Tile is 1/2" higher than the wood floor

Karde · 04-23-2009, 02:38 PM

Hello,

I have installed a heated tile floor in the kitchen, and it seems that I have a 1/2" height difference between the tile floor and the 3/4" wood floor that we want to install.

The kitchen opens onto the living room, with the transition being about 12 feet long, and there is also a doorway into the dining room that I have to transition.

Does anybody have any suggestions on what strategy I should take to make this look as elegant as possible? Most things I have seen seem to accommodate wood floors that are higher, but not applicable to my situation.

Thank you.

Grampa Bud · 04-23-2009, 03:07 PM

Why not? There are thresholds for differing floor heights. Wood to carpet. Tile to wood, whatever. If you want a perfectly flat transition, ie. no threshold; then just put down 1/2" osb underlayment and lay the hardwood.

Bob Mariani · 04-23-2009, 03:10 PM

If the tile is higher use bull nose edging pieces

Karde · 04-23-2009, 03:36 PM

Grandpa Bud: I agree that OSB to raise the floor would be ideal, but this would mean the entire first floor and get expensive (I am still considering it though).

Bob: I like the idea of a bull nose, but I am concerned that it may be a trip hazard. Are you of the opinion that at a height of 1/2" that I should not be concerned?

waterman1971 · 04-23-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Mariani

If the tile is higher use bull nose edging pieces

This !

Grampa Bud · 04-23-2009, 04:07 PM

Another posibility if you have 12 feet of floor space running out into your living room from the tile edge would be to put a 1-1/2 wide x 1/2" furring strip at the tile. Then every 16 inches put down a 7/16, then a 3/8, then a 5/16, then a 1/4, then a 3/16, then a 1/8, then a 1/16 inch furring strip. I really don't think you will see the slope @ 1/16" per 16 inches.

Floordude · 04-23-2009, 04:52 PM

That's a good one Grandpa Bud. That might be the best way IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grampa Bud

Another posibility if you have 12 feet of floor space running out into your living room from the tile edge would be to put a 1-1/2 wide x 1/2" furring strip at the tile. Then every 16 inches put down a 7/16, then a 3/8, then a 5/16, then a 1/4, then a 3/16, then a 1/8, then a 1/16 inch furring strip. I really don't think you will see the slope @ 1/16" per 16 inches.

Daniel Holzman · 04-23-2009, 05:18 PM

I have almost exactly the same situation at my house. I made my own oak transition piece, 3-1/2 inches wide, 3/4 inch thick, back cut with a 3/4 inch wide, 1/2 inch deep dado to cover the tile. I cut a 30 degree bevel on the front of the transition piece, works fine, no trip problem, looks good. Or you can buy a standard transition piece from Bruce or another company that can accommodate most any transition height.

Karde · 04-23-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Holzman

I have almost exactly the same situation at my house. I made my own oak transition piece, 3-1/2 inches wide, 3/4 inch thick, back cut with a 3/4 inch wide, 1/2 inch deep dado to cover the tile. I cut a 30 degree bevel on the front of the transition piece, works fine, no trip problem, looks good. Or you can buy a standard transition piece from Bruce or another company that can accommodate most any transition height.

I thought about doing something like this too, but the wife is worried about how it will look.

Do you have a picture or two of your install that you wouldn't mind sharing?