Laminate Flooring Trim and Moldings Complete Guide to Finishing
Trim and moldings are the finishing touches that make a laminate floor look professional. They cover the expansion gap, protect the edges, and create clean transitions. This guide covers every type of trim you need.
Baseboards
Baseboards are the primary trim around the room perimeter. They cover the expansion gap between the laminate and the wall. Baseboards should be installed after the laminate floor is complete.
If you are replacing the floor, remove the old baseboards before installation. Reinstall them after the laminate is in place. This gives a clean finish and the baseboard covers the expansion gap.
If you keep the existing baseboards in place, the gap between the laminate and the baseboard must be covered with quarter round.
Quarter Round
Quarter round is a small molding that fits between the baseboard and the floor. It covers the expansion gap when baseboards are left in place.
Install quarter round by nailing it to the baseboard, not the floor. The quarter round must not touch the laminate. Leave a 1mm gap between the quarter round and the laminate surface. This allows the floor to expand.
Quarter round is available in wood, MDF, and PVC. Paintable or prefinished options are available. Match the quarter round color to the baseboard color.
T Molding
T molding is used where laminate meets another floor of the same height. Common locations include doorways between rooms and transitions between laminate and tile or carpet.
The T molding sits in a track that is nailed to the subfloor. The track allows the T molding to be removed and replaced if needed. The T molding covers the gap between both floors.
T molding is available in colors that match laminate flooring. If an exact color match is not available, use a neutral color like almond, gray, or brown.
Reducer Strip
A reducer strip is used where laminate meets a lower floor. Common when laminate meets tile that is thinner, or worn hardwood that is lower.
The reducer slopes from the laminate height down to the lower floor. It creates a smooth transition without a step. Reducer strips are available in different heights to match different floor thickness differences.
Threshold
Thresholds are used at exterior doors. They provide a transition from the laminate to the door threshold or exterior surface. Thresholds are typically wider and stronger than interior transition strips.
Look for thresholds with a rubber or vinyl bottom seal for exterior doors. The seal blocks drafts and prevents water from reaching the laminate edge.
Stair Nose
Stair nose molding is used where laminate meets the top of a staircase. It has a rounded edge that matches the laminate color. The stair nose covers the laminate edge and provides a safe walking surface.
Install stair nose with adhesive and screws. The stair nose must be securely fastened because it receives heavy foot traffic.
Installation Tips
Nail trim to the wall or subfloor, not to the laminate. The laminate must be able to expand freely. Use finishing nails for wood trim and construction adhesive for MDF or PVC trim.
Paint or stain trim before installation if possible. This avoids getting paint on the new laminate floor. Touch up nail holes after installation.
About PROLEADER
PROLEADER offers matching trim and molding options for all laminate flooring products. Contact us for transition recommendations and color matching for your project.
