aesthetic, most of the time less is more! The point of a transition is to seamlessly draw attention to the beautiful floors you already have, so we usually recommend a transition piece that matches your wood, laminate, or vinyl flooring! Here's a photo of a tile transition that is distracting from the beautiful wood flooring beside it. 

2. Color-Coordinate Your Flooring Choices

If possible, we always recommend seeing samples of your flooring side-by-side before making selections. If you already have an existing floor that you're looking to transition to, bring home a sample and lay it beside your floor. If they seem to clash in a way you're unhappy with, a flooring professional can help you select something slightly different that will transition better. This photo is a perfect example of well coordinated materials. This tile, though light in tone has subtle hints of brown in it which makes it a great coupling with the darker wood!

3. In Some Cases, Consider Schluter!
Schluter is a durable transition material that is often used in commercial spaces. However, more and more we're noticing it used in residential projects. Schluter provides a long-lasting barrier between floors and it comes in multiple colors and sizes which makes it a popular option for folks looking to do something slightly out of the box! Here are three examples of different types of schluter!

4. Make Sure Your Transition Is Safe and Level!

Professional installers are trained to make transitions that are safe to walk on. Poorly executed transitions are a safety hazard, especially for handicapped individuals and senior citizens.  If you notice a poorly secured transition piece or one that is not level with the floor, call your installers immediately. 

If you’d like any additional info about flooring transitions or any other flooring endeavors, feel free to contact us at any time!