Finishing of building surfaces is rarely carried out on the principle of monolith. Modern houses and apartments are often zoned out, which involves pairing several dissimilar sites. Technically, this is especially noticeable in the case of floor coverings in which the material is joined by special means. One of the most common means of decorating transitional zones is the threshold between the tile and the laminate, which is laid directly in the place of mixing of the two coatings. In a sense, this is a universal adapter, because its design allows the installation of other materials.
Nut Purpose
This element performs several functions. Firstly, it structurally covers the technical gap, which is formed at the convergence of two dissimilar materials. Usually this applies to the installation of coatings from wood-particle or solid wood materials and tile products. These are coatings that have a significant difference in both performance and technical characteristics. In turn, installing a nut between the tile and the laminate eliminates precisely the structural difference, which in the opposite case will provide a quick process of deformation of the extreme sections of the conjugate materials. In other words, the edges of target coatings without a gun will be subject to intense wear. The second functional moment is associated with a decorative task. The interval from one coating to another looks unattractive, especially if the materials in the form of tiles and laminate and in their texture have significant differences. The transition element eliminates the difference, masking the unsightly strip of the gap.
Varieties of element by material
It is practiced the manufacture of sills of three materials - metal, plastic and wood. Metal models are mainly represented by aluminum. This option is considered the most advantageous in terms of strength, wear resistance and durability. Plastic elements are the most practical and easy to install. Thanks to the rubber lining, it is possible to provide a tight shutter in the joint, which will prevent the penetration of spilled liquid into the underground niche. In addition, a plastic flexible sill between the tile and the laminate allows you to optimally adjust the lining line to the gap in accordance with the geometric features of the joint. As for wooden sills, they are the least popular. Although manufacturers produce such elements from solid rocks, they are not able to withstand intense loads in the long run. On the other hand, in terms of aesthetic value, natural wood sills are a more attractive solution compared to metal and plastic counterparts.
Varieties by type of construction
In this case, two classifications are taken into account. The first involves the separation of the sills into curved and straight. In essence, these are flexible plastic and bendable wood elements. Aluminum can be bent only in the longitudinal plane in length, but not in the side. Another classification involves the division into collapsible and solid elements. Collapsibles consist of two parts - the lower one is laid under both sides of two floor coverings, and the upper one covers the outside. The hitch is formed by special groove clamping systems. But this option is allowed only during initial installation, when the laying of the main floor material is also carried out. The whole element involves only external masking of the joint, but can be installed at any time, without requiring intervention in the design of the laid flooring. It is also worth noting that the threshold between the tile and the laminate is multilevel, which is intended for an organic bond of coatings at different heights. For example, if you need to technically level the gap between a thick tile and a thin laminate, then a multilevel threshold of the corresponding standard size is suitable.
Connection options
Two fixation options are common. The first provides for the rigid and most reliable fastening by means of self-tapping screws or other hardware. In this way, metal sills are installed, since they are durable, which eliminates the risk of accidental damage to the material at the attachment point. But how to fix the threshold between the tile and the laminate, if it is made of plastic or wood? Obviously, fixing with the same self-tapping screw 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 will be more appropriate to apply the second option of fastening through the groove connection. A collapsible type of nut is used, in which the pairing of two parts from the lower and upper sides will provide a sufficient effect of reliable fixation.
Installation technique
The entire installation process of 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, the working line is marked, along which the threshold will be laid. At this point, the installation method should also be determined. How to install a threshold between tiles and laminate using holes? To do this, the twist points of the hardware should be marked. A prerequisite for this option should be the conformity of the main material to drilling and installation through a self-tapping screw. Then, the complete fasteners are carefully screwed in with a screwdriver. If necessary, seals are also used. Even easier to install through the grooved connection. One part of the nut is superimposed on the other and, by force, is clicked into the spacer mechanism of the coupling.
Positive feedback about the little ones
Among the main advantages of this solution, many designers and ordinary users note the effect of decorative masking and increased reliability of the flooring at the junction. The advantages of individual models include the possibility of creating original design solutions. For example, a multilevel threshold between a tile and a laminate allows you to create a small podium. True, this applies to massive instances of non-standard forms. An unusual stylistic effect helps to create models with a natural texture and curved plastic sills.
Negative reviews
They criticize this decision for individual structural flaws that are often found even in products from large manufacturers. First of all, this is an overestimation of the threshold above the level of mating coatings. If we are not talking about the difference in the heights of the tiles and the laminate, then raising the threshold itself will be a serious minus. When walking, they will hurt him, polluting 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 resistance. Even aluminum models may not be able to cope with their tasks if high mechanical stress occurs in the contact patch with a rigid plate. Therefore, the intensity of possible loads should be calculated in advance.
Nut Tips
Regular care is needed not so much on the surface of the nut as damping materials. As already noted, plastic models are complemented by rubber layers that soften mechanical pressure and increase tightness at the junction. In order for the connecting sills between the laminate and tile to last longer, such 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. Like a laminate with parquet, such a sill needs to be treated with protective mastics and moisture-resistant agents.
Conclusion
Even before the development of a project or scheme for organizing flooring, it is advisable to evaluate how, in principle, the use of a joint will be justified. Although the threshold between the tile and the laminate is the most appropriate way to design gaps of this kind, its presence carries certain disadvantages in terms of the operation of the coating. Therefore, it is important to decide whether it is possible to do without a joint and lay a monolithic coating over the entire area. If we are talking about pairing two rooms, then such connections will be justified, but with zonal separation, for example, studio apartments, it is undesirable to abuse the sills.