How to Install a T-Mold Transition Between Laminate & Ceramic Tile

Installing a T Mold Transition Between Laminate and Ceramic Tile

There are several different types of laminate transitions that you may need when installing laminate flooring. Each one is used specifically for where the laminate flooring ends, such as where the laminate stops at ceramic tile. Other transitions are used where the laminate ends at carpet, vinyl flooring, a threshold or a step down such as a sunken living room or stairs.

I will describe how to install a T mold between laminate flooring and ceramic tile on a concrete floor. If you're installing the track on a wood sub floor, you don't have to worry about drilling the concrete. Just use wood screws to attach the track. The T mold will snap into the track after it is installed.  The ceramic tile needs to be the same height as the laminate flooring so the transition sits level across the two floors. If the laminate or ceramic tile are different heights you may need to modify the laminate transition.

Cut the track to the correct length

The first step is to cut the track to the right length. If installing the transition in a doorway cut the track about 1/2 inch short at each end. The space between the laminate and the ceramic tile should allow the track to have a space of 1/4 inch from the laminate and tile.

Mark where to drill holes in the concrete

Use a small piece of the T mold as a guide. Position the sample T mold in the door way where the final position will be. Hold the track in place where the T mold will be installed. Make marks in the pre-made Lholes of the track using a pencil. Make marks at each end an two more between these. Make marks also on the ceramic tile to keep track of where they are.

Drill the holes in the concrete

Use a 1/4 inch masonry drill bit and drill the 4 holes. (In most cases it takes about 4 holes for a typical door way) Drill about 1 1/2 inches deep for each hole. Using a hammer drill is much quicker than a normal drill.

Insert wooden dowels in holes and screw down track

Use a 1/4 inch wooden dowel (about .49 cents at Home Depot) Tap the dowel with a hammer into each hole you drilled, and break off.  Make sure the dowels are flush with the top of the holes. You may have to use a chisel and scrap any extra wood flat. Position the track in place and use a 1 to 1 1/2 inch screw to screw the track down. Don't over tighten the screws.

Measure and cut transition

Measure the width and cut the transition, using a miter chop saw if possible. You may have to notch the corners to fit around the door stops in the door jamb. Hold the transition over the track where it will snap in and make a mark so you can cut the corner. After making the marks on the corners cut them with a jig saw or a small hand saw.

Install T mold into track

After cutting the transition to fit the door way all you need to do is to snap it into the track. Sometimes when screwing the track down,  the metal ones tend to pull the sides of the track inward. Use a screw driver and spread the sides apart a little so the transition will snap in the track easier. Start at one side and work to the other. Make sure the transition is in the track before using a block and hammer to tap it down.