One of the popular techniques for dividing a room into functional areas is different floor coverings. Most often, laminate and tile are used for this. For example, to distinguish between the kitchen and living room in a studio apartment or to separate the hallway. The main thing in this matter is to tightly dock the tiles with the laminate, so that the floor looks holistic, without gaps and seams. And on top, be sure to treat the edges with a sealant to protect the material from moisture. Read on for effective ways to bond your flooring.
Joint shapes
The length and configuration of tiles, laminate flooring depend on the size of the room and the designer's imagination. According to the shape of the materials, there are three main types of joints.
1. Straight - represents a straight line, which is easy to arrange with a nut or without it. In the case when the joint is under the interior door, the sill is required, since it reliably fixes the materials.
2. Curved - with this option, difficulties may arise, since it is necessary to accurately cut the laminate with tiles, and this requires special tools. The joint can be covered with a threshold or dispensed with. In the event that during work you made a mistake and crookedly cut the materials, the nut will hide the flaws.
3. Broken - an even more complex method, involving the connection of uncut tiles close to the laminate. The main problem is the exact fit of the elements. It is better not to make a threshold, as it can spoil the appearance of the floor.
How to dock materials without a threshold
A variant with which straight joints and connections of complex shapes are covered. Keep in mind that materials can expand and contract under the influence of temperature, so leave a small gap under the sill. Also, make sure that the tiles and laminate flooring are on the same level, otherwise you will not be able to connect them exactly. There are several solutions for sealing joints without a sill.
1. Intersecting tile grout or laminate repair paste
Means are selected to match the materials or, conversely, contrasting. The seam is processed twice: during the work and after their completion. First fill ⅔ joint with silicone sealant, wait until completely dry and apply grout or paste. After drying, cover the seam with clear varnish to increase the life of the joint.
2. Silicone or cork sealant
The principle of use is similar to that described above, the only difference is in the means. Cork sealant contains crumb, unlike silicone. Both substances are elastic, they thoroughly fill the seams and imperfections made when fitting the materials. The joints are processed with a gun with an attached substance tube or a spatula. In order not to stain the surfaces adjacent to the seam, cover them with masking tape. After drying, the silicone sealant becomes transparent or white, and the cork sealant becomes light brown. If necessary, you can paint the seam in a suitable color.
3. Cork expansion joint
You will need a narrow strip with a length of 90 cm to 3 m. The width of the product is 0, 7 and 1 cm, and in height from 1, 5 to 2, 2 cm. In extreme cases, it is permissible to cut the compensator according to the thickness of the floor covering. A gentle product that masks small blemishes. Expansion joints are manufactured with varnished, veneered or painted front surfaces. The product is installed immediately after laying the tiles. The cork expansion joint is connected to the floor with a universal glue, applying the strip close to the edge of the material. The product is folded back, grease the gap with a sealant and press the strip back to the tile. Remove excess material and place the laminate against the expansion joint.
How to dock materials to a threshold
The nut is suitable for joints that are under the door, or joints where materials are located at different levels (with an error of up to 10 mm). Also, sills are placed in hallways, if tiles are laid near the door, and then there is a laminate. Due to this, garbage brought in from the street is not scattered throughout the house.
1. Metal threshold
Products are made from aluminum and its alloys, in rare cases you can find stainless steel, but they have a rather high price. The top surface can be laminated, unpainted or color sprayed. The elements are mounted on self-tapping screws, dowels, or self-adhesive varieties are used. If the joints have broken or curved contours, they must first be closed with a profile with slots in the appropriate places. Thanks to this, the threshold can be bent in the form of an arc or at an angle.
2. Flexible threshold
The PVC profile method is suitable for curved or broken joints with a small bend radius. The product consists of a decorative strip and a base. Profiles are of two types: for flooring with a difference in level of up to 1 mm and with a difference of up to 9 mm. The base of the sill is attached to the floor with self-tapping screws or dowels along the edge of the laid tile. Next, the laminate is laid, and a decorative overlay is placed on top. In terms of strength and durability, the PVC profile is not inferior to its metal counterpart.
If you do not have experience in the design of the joint, first practice in an inconspicuous area. And the easiest way is to install self-adhesive sills. We also recommend reading about 7 options for how not to zone a small apartment so as not to turn it into a small room.