Modern layout interior design involves the use of various types of flooring, most often for living rooms Laminate slabs are used; tiles will be most convenient for the kitchen, bathroom and toilet. To connect two coatings with such different characteristics, a special decorative element, a threshold for laminate and tiles, providing design and protection of the joint line between two dissimilar materials.

Functions of the sill

The pressure strip is used not only for arranging the joint between the laminate and tiles, in fact, it is the only way to seamlessly connect a laminate slab with linoleum, parquet, wooden floors. The laminate threshold provides a solution to several cornerstone durability problems:

1. The edges of the laminate slab are fixed, the covering assembled from individual lamellas is closed, and thus the end locks are unloaded, the risk of joint divergence is reduced to a minimum. In addition, the risk of catching the edge of the laminate board with shoes when walking is reduced;
2. The protective strip closes the gap between the tile and the laminate, thereby eliminating the possibility of accumulation of debris and dust, and moisture flowing under the lining material;
3. A decorative threshold allows you to close the joint line, disguise minor defects and make the transition from laminate to tile or linoleum less contrasting.

Advice! If it is not possible to make a threshold based on texture, pattern and color an exact copy laminate, it is best to make it intentionally bright and eye-catching.

For example, chromed metal or an oxidized painted aluminum surface with any combination of “laminate - tile” or “laminate - parquet” will look very organic and impressive. Moreover, the abrasion resistance of such a threshold will be many times higher than that of painted PVC film or laminated HDF from which the laminate is made.

Types and design options for thresholds

The entire range of options offered for sale for joining floor coverings with a laminate slab can be divided into several categories according to design and purpose:

• Docking and decorative elements;
• Multi-level and edge overlay strips;
• Compensation thresholds for laminate flooring.

Important! The second most important task of the threshold, in addition to decorative and leveling functions, is to compensate for microscopic movements of the laminate under conditions of changing temperature and humidity.

How does a threshold under laminate work?

Such conditions do not always arise; for example, for two laminate slabs with different patterns or dissimilar coverings laid within the same room, only a decorative strip covering the seams will be required.

Simple joint thresholds are designed to provide continuity of the floor covering. the main task- ensure the most even, yet hidden transition between the laminate surfaces. Available in the form of HDF strips placed in the seam between the coverings.

Often, the manufacturer includes several functions in one sill design. For example, docking overlays often also perform compensatory functions. Such systems allow you to connect coatings with different expansion coefficients, for example, laminate and tile. They are always made in the form of two parts - a fastening part installed in the seam, and a decorative overlay that covers the joint. The difference between this threshold and the docking option is the presence free space, ensuring free expansion of laminate slabs when humidity or load changes.

Previously, they tried to solve the compensation problem by laying additional tape made of lining material, for example, cork or foam polystyrene, between the joints, but this scheme was later abandoned due to severe contamination of the seam.

One of the most complex tasks Joining laminate slabs with other types of floor coverings has to be decided in the case when the joining surfaces are at different levels. For example, it is necessary to cover the end of a laminate slab that “runs” onto the linoleum with a threshold.

For these purposes, you can use a threshold with a special corner profile, or the usual compensation option, installed at the angle of descent of the coating.

In the same way, you can design thresholds for laminate flooring in areas adjacent to doorways in the apartment, in front of the exit to the kitchen, veranda, entrance to the pantry, utility room.

For your information! In addition to conventional linear thresholds, flexible systems are produced that allow the laminate to be joined with any other coating along a complex curved path.

“Curved” joining lines are often used for the kitchen or hallway, where the flooring is often made of two parts, in the form of ceramic tiles and laminate, or commercial linoleum.

Methods for installing thresholds

There may be several reasons why owners prefer to make a joint between laminate and tile along a complex curved path, but most often this choice is dictated by the convenience of placement kitchen furniture or rational use small space hallway

In this case, a flexible version of the threshold is used, which consists of two parts - an aluminum base and a polyvinyl chloride decorative overlay. The base or fastening of the threshold is made in the form of a split tape. First, along the joint line between the laminate and the tile, you will need to cut a groove to the width of the fastener. Aluminum profile they are bent exactly along the contour, cut and fixed in the groove with glue, but with mandatory reinforcement with self-tapping screws, 5 pieces for each meter of length.

To install the polymer strip, it must be heated in hot water with a temperature of 60-70 o C for 15 minutes. The softened strip is carefully bent along curved contour and after cooling, snap into the mount.

Most laminate thresholds are fixed at the joint line using external or closed fasteners. In the first case, the surface of the aluminum strip already has holes for self-tapping screws. A set of plugs and screws is always sold complete with a decorative strip.

Since overlay strips in most cases are laid under doorways, the most difficult thing is the correct trimming of the ends of the threshold, which follows the contour of the sill and casing at the base of the door. If the insertion was successful, you only need to drill the holes, hammer in the plugs and tighten the screws.

For thresholds with closed fasteners, installing the strip is not much more difficult, but there are some peculiarities. This type of plank does not have points for drilling; you choose them yourself. Next, as in the diagram above, you will need to hammer the plugs into the holes, and put the corresponding number of screws into the “ruler” of the threshold. After aligning the position on the strip, polyurethane glue is applied under the head of each screw. The threshold is turned over, the screws are inserted into the holes of the plugs and pushed through the wooden plank with a hammer until it stops. The threshold is loaded from above with pressure up to completely dry glue.

Before installing the threshold, experts advise checking the play between the screw and the strip. If the fastener “dangles” by more than 0.1 mm, it is better to replace the self-tapping screw with larger size, having previously ground off the base of the head and the tip on a sharpener.

Conclusion

Mechanical fastening using self-tapping screws ensures normal pressing of the plank and the edges of the laminate. Attempts to glue or attach to embedded elements, as a rule, do not lead to success. The threshold can be considered the most loaded part of the floor covering, so it often has to be changed more often than the laminate itself. This is worth remembering when installing decorative elements with glue.

The trend of modern construction work The goal is to make any coatings as harmonious as possible, and decorative elements allow you to combine different types of them. This article will talk about how thresholds for laminate flooring will help when laying this type of coating.

Purpose of thresholds for laminate flooring

The bottom line is that designer decoration involves the combination of several at once in one or adjacent rooms. finishing materials. There remains a joint between such coatings that should be repaired, since its presence in the photo and during visual inspection will create the feeling of low-quality work. Also, dust, dirt, bacteria and insects get into such a seam, which a priori should not be in an apartment that is positioned as clean.

The easiest way to eliminate such a gap between surfaces is with decorative thresholds. Concerning construction stores, then there you can find the most different types such elements. They differ in a variety of parameters: installation method, material of manufacture, appearance (color, texture), etc.

Also, a docking threshold is needed for the following tasks:

• protecting two joining decks and preserving them from deformation;
• when using floors, seams will not be a problem for those who really like to trip over prominent surface elements;
• The threshold completes the created coating. An inserted threshold between the laminate and the laminate will complete the aesthetics of the flooring;
• minor irregularities between adjacent areas can be hidden due to the special design of the threshold.

The special designs of thresholds mentioned above can cover differences in heights of up to 2 centimeters. With their help, you can combine tiles and laminate, linoleum and carpet, as well as a number of other combinations. Let's consider the main types of thresholds according to their main parameters.

Design Features

This feature determines the difference between the thresholds in form and purpose:

• The standard element is a straight strip, which can be used mainly on equally spaced areas of the coating. It doesn’t matter what kind of coatings are combined, because... it is simply important for the bar to be secured at the joint. Such a threshold would also look good in the transition between two neighboring rooms, floor covering in which only laminate or other coatings are used. It is only important to maintain the height of these coverings.
• A more sophisticated option is a corner for laminate and other coverings, designed to combine cladding on staircases. Its installation is carried out exclusively on the edges of the steps in order to cover the cut edge of the material. A rubber decorative element is best suited for these purposes, as it will eliminate the sliding effect.
• The final thresholds are so called because there are two options for their use: the structure will hide only one of the floorings that are joined on different heights, or it will hide two surfaces at once. Most often, this option is used for installation on slopes.
• The curvilinear option allows you to design the joined coverings in an original way and implement zoning of the room. For example, it is not difficult to install a flexible threshold for laminate in combination with any other covering, but it is very important to adjust the coverings to be laid under it. The marking features are determined by the curvature of the acquired threshold.

Fastening method

As befits a decorative element, the threshold can be secured in two ways: open and hidden.

The open installation method involves the creation or presence of special holes in the panel for screwing in self-tapping screws, bolts or other fasteners. If there are no such holes, you need to make them yourself using a drill. The distance between fasteners should be equal in the range from 30 to 50 centimeters.

First, the threshold is cut to the length that will allow it to be inserted between the limiters (jambs, baseboards on opposite walls). Fastening to laminate laid on wooden base, is carried out using ordinary self-tapping screws. It is better to mount the planks on a concrete floor using dowels, for which holes are pre-drilled, naturally with a slightly larger diameter than the fasteners. And it will be possible to insert bolts, screws or self-tapping screws into the dowels.

Naturally, this method of installation is not aesthetic, and the fastenings will be obvious in the photo and during visual inspection, which is not acceptable if the owner wants to show off all the charms new finishes of your home. When it comes to making decorative elements more presentable, thresholds for laminate flooring come to the rescue. hidden fastening, represented by a prefabricated structure.

The lower part of such a threshold acts as a base and is fixed to the floor using self-tapping screws. The top one is fixed with locks, while closing the fastener heads. It is enough to press it to the bottom until you hear a characteristic click.

There is another way to lay thresholds for laminate flooring with hidden fastening, which involves using regular PV glue, liquid nails or other mixtures applied to inner side planks. It is necessary to maintain the threshold on the base for the time during which the composition will dry and securely fix the element. It is best to work with such mixtures in pairs with an assistant, who will not allow the bar to move until the glue has completely dried.

Naturally, manufacturers do not stand still, and therefore another installation method was invented - a combined one. The bottom line is that both fasteners and an adhesive mixture are used. We will use this option in cases where the threshold is very long and curved. We are talking mainly about plastic strips.

Production material

Also, many characteristics of decorative thresholds are determined by the material that was used in production.

The following types are known today:

• wooden thresholds for laminate between rooms they go well with the coating. They have increased strength, are aesthetic and easy to attach. Their disadvantage is that applied to them paints and varnishes peel off quickly. Needs to be done periodically additional processing such elements;
• metal threshold connecting can be aluminum, brass or steel. The most popular on this list is aluminum. However, each metal has the following characteristics: strength and long-term operation. Many designers recommend choosing door sills, matching the door handles, which is very stylish. Metal strips are often installed in places with increased mechanical load. But it is worth noting that, for example, brass quickly loses its presentability if you walk on it in shoes. External side such elements are covered with a special film imitation gold, silver, chrome or bronze;
• from MDF boards cut laminated decorative thresholds, characterized by a variety of textures and shades. They have low cost and short service life;
• plastic thresholds have the highest popularity, because their price suits buyers of almost any category, and the abundance of textures and colors applied to the panels will satisfy any creative wishes. The service life of such elements is quite short, but replacing them is quite simple;
• a sophisticated option, is a glass hidden threshold for laminate flooring, which increases the exoticism of the interior, but is used exclusively in rooms with low mechanical load.

Selection of decorative thresholds

The correct choice of threshold must be made according to a number of criteria:

• functional purpose of joined coatings. For example, if laminate is installed in the hallway, and tiles are installed in the kitchen, then the threshold connecting them must have sufficient strength and moisture resistance in accordance with the operating conditions in both parts of the house. It is best to use an aluminum or plastic strip in such conditions;
• from a design point of view, the choice remains solely with the owner, who should determine how harmoniously the threshold will look in combination with the joined floorings. Here you can play with the method of contrasts or, on the contrary, create a uniform coating. When we're talking about When delimiting rooms, it is best to select a threshold that will be monochromatic for one covering and will set off the other;
• if we are talking about height differences, then it is necessary to select multi-level thresholds for the laminate and focus in this process on the thickness to be covered.

Threshold care

It is very important to familiarize yourself with a number of nuances that will allow you to achieve the longest service life of the threshold:

• Of course, first of all, high-quality installation of thresholds on laminate and other coatings will make them more protected from deformation. To avoid errors during installation, each action must be planned before starting repair work, and the technology for its implementation has been studied;
• If you have no experience in such work, it is recommended to use exclusively straight planks, because there is no need to adjust joining coatings for them. Don’t think that anyone can make a version of a curved joint that looks beautiful in the photo. If necessary, create special types coatings, it is better to seek help from specialists;
• It is worth considering how prepared the base under the flooring is for installing the threshold. For example, only an adhesive mixture is placed under the tile, and a substrate is laid under the laminate, the level of which will have to be taken into account in order to lay the mounting part of the prefabricated threshold at a level sufficient to secure the decorative strip. Typically, height differences are eliminated using a rubber gasket with variable thickness;
• one more important parameter is the width of the sill. Exist various options elements, taking into account that the seams between the joined coatings are not always the same;
• the threshold can be installed only after the covering has been completed, but the covering must also be laid in a certain order: first the tiles, then everything else. The reason is that ceramic tile subject to shrinkage as the mixture dries (read: "").

It is also worth knowing that you can refuse to use the threshold. A replacement could be silicone sealant, poured into the joint, or a cork insert seated on glue mixture clearly along the seam, but at the same time its depth should be sufficient.

Bottom line

Thresholds for laminate flooring are the most important decorative element that allows you to decorate your home, increasing its comfort and aesthetics. You can’t do without them if different kinds coverings are not laid at the same level. The joint is closed with a threshold, and the floors become monolithic. At the same time, their presentability and functionality increase.

Of course, every owner of a living space who plans to decorate the floor with laminated panels wonders what thresholds should be used.

Purpose of thresholds

Quite often in modern design In interiors, there are combinations of laminated flooring with other types of materials or with a similar coating, but a different color option. Thresholds allow you to decorate the joints between flooring materials and hide installation errors. In addition, they prevent dust and debris from entering the joints, and also protect the edges of the lamellas from destruction.

Types of thresholds

Transitional option

Features of joint design

To properly arrange the joints of laminated panels on the floor, you should follow several rules:

• Depending on the design of the room, you can use threshold fastening, butt fastening, wave-shaped joint device or fastening construction foam and sealant.
• The docking connection should not be an obstacle when walking, nor should it have a negative impact on appearance floor.
• It is better to design single-level joints using thresholds or moldings made of wood, plastic or metal.
• The prefabricated threshold includes a removable cover and fastening, and the solid threshold is fixed to the base of the floor using dowel-nails or a special adhesive.

Installation of a threshold between laminate and tiles (video)

Properly designed transitions and joints can extend the life of not only the same type of flooring, but also a combined floor covering.

Laminated panels have long become a favorite floor covering for those who value environmental friendliness, quality and comfort. The laminate fully meets these criteria, representing high quality decorative flooring. However, to achieve the maximum aesthetic effect, when installing lamellas, all possible aspects should be taken into account, without which it will not be possible to create a truly high-quality and functional coating.

One of the most important additional components of the laminate is the threshold, which provides masking of unsightly joints in transitions between different coatings . As a rule, manufacturers produce thresholds that are easy to install, beautiful and durable.

What are the thresholds?

Installation of thresholds – The final stage in laying lamellas. All canvases are already ready for use and you can safely select suitable thresholds. First you need to determine what material the thresholds for the laminate will be made of.

Modern manufacturers used in manufacturing metals (steel, aluminum, brass), wood, plastic raw materials, cork and the material itself, which was also used in the manufacture of laminate. Are different different models thresholds cost And performance qualities. Let's take a closer look at what types of thresholds for laminate flooring are available on the modern market.

Hardware are made in different color shades. The advantages of such thresholds include the undoubted strength(the highest compared to analogues from other materials), affordability, practicality and long service life. It is recommended to use such thresholds in high-traffic areas, since other material may not withstand the loads.

The only disadvantages of metal thresholds include: low decorative qualities. Still, natural wood looks more advantageous in terms of aesthetic qualities. And yet metal thresholds can be selected under door handles, fittings, chandeliers and other decorative objects interior design.

Wooden thresholds fit most organically into the laminated fabric, however, they the cost is higher than the prices for metal specimens. Wood – environmentally friendly and natural material . Its disadvantages include a short service life. In some cases, they are additionally sanded and coated with varnish compounds.

Cork thresholds for laminate are used in cases where it is required close the transition zone from the lamellas to stone covering . Due to their high flexibility, such products take on the load from the laminate and at the same time provide decoration to the joint.

Aesthetic plastic thresholds for panels are considered the cheapest. Their dignity lies in large selection color shades . Plastic models do an excellent job of their function, providing both a binding and a decorative function. However, The quality of the plastic threshold corresponds to the cost. The durability of such models is a rather relative concept.

Threshold models made of laminated elements fit harmoniously into the decor of any room, while there is the ability to select a specific series that is optimal for the color of the floor- for example, parquet floorers usually take threshold models from the same series of laminated panels, but such products are not resistant to water and physical damage.

The choice of material should be made based on docking location. Eg, for fastening tiles and laminated coating it is necessary to choose thresholds that are resistant to water - that is, made of metal or plastic. If required eliminate certain elevation differences– then it is advisable to opt for a cork threshold.

Another classification also applies to thresholds for laminate flooring - according to form and purpose:

They have their own classification and multi-level thresholds for laminate, which are available in the following standard sizes:

Unusual combinations different materials often found in the kitchen, because this particular area has a tiled surface, and the floor of the dining room is usually covered with laminated panels. Through flexible thresholds for laminate flooring masters docking places near niches are also often decorated, arched structures and columns. Such thresholds for laminate are made from cork or based on hypoallergenic types of plastic, and are produced in rolls. They are easy to transport and stack.

Installing thresholds for laminate flooring

There are quite a lot of installation methods and they all depend on the specific mechanism that is provided in the product.

Open installation

Factory equipment is already in use special niches were made for fasteners. To attach such thresholds to the laminate, you only need put the threshold to the floor, mark and make the necessary holes.

Then It is necessary to drive a plug into the created holes into which self-tapping screws are screwed.. They will create a reliable fixation to the floor, which will ensure the stability of the threshold.

Next you should do proper preparation rough base, namely in the threshold area remove the backing and insert a panel of plywood or plastic. This will protect against loosening of the screws and plugs in the base.

This fixation technique has many advantages, including the low cost of the thresholds and ease of installation. But it was not without its drawbacks. As a rule, they come down to unreliability of holes, which break over time and cease to perform a fixing function.