Close the gap between the tiles and the laminate. How to decorate the joint between tiles and laminate beautifully: options

Many builders and interior designers in Lately are inclined to choose a combined floor covering, using several within one room facing materials. The article will discuss how to make the transition from tiles to laminate, decorating it with your own hands so that the seam between the materials does not create visual and operational discomfort.

Modern flooring

Today, in many rooms, the floors are covered with a material based on the characteristics of the coating used. Differences in characteristics led to the invention of zoning technology for the entire house or individual rooms.

The following materials are suitable for installation in specific rooms:

• parquet flooring and covering natural stone most often used in living rooms and offices;
• tiles, due to their resistance to wear, moisture, chemicals and other types of aggressive effects on the coating, are used in kitchen units, sanitary facilities, and sometimes in hallways. If in a ceramic-lined room it is necessary to lay an area with more comfortable performance characteristics, it is recommended to study the instructions on how to make the transition from tiles to laminate with your own hands;
• special attention is paid to bedrooms and children's rooms, which are an “intimate” part of the house, where residents should feel cozy and comfortable. It is recommended to use carpet as a floor covering in these rooms.

Tile and laminate next door

Today, it is not uncommon to find a combination of tiles and laminate in the same room or adjacent rooms. This association did not arise by chance, because coatings have individual advantages.

This allows them to be used for radically different purposes:

• tiles are resistant to mechanical stress, as well as moisture and chemicals, it is easier to clean it from dirt, but despite its strength, it has a solid structure that creates discomfort when walking;
• laminate is cheaper and more varied in terms of surface color and applied texture options.

In this regard, the connection of laminate with tiles is the basis for obtaining high-quality, durable and reliable flooring that will last long years. All that remains is to figure out how to install such materials next to each other.

Features of joining tiles with laminate

First of all, the joint must fit harmoniously into environment so as not to stand out visually and geometrically in the general plan of the floor covering. Thresholds are usually used to improve adhesion and decorate the joint seam.

It is important to understand how to connect laminate and tile floors in such a way as to achieve the ideal smooth surface with a long service life.

Places for using combination styling:

• In kitchen blocks, natural joining of materials is most often used. It is popular to create podiums - special elevations that, in addition to their decorative function, absorb height differences between adjacent materials. Single-level coatings fit together much worse, since it is more difficult to lay materials at the same height and you will have to try hard to connect them with a decorative profile;
• Also, the combination of laminate and tiles in the hallway justifies its creation. Naturally, it would be safer to use tiles near the door itself, since such a coating is not afraid of the mechanical impact of shoes, falling of various objects, etc. And it’s much easier to clean up after everyone entering the house if such a covering is installed;
• in the living room it is recommended to return to laminate again, since its use is more comfortable, but you cannot completely abandon tiles and with its help you can effectively decorate areas near the fireplace, under windows and in doorways.

Before connecting the laminate and tiles, you need to decide how the joint will be sealed. You can use various trims, thresholds and other decorative finishing elements. Any chosen method will ensure the attractiveness of the overall coating and increase the service life of all materials used.

The joint will not be noticeable in the photo and will not create discomfort during operation. Let's consider the main methods of processing joints between various types facing materials.

Docking threshold

The threshold is a regular strip that is applied to the joint between adjacent materials (more details: ""). If the question arises about how to connect laminate and ceramic tiles, then it is best to resort to using plastic thresholds.

The advantage of plastic is that it has high elasticity and a wide range color solutions. It makes it very easy to make the transition from ceramic tiles on laminate flooring. As for installation, it is very simple and easy to do with your own hands.

By design, there are two main types of decorative thresholds:

• collapsible - most often consist of a substrate and a threshold inserted into it;
• solid - a single structure that can be mounted by screwing in ordinary self-tapping screws or gluing to joining materials.

In this regard, fastening is of two main types:

• hidden - when all the materials used are covered with a plank;
• open - the fasteners do not protrude over the threshold, but are visually distinguishable and noticeable in published photos, which makes the coating not of the highest quality. Typically, dowels or screws are used as fastenings.

Processing a joint using a threshold

The role of thresholds is very important in the process of making the transition from tiles to laminate with your own hands. A properly installed threshold between the tiles and the laminate will protect the edges of both covered floorings from destruction.

Installation is carried out as follows:

• it is important that the floorings on both sides of the joint are located at the same level;
• Before connecting the laminate to the tiles using a threshold, it is recommended to make a uniform seam between the two floorings;
• then the purchased strip is mounted using the chosen method.

Butt joint between laminate and tiles

It is worth noting that it is beautiful to finish a curved joint line using additional materials very difficult. Naturally, you can purchase a plastic connector for laminate and tiles, which can take on an arched shape, but the radius of such a bend will be limited.

The process of laying materials requires accuracy, attentiveness and competent calculation. The tiles are laid first and it is important to follow the joint line clearly so as not to redo any defects that have arisen, which is almost impossible when using ceramics. Once the tile adhesive has hardened, you can mark the joint to simplify the installation process.

Alternative methods

You can use sealants or special mastic to seal the gap between the materials. At first, a high-quality connection between the tile and the laminate will be obtained, but later the lack of strength will appear. A mixture that accidentally gets onto the surface of a tile or laminate hardens quickly, so application becomes a real problem.

If you use a cork compensator, you can create an equally presentable combined coating. Externally, the material is very beautiful and its use allows not only to create a high-quality connection, but also to equalize the difference in heights between the floorings. Using of this material It is very important to create a perfectly even and deep seam between adjacent coatings.

Bottom line

Any owner of his own home can create a combined flooring using various facing materials. Using various decorative elements and compositions for application will allow you to quickly turn an unsightly seam between materials into an original threshold or joint.

Interest in this type of floor design arises for a variety of reasons:

• the desire to zoning the premises by highlighting certain parts of a spacious room;
• dividing the coating into two parts in order to increase the service life of the material, at least in that area of ​​the room where the intensity of foot traffic by residents is significantly lower.

However, we will not talk about how good this design is, but about how to join tiles and laminate without a threshold, doing all the work yourself. This method of laying both parts of the flooring requires precision and accuracy from the worker.

Defects that arise during work can be hidden with a special threshold, but even without its use you can get a perfectly flat, uniform surface. The main thing is that the joint is not noticeable during visual inspection and in the photo, as this will spoil the opinion of the quality of the work performed.

Preparatory stage of installation

The following steps must be taken before starting work:

• measure the thickness of purchased materials;
• prepare templates for installation;
• trace: mark the joint line on the floor.

After all of the above, you need to decide which material will be laid first. Experts will confirm that you can only start with tiles and nothing else. This sequence is due to the fact that the tiles have a standard thickness, and when laying the laminate, it can be leveled with a special backing that will definitely be used.

But what thickness the specified layer will be is up to the owner to decide. Alignment will be much easier in this case.

You can rely not only on the substrate, but also prepare the surface in advance in such a way that the connection of tiles and laminate without a threshold is as simple as possible (read: ""). If installation is carried out on the same basis as all others repair work inside a clean, newly rebuilt building, you can level the height at the level of the screed.

By achieving an original design for the floors in the room, you can level the base for installation in any way the owner wishes. In this case, the room is easily divided not just into two parts, but an original pattern is created from two types of covering.

In this case, the laminate acts as a material that will be adjusted along the joint, since it is much easier to process. The thickness is equal to the selected substrate, as mentioned earlier. As for the location relative to the joint and the tile, the gap between the two coatings should be 1.5-2 millimeters.

The article is about how to join tiles and laminate flooring without a threshold, which means that the seam will have to be sealed with a certain means. The size of the seam is selected depending on the means used to fill it.

Features of the seam between coatings

There are two main ways to create a joint. Naturally, there is nothing simpler than connecting tiles and laminate without a threshold along a joint represented by a straight line. The only nuance in this case may be that the tile Low quality will have to be processed on the side where the connection to the laminate will occur.

However, the attractiveness of such a connection is low. In the photo, the room will not look original, and guests will not appreciate the creative delights of the owner.

The non-standard curvilinear shape of the seam is not trivial, but it is also much more difficult to carry out the work of laying the material.

The difficulty lies in a number of conditions:

• it is necessary to create a preliminary template completely similar to the contour of the joint line;
• the width of the joining seam must be maintained regardless of the number and complexity of bends;
• the material must be cut out in advance and laid the first time, since it is completely impossible to level the tiles on the floor, and the laminate will not look aesthetically pleasing.

Joint processing methods

After connecting the laminate to the tiles without a threshold, it is necessary to seal the seam between the coverings. You can use two main means: sealant or cork compensator.

To replace part of the coating, you will have to completely dismantle it using a rough method and lay a new one. When using it, you should also be aware that the sealant dries extremely quickly, and therefore if it gets on tiles or laminate flooring, it can cause unpleasant contamination. To eliminate it you will have to work hard and do everything possible actions with maximum speed.

If the joining of laminate and tiles without a threshold is made using a cork expansion joint, then the owner will need to place a “thread” of material in the seam. A variety of colors will allow you to choose a material that will look harmonious at the junction of two materials.

The disadvantage is that any height difference will be noticeable to the naked eye and the “thread” will not correct this. Therefore, the use of a cork compensator is permissible only in the case of very high-quality laying of coatings.

Bottom line

Maximum accuracy, patience and clarity of action will ensure high-quality coverage, regardless of how complex drawing was conceived by the owner. If certain difficulties arise with installation, you can always contact specialists who will carry out the work promptly and without extra costs time and money.

A professional builder, based on the client’s preferences, will take responsibility for purchasing materials, carrying out work, and will also provide a guarantee of the quality of the created coating.

Combining several types of floor slabs on the floor of one room is one of the modern trends floor design, gaining increasing popularity.

In this case, one has to face such a problem as how to connect two different surfaces together. For example, you need to think about how to connect tiles and laminate together.

This article will help resolve this issue.

Why combine tiles with laminate

Why is it necessary to combine tiles with laminate?

There are several reasons that force such an operation to be performed, and they are both practical and aesthetic in nature.

• Firstly, by connecting tiles and laminate, you can visually divide the room into functional components. Thus, it turns out that the wall is not the only way of zonal division.
• Such zoning is often used in the kitchen: floors with an increased likelihood of contamination, for example, near the sink and stove, are finished with tiles that can be easily washed. The floor of the dining area is covered with a more pleasant and visually cozy laminate.

• In addition to the zoning function, a properly made connection tiles and laminate visually increases the room space.

That is why a similar technique is often adopted in apartments or rooms with a small area.

The practical side of combining tiles and laminate is that it becomes possible to correctly distribute the type of tiles on the floor. That is, where the load and friction are the highest, a tile coating is used, and where the load is lower, the floor can be covered with a laminate.

For example, the floor area, which is located directly in front of the front door, is recommended to lay tiles on which you can walk in street shoes. After some distance from the door it will be possible to lay laminate flooring.

It is worth remembering about the financial part of the issue. Buying laminate flooring is much cheaper than tiles of the same size.

One of bright examples The correct layout of the tiles is the polo area near the fireplace. You simply can’t lay laminate flooring here, because it won’t hold up. high temperatures. At the same time, there is no need to tile the entire floor area in a room with a fireplace, because this will cost a large sum, and such a design may simply not meet the requirements of the owner of the house/apartment.

Connection of laminate and floor tiles

Molding connection

Thresholds and moldings are one of the most successful solutions to help solve the problem of connecting tiles and laminate.

These thresholds and moldings that connect the laminate and floor tiles, can be made from various materials.

Most popular materials:

• Metal (aluminum, which is painted with powder dye);
• Plastic;
• Tree.

Requires special attention! When connecting tiles to laminate, you may notice differences in the height of the two surfaces. In this regard, it is strongly recommended to select the right type of molding, which can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Docking using molding is done as follows:

• Laminate and tiles must be installed in such a way that the distance between them is as fashionable as possible.
• There is no need to additionally precisely process the edges of the tiles and laminate - they will be hidden under the molding.
• Strictly along the line connecting the two floor coverings, corresponding holes are drilled in the floor using a hammer drill. Plastic dowels are then inserted into these holes.
• After these operations, the molding itself is installed directly. On straight sections you can put almost any profile, but on sections where there is a bend, a special flexible molding is used that connects the tile and laminate.

• The molding is installed above the line separating the coverings and is fixed with self-tapping screws.
• When installing a molding with a hidden fastening, you first need to secure the fastening strip to the floor, and only after that the molding itself is installed on its fastenings.

The molding, installed according to all the rules, will hide all the irregularities and differences in height of the two coatings.

The main advantage of the method using molding is its simplicity, because the person connecting the laminate to the tiles using molding does not require much experience or additional knowledge.

Connections without threshold

Unfortunately, molding cannot always be used, and then a reasonable question arises - how can the floor slab and laminate be joined end-to-end.

You can do this as follows:

• First you need to lay the tile so that it goes beyond connecting line and wait until the tile adhesive is ready.
• Laminate is installed on top of the tiles. Laminate panels must be placed on top of the tiles.
• Next, a template is made from thick cardboard, which in its shape copies the connecting line. The template is placed on the laminate and the corresponding markings are made on the panel.
• You can now take the template and disassemble the laminate along the line using a jigsaw.
• After this, the template is applied to the casting, and a correction line is applied. Using a grinder, the excess part of the tile is sawed off. After this, the laminate is returned to its place. If all actions are performed correctly and accurately, then the gap between the tiles and the laminate will not exceed a distance of 1 mm.

The distance formed between the laminate and the tiles must be rubbed using special staff corresponding color. You can use tile grout or laminate repair paste for this purpose.

This connection option is more labor-intensive compared to the option using thresholds, but the final connection also looks more reliable and more natural.

Connection via cork expansion joint

A cork expansion joint is another way to connect two types of flooring. The cork can be significantly deformed, compressing and expanding, which allows the expansion joint to efficiently connect the fixed tiles and the movable laminate.

This method will allow you to mask the gap between the coatings within 5 mm, which is quite suitable even for laminate that was laid without the help of glue.

It must be remembered that the cork compensator can only be used on fairly flat surfaces. Therefore, before installing it, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and sand the ends of the tiles and laminate.

We hope this article answered your questions about joining tiles and laminate flooring. Good luck to you and may your efforts bring you the desired results.

Requirements for the junction of tiles and laminate, types of joining devices and recommendations for their selection, methods of performing work.

Requirements for joints between laminate and tiles

• The threshold performs decorative and strengthening functions.
• The design extends the service life of the decking.
• The connection point is waterproof, because the devices cover unprotected areas.
• The profile does not fade under sunlight.
• The fastening method camouflages the fasteners as much as possible.
• Installation of the planks is quick.
• The material is easy to cut and process.
• Possibility of mounting devices on floors of different heights.
• The joints between tiles and laminate should look aesthetically pleasing and not cause discomfort, for example, if you constantly trip over them.
• The shelf life of the product is no less than the durability of the flooring.
• A properly designed connection visually expands a limited space.

Scope of application of thresholds for tiles and laminate

Laminate is long narrow slats 6-11 mm thick, used in rooms with low traffic. Floor tiles are a rectangular ceramic product with a thickness of at least 7.5 mm. It is placed in places where there is a large mechanical load: near the stove and sink, at the entrance to the apartment and on the balcony, etc. Tile is expensive, so combining tile and laminate allows you to save a lot of money.

Problems with joining tiles and boards arise at the border of the corridor with the adjacent rooms. The floors are connected in doorway, but other options are also possible. For example, in the kitchen the sink area is sometimes tiled, and the dining area is sometimes tiled with laminate.

In adjacent rooms, the floors are usually covered with the same type of materials, and such difficulties do not arise. Also, the connection between the floors of the bathroom and the corridor is not formalized due to the presence of a high threshold between them, which provides its own microclimate in each of these rooms.

The joining of floors between rooms is usually done in a straight line. The connection of tiles and flooring at the boundaries of functional areas can be any geometric shape. To camouflage it, they use products that can be deformed manually.

Classification of joining devices for laminate and tiles

There are several classifications of profiles for connecting floor coverings. They help you choose the right material for specific situations.

Classification of profiles by hardness

The following samples belong to this type:

1. Flexible PVC profiles. They are made of rubber or soft plastic. With their help, the question of how to combine tiles and laminate with a curved seam is solved by bending the product to required form. Consist of a base and a decorative element-insert.
2. Flexible metal profile. It is stronger than its plastic counterpart, but does not always fit into the interior of the apartment. Used when connecting curved joints. The material is powder coated for reinforcement.
3. Metal and plastic products universal. Installed in straight and curved gaps. Some models have a ribbed anti-slip surface. If there are high steps, the profile is placed at an angle.

There are several types of such structures:

• Standard version - with holes for self-tapping screws;
• With invisible fastening;
• Self-adhesive - with standard adhesive tape for fixing to the floor.

Classification according to the method of fastening connecting elements

1. Open system. It differs from the others in that the fastener heads are visible. The profiles are fixed to the base with screws that pass through the bar from top to bottom. The robot can be performed at any stage of construction. Such products are easy to install, have a simple design, and are inexpensive. But in design they are inferior to other devices.
2. Hidden system. It has a complex design that allows you to hide the location of hardware. Some types of profiles are fixed without the use of screws. They have a beautiful appearance.

Classification by profile material

• Metal profiles (aluminum, steel, brass). Popular due to its price-quality ratio. Buyers most often give preference to aluminum products painted in the color of the laminate or door handles. Usually it is golden, silver or wood-tone.
• Plastic products. They are produced in rolls, they are elastic and inexpensive. The disadvantages include low strength and wear resistance, and a short shelf life. They quickly lose their attractive appearance.
• Wooden crafts. Very beautiful and usually used with wood-look boards. Used with expensive flooring. The planks require regular maintenance - re-sanding and varnishing. Moreover, they are expensive.
• . Allows you to create a high-quality joint without thresholds. It is inserted into the gap and becomes a shock absorber between floors of different hardness, because the cork deforms along with the boards due to temperature changes. The elasticity and softness of the material contributes to the creation of a high-quality connection. But over time, the top layer wears off, and dirt gets into the crack.
• Laminated MDF moldings. They have a beautiful appearance, go well with laminate, but are afraid of moisture.

Structures for connecting multi-level coverings

1. Single level molding - flat design for connecting smooth floors.
2. Transitional molding connects floorings of different heights, between which there is a step from 4 to 20 mm. There are several subtypes of such systems. A round profile with a hidden fastening system is used to connect coverings with large differences in height. Devices of complex geometric shapes are used to form boundaries between functional areas in a room.
3. The box threshold is capable of covering joints with a height difference of more than 20 mm. Also performs the function of sound insulation and masking.
4. The transition profile is also used for joining laminate and tiles in the presence of steps up to 30 mm.
5. If the differences between the coatings are very large (50-100 mm), a podium is built at the junction. The need for such a design arises if it is impossible to level the base.
6. If the boundary between the floors passes through the doorway, and the levels between them are very different, the meeting point is designed as a threshold protruding several centimeters upward.

Installation technology for connecting profiles of different types

The technology for laying connecting elements depends on the design of the devices, as well as on the characteristics of the gaps between the materials. Let's look at the most popular methods for designing floor boundaries.

Installation of aluminum threshold

The installation technology is as follows:

• Measure the length of the connection.
• Cut a sample of the required length from the workpiece.
• Install the product at the joint. Using the existing grooves in the plank, mark the location of the mounting holes on the floor.
• Drill holes in the floor for the dowels supplied with the threshold.
• Apply silicone to the back of the product, which will seal the problem area and protect it from water.
• Secure the planks to the floor with self-tapping screws.

Installation of plastic profile

Let's look at how to attach a PVC profile:

1. Check the width of the gap between the coatings; it should be equal to the width of the strip plus 5 mm.
2. Measure its length and cut the profile to the required dimensions.
3. Place the fixture in the gap and slide it all the way into the tile. Check that there is a 5 mm gap between the sheets and the profile.
4. Mark the location of the mounting holes on the floor.
5. Dismantle the elements and drill holes in the surface to fix the profile. Install dowels in them. If the fastener is installed with a large gap, take a larger one.
6. Secure the lower part of the profile to the floor with self-tapping screws.
7. Place the decorative strip in water heated to 50-79 degrees to soften. You can also warm up the product with a hair dryer.
8. Bend the threshold, repeating the geometry of the seam. After heat treatment, it can easily take any shape.
9. Connect the top and bottom parts of the product. After cooling, the structure will become very rigid.

Installation of flexible metal profile

Installation diagram of a flexible metal profile:

• Make sure that the thickness of the tiles and boards at the joint is the same, and the height of the profile is equal to the height of the opening.
• Manually shape the sample into the gap.
• Cut off the prepared section from the workpiece.
• Place the threshold between the tiles and the laminate with the tabs under the coverings. On one side it will be attached with glue, on the other - with boards. The slats are placed on the threshold with a gap of 5 mm. If the tiles are already laid, remove some of the adhesive from under the outer edge so that the connecting strip can be pushed in.
• Mark and make mounting holes in the floor as described above.
• Install dowels into the holes.
• Place the connecting element in its original place and secure it with self-tapping screws.

Installation of thresholds on a self-adhesive basis

Installation of such thresholds is simple and is done as follows:

1. Place the workpiece in the gap between the coatings, place it in the middle and trace the contours with a pencil.
2. Take it off her protective film and place it in the slot according to the marks on the floor.
3. Press the specimen onto the surface for a few minutes.

Installation of a cork compensator

Installation of the product occurs as follows:

• Check the dimensions of the connecting seam. It must be even in width and depth. The distance between the ends is 10 mm.
• Make sure the edges of the boards and tiles are smooth and sanded.
• Pour sealant into the bottom of the crack and smooth it out.
• Place the plug in the gap and press it with a press.
• After hardening, cut off the protruding edges and sand them with sandpaper.
• Mask the connection with tinting. Please note that cork has a porous structure, which after absorbing the color gives a rich shade.
• Coat the insert with a water-repellent agent, such as oil, varnish or special wax.

Butt joint between laminate and tiles

The following requirements apply to the boundary between floor coverings:

1. The surfaces to be joined must lie in the same plane with a deviation of no more than 1 mm. The ends of the materials are carefully trimmed and cleaned.
2. Notches and burrs are not allowed.
3. There should be a gap of no more than 10 mm between the coatings.

• Prime the base of the floor at the joint silicone sealant"KIM TEC" Silicon" or "Zipper", which do not shrink after drying. Do the work carefully, because... Dried product is very difficult to remove.
• Lay the tiles on the floor first. It must cross the line behind which another floor covering will be laid.
• After the adhesive has cured, lay the second floor covering on the floor, overlapping the tiles.
• Prepare a template that should follow the contours of the connecting seam. Use it to mark the joint line on the laminate.
• Cut the material according to the markings.
• Mark a line onto the tile using the end of the boards as a template.
• Using a diamond wheel, cut off any excess parts from the tile.
• Glue the strips to the subfloor.
• Fill the gaps between the coverings with tiled grout.
• After 3-4 years, the joint should be inspected and, if necessary, restored.

Joining laminate and tiles is a popular technique used both in big houses, and in small studio apartments. This combination method is used to zoning space - dividing it into functional areas. To make joints accurately and correctly, you need to keep in mind several nuances.

Peculiarities

The joining of laminate and tiles is used quite often in apartments and houses. This is due to the fact that tiles and laminates are installed in different rooms with different functions. So, tiles are more practical than laminate, but they are colder - you can’t walk on such material barefoot. Thus, we can conclude that one of the frequent places, where the junction of these two materials is formed - the space under the door.

The combination in the doorway has its own characteristics. First of all, it is worth noting that not every docking method is suitable here.

The most important requirement is that there is a gap between the floor and the door. The gap should be about 2 cm. It is left so that air can circulate freely.

In addition, the characteristics of the connection are determined for different rooms. So, if they combine the joints of laminate and ceramic tiles in a corridor or hallway, then they must take care to create a small obstacle, a barrier. This is done in order to trap dust and dirt accumulating in the hallway and prevent them from spreading throughout the house. So, here the joint has not only aesthetic functions, but also practical ones.

Speaking directly about materials, it is worth paying attention to their different densities, different susceptibility to different conditions. If tiles, in principle, are not afraid of any influences other than mechanical ones, then laminate is more capricious. It is susceptible to more than just scratches. There is a possibility that the material will swell due to high humidity, will crack under the influence of temperature changes, so when installing the joint you need to use gentle techniques.

A characteristic feature of combining tiles and laminate is the sequence of laying these floor coverings.

Since the tiles can withstand heavy loads, they are laid first, and then the laminate is adjusted under the tiles. This is because if you lay the laminate first, it may be exposed to moisture that evaporates from the tiles after they are laid. Water may also seep under the laminate. All this will inevitably lead to the lamellas becoming deformed and the surface will be hopelessly damaged.

• Returning to the question of where the joining of laminate and ceramic tiles is used, it is worth citing the following areas as an example:
• doorway space;
• zoning of the kitchen area (for example, separating the work area from the dining area or to separate the kitchen area from the relaxation area in a combined kitchen-living room); separation of the area adjacent to, from the rest of the hallway or separation of the hallway itself if it goes directly into the hall;
• separation of the loggia area when the balcony is combined with the living room;
• decorating the space near the fireplace.

Thus, tiles are used mainly for reasons of convenience or safety, while laminate attracts primarily for its aesthetic qualities.

Please note that the floor is not completely tiled (with the exception of the bathroom), since walking on such material is a dubious pleasure. It is cold and often very slippery.

Modern docking methods

Today, experts identify several docking methods. Each of them is determined by the shape of the joint. Some of them are easier to use, others only look impressive, but in reality, both the work on their design and the maintenance of such options is extremely difficult. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that not every joint can be designed independently: in some cases it is better to delegate the work of finishing the gap to a professional.

There are three docking methods: straight, wavy and broken. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, which need to be considered in more detail in order to more clearly understand what you will have to face.

Broken

The broken version looks very impressive, but the owner of a home with similar boundaries will have a hard time. First of all, beautiful and correct design such a seam is real headache even for a professional.

All elements must be clearly verified; ideally, each detail should not differ from all others. This applies to both the tiles and laminate themselves, and the thresholds, if they are used.

As a rule, fractures are caused by the fact that the tiles are not trimmed and the laminate is laid end-to-end against them. This method is used in cases where it is necessary to combine materials of similar texture and color so that the canvas looks like one. Such seams are rarely emphasized by any elements, since this contradicts the very concept of creating the appearance of a monolithic floor.

Arc-shaped

Such seams are most often finished with additional elements– thresholds. This is due to the fact that it is quite difficult to make the seam itself perfectly even. To do this, you need not only to have skill and experience, but also to have the necessary tools, which include such expensive equipment as a professional circular saw. At home, a grinder with a diamond blade is much more often used, since it allows you to cut off part of the tile as accurately as possible.

However, if difficulties arise during cutting of any of the materials and the boundaries do not turn out to be perfectly smooth, then a threshold is needed to close the defective seam. This ensures a harmonious appearance of the entire coating. It should be kept in mind that using a threshold is not always appropriate.

Straight

The most common type of cracks that need to be sealed. Straight gaps are most often created without the help of a threshold, since this method is more preferable in the premises. In this case, we are not talking about the location of the seam in the doorway, although even there, builders often advise avoiding installing thresholds. The exceptions are decorative varieties, the applications of which are determined by the style of the room.

Each transition requires a special approach, and in order to join the coatings, you need to take into account the shape of the seam.

Regardless of which joining method is chosen, it is important to know how to carry out this joining correctly and how to properly prepare the materials.

How to dock?

In order to competently make the transition of coatings into each other, you need to take into account several subtleties. In particular, we are talking not only about the shape of the joint, but also about where it is located, as well as what additional functions are assigned at the junction and whether they are assigned at all.

An example would be a situation where it is necessary to combine tiles and linoleum in the kitchen area. The center of the room is tiled, and laminate is laid around the perimeter. In this case, the seam itself should not retain contamination or perform a demarcation function.

Floor coverings play only an aesthetic role, and such division is used for convenience: stronger tiles are located in a space that is subject to constant loads.

In the described situation, the person considering the design does not pursue the goal of making the gap more noticeable or emphasizing it, so the choice in favor of a threshold-free seal would be quite justified. You can seal the junction of materials with each other using ordinary sealant. This will not only have a great effect on the performance properties of the floor, but will also look quite attractive.

In case it is necessary to seal a gap located on the border of two rooms, and even with different levels floor, you will have to use a threshold. This is especially true in cases where the height difference exceeds 1 cm. From an aesthetic point of view, this solution is less acceptable, in contrast to the threshold-free method, however, due to the lack of other alternatives, aesthetics have to be sacrificed.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the threshold can be secured not only with self-tapping screws. You can do without drilling.

An alternative to the threshold can be installing a podium.

This option has its own specific features:

• it is recommended to join the coverings using a podium if the height transition is extremely large (for example, 5-10 cm);
• the design itself is dangerous, since people often do not notice the podiums and stumble over them;
• the risk of injury is especially high in cases where children live in the house;
• the podium does not always fit into the surrounding environment, so you need to take into account the features of the interior.

It must be noted that from an aesthetic point of view, the podium looks more attractive than the threshold. You can place any bright object on it, making it the accent center of the interior. This solution, of course, is unacceptable if such a step-like transition has to be organized in the doorway.

Thus, there are at least three ways to combine such dissimilar coatings as tiles and laminate. It is worth taking into account the appropriateness of using a particular method, how well new element(or lack thereof) will fit into the interior.

Unlike podium equipment, transitions without a threshold and with a threshold are universal, so it is necessary to consider them in more detail.

Without threshold

The option in which the coatings are connected without using a threshold can be called more complex in execution than design using a threshold. This is due to the fact that the seam line must be perfectly aligned. Otherwise, the coating will look sloppy, even sloppy.

If you plan to combine coatings without a threshold, it is recommended to entrust the work to a person who already has experience in the construction industry, since working with tiles is quite sensitive. When trimming, the tiles can crack or chip, as a result of which the entire appearance of the floor covering will be hopelessly ruined.

So, there are several ways to join coatings without using a threshold.

Cork compensator

This option cannot be classified as economy class. Often, a cork expansion joint is installed between parquet and tiles, but there are also cases when it is chosen for installation between tiles and laminate.

The compensator itself is a strip of balsa wood, one of the ends of which is painted or otherwise designed to completely blend with the coatings. Compensators are made in various sizes. The width is 7-10 mm, the length is 900 mm, and the height is 15-22 mm.

Please note that in some cases it is possible to order a longer expansion joint (1200-3000 mm).

Grout

This method is not as good as the previous one, but it is also used quite often. Grouting is used in cases where the coatings have already been laid and there is no way to dismantle them. In this case, the edges of the laminate coating must be treated with a silicone compound. This is done to prevent water from getting under the coating.

It is important to work on the seam itself. It must be filled more than half with silicone, otherwise the use of grout will be inappropriate: over time, either the coating will swell, or fungus and mold will appear.

The same grout that was used for the cracks between the tiles is also used at the junction of two dissimilar coatings.

Sealant

This method is not suitable for everyone. The peculiarity of liquid cork sealant is that after drying it acquires a light brown tint, so it will be noticeable on too dark or light coatings. However, if this option suits you, consider it lucky: neither the laminate nor the tiles will then need a special moisture-proof impregnation of the seam, because this sealant perfectly protects against moisture.

The composition is applied either with a spatula or using a special mounting gun. However, often these two methods are combined: first they use a gun, and then the joint is “finished” with a spatula.

Using a threshold

Situations when you have to secure a threshold to process the joint between laminate and tiles are much more common. This is due to the fact that design using a threshold is more universal, although less attractive from an aesthetic point of view. The threshold performs purely practical functions: hiding height differences, trapping dirt, separating spaces. In particular, the threshold is often used when designing arc-shaped slits.

Using a threshold has not only advantages, but also disadvantages, the list of which is not so small. Thus, housewives often note that it is somewhat more difficult to wash floors with a threshold than without it. Dirt gets clogged under the threshold itself, and sometimes it takes a lot of effort to clean it out. This has an extremely negative impact on the health of people susceptible to allergies: if dust with an allergen gets under the threshold, it will be difficult to get rid of it.

Another obvious disadvantage is the risk of injury. Quite often there are cases when people trip over thresholds and get injured. This is true both for families with children and for those with elderly people. It may be difficult for them to constantly step over the threshold. The situation becomes more complicated if the threshold is matched exactly to the color of the coating, and it is difficult to see. The contrast threshold does not always look appropriate and attractive, so you often have to sacrifice safety.

Thresholds can be set in several ways, each of which is determined by what type of threshold is used. It is also worth keeping in mind that there are not only rigid thresholds, but also flexible ones, due to which it is possible to design shaped joints.

It is worth considering in more detail the situations in which the use of a threshold is fully justified:

• Hiding differences. If the level of the floor or coverings is, in principle, level, but there is a very small difference, not exceeding a centimeter, the threshold still needs to be installed. From an aesthetic point of view, such a floor will look better than just a multi-level one.
• Dirt retention. It's about about separating the hallway space from the rest of the apartment. Thus, a threshold can separate the area in which people take off their shoes, the area adjacent to the front door, or the entire corridor. In each of these cases, the threshold must be installed for reasons of order.

• Division of space. In some cases, installing a threshold turns out to be the best way zoning of premises. This applies to those cases when the presence of a threshold is the best possible stylistic solution. However, it is worth noting that such cases are quite rare.
• Hiding flaws. If minor mistakes were made when cutting the coverings, and it is impossible to replace the materials or hide the flaws, then use a threshold. It closes the seam, making such “troubles” invisible. Since the width of the thresholds can vary, their decorative possibilities are practically unlimited.

Types of thresholds

By by and large, the thresholds are divided into two large groups: flexible and rigid. They are made from different materials, and it is the quality of the raw materials that determines their particular characteristics.

So, wooden baseboard in the vast majority of cases it will be tough. Wood doesn't bend; in order to give it a rounded look, you will have to use special technology. It is logical to conclude that it will not be possible to bend a wooden plinth at home. To fasten the baseboard, use self-tapping screws. There are no wooden options with hidden fastenings.

Metal adapters are an intermediate option. Depending on the width, they can be either rigid or flexible. Aluminum thresholds are most often used. Aluminum is a soft metal, so it bends easily. Only the bending radius is limited, which also depends on the width of the strip used.

Plastic thresholds are the cheapest option, which also provides a wide variety of options. There are plastic wood-look options, simply painted, stylized as metal. Thus, you can choose any decorative option. The plastic bends well, especially if you first hold the sample in water at a temperature of 70 degrees. A standard 90 cm long plastic divider will easily fit into the bathtub.

The three listed varieties are used more often than others, but the variety of options does not end there. So, an interesting solution is a stainless steel T-bar threshold. It is used in high-tech interiors to emphasize the high-tech nature of the environment, because stainless steel is a shiny material that looks ultra-modern.

According to the fastening method, profiles with hidden and open fastening are distinguished. In the second case, everything is simple: the threshold is attached to the docking shock using self-tapping screws. In the first case, the connecting seam is left untreated, and the profile becomes T-shaped. In the future, it is simply driven into the seam using a rubber mallet. Two options are equally common: when the profile is simply driven in or when the seam is first treated with glue and then the threshold is driven in.

If you have to use several thresholds, then two approaches are also used. In the first case, the fragments simply join together, and the transition place remains as is. In the second option, special connectors are used to make the transition areas more aesthetically pleasing and attractive. Also, such inserts have another function: they prevent dirt and dust from getting into the gap between the sills.

Special tapes on thresholds - so-called moldings - are rarely used. The rationality of their use is not justified, however, some designers use them to give the room a special flavor.

Thus, there is a large selection of thresholds, each of which can be integrated into a particular interior solution. Based on what kind of joint between the laminate and tiles you need to design, its shape, depth and width, you need to select the appropriate threshold option.

How to choose a threshold?

To choose a threshold, you need to pay attention to several factors.

• Material. First of all, you need to pay attention to the material used in the production of the threshold. It is worth considering that not every material is suitable for a particular room. So, wood is the most capricious of all options. Wooden elements can only be installed in rooms where there are no temperature changes or high humidity, that is, it is better to avoid such solutions in the kitchen.

Plastic is a more aesthetically pleasing material than aluminum, but aluminum is more durable. It is necessary to take into account all the characteristics that the threshold must meet.

• Manufacturer. Despite the fact that the threshold is a small element, it is still important to consider what the reputation of the manufacturer is. A low-quality option will not only quickly fail, lose its original appearance and deteriorate. If we take as an example plastic version, then it can be noted that a number of unscrupulous Chinese manufacturers use toxic low-quality raw materials, as a result of which plastic is released into the air during operation harmful substances, which will have a detrimental effect on the health of households and their pets. This is very dangerous if there are small children in the house.

• Mounting method. Depending on where the threshold is installed and what its final appearance is, you can either use self-tapping screws or a hidden fastening method involving the use of glue or installation in a groove. The hidden method is more popular, since it is simpler and more aesthetically attractive than the open one, however, fastening with self-tapping screws is more reliable and easier to dismantle.

Often designers use visible screw heads as a special technique that emphasizes this unusual detail, as a threshold, if appropriate.

• Type of seam to be sealed. The choice of a particular threshold depends on the shape of the gap that needs to be sealed. For straight joints, any of the options is suitable, and for curved joints - only plastic and aluminum, and even narrow ones. Depth is also important, for example: if there is practically no gap between the coatings, then it will not be possible to attach a T-shaped profile here. It is best to take a closer look at options with a flat inner side, in the future simply placing them on glue or simply refusing to use a threshold.

• Joint size. This refers to the length of the connection point. So, if the joint is small, it is best to make the threshold invisible. Perfect for this flat options, which are almost invisible on the floor. To enhance the effect, it is best to choose a threshold that matches the color of the coating. If the joint crosses the entire room, then it will not be possible to hide the threshold. You can try to turn it into an additional decorative detail, playing with it in an interesting way. In the first case, choosing a plastic threshold is more practical; in the second, you can choose any option.
• Pursued goal. First you need to decide why the threshold is being installed. The goal could be an attempt to hide multi-level floors, room zoning, and so on - there are a lot of options. You also need to decide whether you want to highlight the joint between the laminate and tiles or, conversely, hide it. In the first case, the best option would be to choose a threshold in a contrasting color; in the second, it will be necessary to choose a threshold that blends in with the floor as much as possible. The photo clearly shows how each of the options transforms the room in its own way.

There are several useful tips on how to seal the target between tiles and laminate as beautifully, quickly and correctly as possible, and so, so that the coatings retain their attractive appearance for a long time and do not deform:

• It is mandatory to provide coverage of the same level. Care must be taken to ensure that the threshold or podium is equal to the height of the laminate and tiles. This is necessary to avoid stumbling when walking on such a floor.
• Both before laying the tiles and before installing the laminate, take care of the optimal leveling of the floor and its preparation. This includes screeding, cleaning the coating, and insulating floors, if provided.
• When installing a heated floor, be sure to buy materials suitable for installation on such a system. Although such materials are more expensive, you will be able to save money by not having to make repeated repairs in 3-5 years.
• When trimming materials, get good equipment. Ideally, rent one that is used in production, or seek help directly from a specialized company. In order for the cuts to turn out as they should, you need to use templates. This is especially true for arcuate seams.

• To compensate for the difference in levels between coatings, an underlay is laid under the laminate boards. It is important to pay attention to the fact that its thickness is sufficient, but not too large, otherwise the laminate flooring will be deformed.
• When laying laminate and tiles end to end, make sure there is a compensation gap between them. It should be 5-10 mm. During use, the laminate swells, and if you lay the tiles and laminate boards too tightly together, the laminate will become deformed.
• The tiles should be laid first, and only then the laminate. This is due to the fact that during installation the tiles release additional moisture, which will negatively affect the strength and appearance laminate covering. It's better to play it safe and do the work in the right order.

There are many types of solutions for sealing the gap between laminate and tiles, but none of them will work if the installation work is carried out incorrectly and irresponsibly. It is important to take care of the basics first and then worry about the little things. Act extremely carefully and thoughtfully, and then your apartment will be decorated with a beautifully executed laminate-tile flooring option.