How to Transition Between Two Different Wood Floors

Hardwood flooring is one of the most sought-after flooring materials. Its classic look and durability makes it highly desirable and something everyone looks for in a home.

However, when installing wood flooring, you may want to mix up different types.

One of the best things about wood flooring is that it is so diverse. Being able to transition between different wood flooring is essential to creating a cohesive look.

There are many ways to transition between floors and in this article, we have laid out some of the best.

By knowing a few different methods, you might be able to come up with one of your own. However you decide to transition between floors, you can make sure you are sticking with your own style.

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Transitioning Between Two Different Wood Floors: Basic Idea

There are many different ways to transition between different wood floors. Some of the most popular methods include:

Irregular patterns
Shapes
Contrasting textures
Transition strips

By understanding what these transitions look like and how they can be achieved, you can create a unique look.

Why Include Transitions?

If you have two different flooring types that you want to use in your home, transitions are important.

However, you may be asking yourself why they even matter. Can’t you just have them butt up against each other and let it be?

The truth is that you absolutely can do this. You could just have the two different flooring types meet and abruptly change over.

This doesn’t give your flooring a very cohesive look, though. Abrupt transitions can make your home look unfinished and even diminish the effect of a beautiful wood floor.

Plus, by not adding transitions, you are giving up an opportunity.

Transitions can give you a chance to create an interesting and unique look. Simply having your flooring change abruptly is less creative and interesting.

Use Irregular Patterns

One of the best ways to transition between two types of wood flooring is to use irregular patterns.

You can cut your transition planks into shapes like triangles or polygons and have them fit together. This creates an interesting pattern that will be a real accent piece for your home.

You can also start to stagger the planks as they transition. This will give you a patchwork type of pattern that can be very attractive.

Experiment with different patterns and see which one will be the most relevant to your home. For example, if you have hexagonal tile in the kitchen, you can cut your transition pieces in the same shape.

Using these types of patterns is a great way to tie your whole home together. You can keep a cohesive look throughout the house while still maintaining a nice, subtle transition.

Use Different Shapes

One of the best ways to transition between different types of wood is with different shapes.

You don’t have to have a hard, straight line between your different wood types. In fact, you can do pretty much anything you want with your hardwood.

One way to make this transition easier is to create shapes with the transition.

If you have one type of wood that transitions into another in an L-shaped pattern, it can soften the transition.

You can create almost any shape you want with your hardwood in whatever style fits your taste.

Use a Contrasting Texture Strip

Another great transition idea is to use a strip of something else to transition between wood.

A strip of tile or linoleum can break up the transition and create a nice lead-in to the next wood type.

This also gives you an opportunity to flex your creative muscle. There are endless options for contrasting texture strips and there is almost no limit to what you can do.

It is also a great opportunity for you to match other things in the house, like furniture. If you are using a certain type of tile in the kitchen, you can reference it by using it as a transition strip.

Use Transition Strips

Perhaps one of the simplest ways to transition between wood types is with a transition strip.

These are usually rounded strips of wood that sit over the threshold of the transition. They can be made of almost anything and come in a wide variety of colors.

One of the benefits of transition strips is that they can be changed out relatively easily.

You are not going to be stuck with one color or wood type with transition strips. If you change your mind, you can change it until you find something that works for your home and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of flooring adds the most value to a home?

Without a doubt, hardwood flooring adds the most value to a home.

It is the most desirable and the one that people look for when purchasing a home. Plus, some hardwoods are more expensive than others and will add more value.

Is it okay to mix wood floor colors?

If you have set up the proper transitions, you can mix as many floor colors as you want.

It is also important to remember that your home is your own. You can do anything you want as long as it fits with your style and you will be happy with it.

How do you blend new and old hardwood floors?

The best way to blend new and old hardwood floors is to refinish both of them.

Staining and finishing different eras of floors is the best way to match them up. Plus, you get the added benefit of a new finish throughout the entire house.

Conclusion

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the flooring in your house. However, if you want to make your home tasteful and stylish, transitions are the best choice.

By taking the time to figure out the best transitions, you can make any flooring types work together.