How to connect ceramic tile and wood flooring
Transitioning from wood flooring to tile flooring where the two floors meet, usually in doorways, is something that should be part of your flooring project planning.
Key considerations when transitioning between tile and wood or other materials include:
- Aesthetics
- Location of installation
- Installation technique and order
- Floor height variations and underlayment
- Material thickness and thin-set application
Transition strips allow a smooth traffic flow and act as a visual break between two different flooring materials. Commonly used are manufactured transition strips that are made from PVC, metal or wood and are available in a wide variety of colors. They can hide gaps between the two floors and can bridge any change in floor height.
Another option is to design your floor as a transitional floor. This is a floor made from wood and tile that spills into each other. This technique is used in the same room to create zones and not typically in doorways. There is a lot more planning and labor involved in this type of floor and it’s a good idea to dry lay the tiles first so you can see exactly the pattern they make. If your flooring and tile have different heights, this should be taken into consideration at the planning stage. Hexagon tiles work well for this technique and should be cemented first, then cut the wood flooring to fit around.
Planning for Height Differences
Achieving a same-height or flush transition between different flooring materials is ideal. However, in remodeling scenarios, it may be challenging to avoid sloped transitions, especially when replacing only a section of the flooring. For instance, tile installations with thin-set and underlayments often result in a higher floor than adjacent materials.
It’s crucial to anticipate and address these floor-height differences during the planning stage. Floors can be “built-up,” but they cannot be “lowered” without additional labor and expense.
Thickness of the Flooring Underlayment
When transitioning from a tile floor to a wood floor, considering the thickness of the underlayment is crucial. Fiberboard or cement board can be used as underlayment for tile installations, while wood underlayment is not suitable. These boards are typically available in 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thicknesses and are mortared and nailed on top of the existing wooden subfloor. Including up to 1/2-inch thicknesses allows you to build up the floor under the tile installation, ensuring the finish face of the tile is flush with the hardwood.
Accounting for Thin Set
Tile flooring installations involve the use of thin-set mortar, which has two levels. The first level is applied on top of the subfloor under the tile’s underlayment, usually with a 1/4-inch notch trowel. After compression, this thin-set layer is approximately 1/8 inch thick. The same rule applies to trowels up to 3/8 inch in size for tile application. Larger trowels, like 1/2- or 3/4-inch notched trowels, leave a thicker bed of mortar, up to 1/4 inch for larger tiles. By considering the thin-set thickness, you can accurately calculate the overall height of the tile installation.
Install Wood Flooring Before Tile
When you are working in an area where you can control the “when” of the installation, it is always best to install hardwood before you worry about the tile. This is because wood installations have a very definite thickness; usually just that of the wood itself, and maybe padding if it is included. Tile installations, on the other hand, require underlayment and various levels of mortar. As a result, it is generally much easier to make up for and adjust a height/thickness variant within the levels of a tile installation. If not, you can pad the wood floor with a layer of wood underlayment or layers of plywood as needed to bring the two surfaces level.
Need help with what to where to start first? Contact one of Chamberlain Timber Marts Knowledgeable staff to get the process of your new floors started today.
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