Wood flooring is a classic, high-quality way to give your house a finished look.
One of the nice things about wood flooring is that you have a lot of different options for colors. You also have many different choices for textures and types of wood.
However, if you want to use different types of wood flooring, it can be an issue.
Abruptly transitioning between different wood floor types can be jarring and make your home look unfinished. Because of this, you will want to figure out a way to smoothly make this transition.
There are many different ways to do this and it will be entirely up to you and your taste.
In this article, we have laid out some of the ways to transition wood flooring between rooms. By considering your style and personal taste, you can come up with a good solution.
Transitioning Wood Flooring Between Rooms: Basic Idea
There are a few different ways to make the transition between different types of wood flooring. These include:
- Install floorboards lengthwise
- Utilize contrast
- Install transition molding
- Use a seam binder
By considering your style and the look of your house, you can find one of these that will work for you.
Why Transition Wood Flooring Between Rooms?
When you are designing your house, the finishing carpentry is incredibly important.
It is one thing to build a home and design it, but actually putting the final touches on is another. This is where your home will start to come together and feel like a cohesive home.
When you have two different types of wood flooring, simply putting them next to each other isn’t recommended.
Instead, you should use transitions to make the change smooth and interesting. This will make your home feel finished and complete.
There are different ways to make this transition and choosing the right one for your home is essential.
Use Floorboards Lengthwise
One of the most common ways to transition between wood floors is to install the floorboards lengthwise.
When you do this, you can integrate the different wood types within the lengthwise boards. This is a great way to gradually introduce the new type of wood.
By installing the floorboards this way, you can also create interesting patterns. You can create some unique looks by laying out the floorboards in complicated ways.
When you use this method, be sure to plan out the layout as best as you can. This will make the installation much easier and give you the look you want.
Use Contrast
If you are not interested in making a transition, using contrast can be a great way to finish the flooring.
When you don’t have a transition in mind, you can always use contrast to your advantage. By choosing contrasting colors for your two wood types, you can make a bold statement.
It is important to remember that this method won’t work for every kind of home.
You should have a specific sense of your style before attempting this kind of transition. Knowing that you will be happy with the colors and that they will fit with your home is essential.
Use Transition Molding
There are all kinds of transition moldings that you can use to move to the next wood floor.
Transition moldings are pieces of wood that cover up the seam in the floor. They can be a great way to make the transition look more natural.
Choose a transition molding that will be relatively low-profile. One of the dangers of using this method is that some of them stick up quite a bit.
You will want to make sure that you don’t install something that you can trip over.
Always get a few pieces and dry-fit them to make sure they will work for you and your family. If it is tasteful enough, you should be able to transition between many different types
Install a Seam Binder
Seam binders are similar to transition moldings except they are much simpler.
This method is highly recommended and will work for most homes and styles.
Seam binders are small pieces of wood with beveled edges that sit between two types of flooring. They come in all kinds of styles and colors and you are sure to be able to find one that works.
Seam binders are much more low-profile than most transition moldings, so they are a good option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it OK to have different wood flooring in different rooms?
With flooring, the kind you choose will always be a matter of personal taste.
It is okay to have different wood flooring in different rooms. However, it is highly recommended that you use transitions.
- How do you transition floors in an open floor plan?
If you have an open floor plan, it can be difficult to transition floors.
However, one of the most common ways to do this is to use a piece of furniture. A large couch can cover up the seam and give the space a cohesive look.
- What direction should wood flooring be installed?
As a rule, wood flooring should go in the direction of the longest wall.
However, if you are trying to transition the floors by installing lengthwise boards, this may not work. Consider what you are trying to do and install the boards accordingly.
Conclusion
Using different types of wood for your flooring is a great way to bring texture and contrast to your home.
If you are able to make seamless transitions, it can be a very beautiful technique. Using the above methods will help you find a solution that works for you.
