Slabs between tile and laminate: installation features, types and reviews

Finishing of building surfaces is rarely performed on the principle of monolith. Modern houses and apartments are more often issued zonal, which involves the interfacing of several dissimilar sites. Technically, this is particularly noticeable in the case of floor coverings in which the material is joined by special means. One of the most common means of decorating the transition zones is the threshold between the tile and the laminate, which is laid directly in the place of reduction of the two coatings. In a sense, this is a universal adapter, because its design allows for the installation of other materials.

Purpose of the floor trough

This element has several functions. First, it constructively covers the technical gap, which is formed at the point of convergence of two dissimilar materials. Usually this applies to the installation of coatings from wood-shaving or monolithic wooden materials and tile products. These are coatings that have a significant difference in performance and in technical characteristics. In turn, setting the threshold between the tile and the laminate eliminates the structural difference, which in the opposite case will ensure a quick process of deformation of the extreme sections of the conjugate materials. In other words, the edges of the target coatings without padding will be subject to intensive wear. The second functional moment is related to the decorative task. The gap from one coating to another looks unattractive, especially if the materials in the form of tiles and laminate and according to their texture have significant differences. The transitional element eliminates the difference, masking the unsightly strip of the gap.

Species of the element by material

It is practiced to produce pallets made of three materials - metal, plastic and wood. Metal models are mostly aluminum. This option is considered the most advantageous in terms of strength, durability and durability. Plastic elements are the most practical and convenient to install. Thanks to the rubber lining, it is possible to provide a hermetically sealed flap in the joint, which will prevent the spilled liquid from penetrating into the underground niche. In addition, plastic flexible padding between the tile and the laminate makes it possible to optimally adjust the lining line to the gap in accordance with the geometric features of the joint. As for wooden paddles, they are the least popular. Although manufacturers produce such elements from solid rock, they are not able to resist heavy loads in the long term. On the other hand, in terms of aesthetic value, the padding made of natural wood is a more attractive solution compared to metal and plastic counterparts.

Species by type of construction

In this case, two classifications are taken into account. The first assumes the separation of the thresholds into curvilinear and straight ones. In essence, these are flexible plastic and unbending wooden elements. Aluminum can be bent only in the longitudinal plane along the length, but not in the side. Another classification involves splitting into demountable and integral elements. Demountable consists of two parts - the bottom is placed under both sides of two floor coverings, and the top covers the outside. Coupling is formed by special grooving grooving systems. But this option is allowed only with the initial installation, when the main floor material is also laid. The one-piece element assumes only an external masking of the joint, but can be installed at any time without requiring intervention in the construction of the laid flooring. Also worth noting the threshold between the tile and the laminate is a layered one, which is designed for an organic bundle of coatings that are at different heights. For example, if it is necessary to technically level the gap between thick tiles and thin laminate, then a multi-level threshold of the appropriate size will do.

Connection options

Two variants of fixation are common. The first provides a rigid and most reliable fastening through self-tapping screws or other hardware. In this way metal pins are installed, because they are strong, which eliminates the risk of accidental damage to the material at the fixing point. But how to fix the threshold between the tile and the laminate, if it is made of plastic or wood? Obviously, fixing by the same self-cutter in such cases does not justify itself, since there is a risk of a crack in the place of the connecting hole. In such situations, it is more appropriate to apply the second version of attachment through a groove connection. A collapsible type of a paddle is used, in which the mating of the two parts from the lower and upper sides will provide a sufficient effect of reliable fixation.

Installation technique

The entire process of mounting the connecting threshold consists of several stages. First of all, a suitable configuration of the element is selected, its dimensions, length, etc. are calculated. Next, a line is drawn up, along which the threshold will be laid. At this point, the method of installation must also be determined. How to set the thresholds between the tile and the laminate with the help of holes? To do this, the points of twisting of the hardware must be marked. A prerequisite for such an option should be the correspondence of the main material to drilling and installation through the screw. Then, the complete fasteners are carefully screwed using a screwdriver. If necessary, seals are also used. Even easier to install through a groove connection. One part of the sling is superimposed on the other and, by force, is inserted into the coupler's spreader mechanism until it clicks.

Positive feedback about the sleds

Among the main advantages of this solution, many designers and ordinary users note the effect of decorative masking and increasing the reliability of the floor covering at the junction. The merits of individual models include the possibility of creating original design solutions. For example, a multi-leveled threshold between the tile and the laminate makes it possible to form a small podium. True, this concerns massive specimens of non-standard form. Unusual stylistic effect helps to create models with natural texture and curved plastic pins.

Negative feedback

They criticize this decision for certain design flaws, which are often found even in products from large manufacturers. First of all, this is an overestimation of the threshold over the level of interfacing coatings. If we are not talking about the difference in the heights of tiles and laminate, the rise of the threshold itself will be a serious minus. When walking, it will be hurt, contaminating the surface and contributing to rapid wear. In addition, the threshold between the tile and the laminate does not always give the expected results in terms of technical stability. Even aluminum models can not cope with their tasks, if there is high mechanical stress in the contact spot with a rigid plate. Therefore, the intensity of possible loads should be calculated in advance.

Tips for operating the paddle

In regular care, not so much the surface of the nail, as the damping materials. As already noted, plastic models are complemented by rubber interlayers, softening mechanical pressure and increasing the tightness at the junction. To ensure that the connecting pins between the laminate and the tile last longer, these gaskets should be periodically changed. The same applies to metal products, which also use sealing elements. As for wood, then it needs a special external care. As well as a laminate with a parquet, such nails need to be treated with protective mastics and moisture-proof materials.

Conclusion

Even before the development of the project or the scheme of the organization of floor covering it is desirable to estimate, in principle, the use of the joint will be justified. Although the threshold between the tile and the laminate is the most expedient way of creating gaps of this kind, its presence also has certain drawbacks in terms of coating operation. Therefore, it is important to decide whether it is possible to do without a joint and lay a monolithic covering over the whole area. If it is a question of pairing two rooms, then such connections will be justified, but with zone separation, for example, studio apartments, it is undesirable to abuse the sills.