commercial building contractors

Commercial Flooring
Transitions &
Accessories

Flooring transitions are important in all flooring transitions. They are used to help create a clean transition between different flooring types, in doorways and is long stretches of flooring. Most flooring will have options for transitions that match the flooring color exactly, and the type of transition needed will depend on the type of flooring, application type, and flooring height. Check the specification of your flooring for more information on where transitions may be required. Below is some additional information about where transitions may be necessary as well as different types of transitions.

Where Are Transitions Typically Used?

Transitions are typically used in the following areas:

  • Between interior and exterior spaces: Transitions are used in these areas to cover the gap between where the flooring ends and where the door threshold begins.
  • In the transitions between rooms where there is a door present: Depending on the type of flooring being installed, a transition in doorways over 4 feet wide may be required to maintain warranty. Always check your product specs for verification.
  • Between rooms where flooring material changes and where there is a height different between flooring from one room to another.
  • Between two rooms with the same material type: although many people try to get away without a transitions in this kind of area, because they prefer a clean uninterrupted look, but having a transition in this kind of area allows for better expansion and contraction of a floating floor over time.

Types of Flooring Transitions

  • 4-in-1 Transition Strips: These have come along in more recent years and allow for the purchase of one kind of transition that can be used in different ways and as different transitions types. They are more adaptable, but not available for every type of flooring.
  • Carpet to Vinyl Transitions: In commercial settings, these transitions are typically installed between a thinner carpet tile or broadloom carpet and thinner glue down vinyl plank. These transitions are also thinner to allow for a cleaner look in a commercial setting. Available in matching options or rubber options, depending on the product and application. The rubber transitions typically come in brown, tan, gray and black color options.
  • T-Molding: Typically used between two hard surfaces that sit at the same height. Shaped like a T, a t-molding is installed between two flooring surfaces and sits flat on the flooring on each side.
  • End Cap: End caps are used to transition from hard surface or from hard surface to carpet that sit at different heights. One side is higher than the other, and sits flat on the flooring to accommodate the higher flooring, the other side sits lower and is rounded to make up the difference of the lower side of flooring.
  • Reducer: This transition is also used between two hard surfaces or between carpet and hard surface with a slight height difference. Reducers are shaped a lot like end caps, but provides a more gradual slope and is best for smaller height differences between flooring types.

Commercial Flooring Accessories

Commercial flooring accessories are various items that are used in conjunction with flooring to completed the installation. The kind of accessories needed will depend on the kind of flooring being installed as well as the application. Below are several types of commercial flooring accessories to take into consideration.

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Wall base

  • Cove Base – comes in a vinyl and rubber option and available in various sizes. Most typically, cove base comes in a 4’’ or 6’’ options and is available with or without toe. There are many color options available, making it easy to find the best color to match your commercial project. Cove bases covers more of the wall surface which helps protect against scuffs and marks, and allows for easier cleaning and maintenance.
  • Base Board – Commercial baseboard is typically made of rubber, plastic or synthetic rubber blend, which is made specifically for commercial use. Unlike residential baseboard that is made of wood, commercial baseboard is designed to withstand more wear and tear.

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Adhesive

  • Types of flooring adhesive include, carpet tile adhesive and vinyl plank adhesive. Typically they come in a 1 gallon or 4 gallon bucket, and can be ordered base on the size of the project
  • It is important to check the spread rate of a specific adhesive in order to ensure you are ordering the correct amount for your project. Typically, vendors will have recommended adhesives for specific products, it is best to go with the recommended adhesive for the best results.

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