Height Difference between Tile and Laminate in New Build House

Hi everyone,

I'm seeking advice on the best way to handle a height difference between the tile and laminate flooring in my new build house. The difference is about 10mm, and I'm concerned about it becoming a trip hazard as well as wanting it to look aesthetically pleasing.

https://ibb.co/K7CDCDm

I didn't really notice this transition difference before since I've never had it in any of my previous homes, and it wasn't pointed out when we were working on the floor plans and inclusions with the builder. I’ve asked the site supervisor if they can make it any better, but they’ve informed me that this is very close to what the finished work will be as per the plan.

Has anyone else dealt with a similar issue? What solutions have you found that work well both functionally and aesthetically? Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

I also came across this universal transition floor trim and was wondering if anyone has used it or has other suggestions.

https://flooringonline.com/products/universal-transition-flo…

Thanks in advance for your help!

Comments

  • +1

    That transition trim you linked is the only solution I'm aware of that will reduce the hard trip edge that currently exists.

    Is there plastic protective film on the current trim or is that something else?

    Also, how high is the lip between the two tiles here. Looks like about 2mm which is bloody poor tiling. It could just be an illusion created by the camera angle.

  • Have you ever done it DIY ?

    With the lip.. not too sure. I think there is still no grouting anyway. It is really hard to chase up on things since the site supervisor has been away for illness recently.

    • +1

      I had a similar situation between carpet and tiles in a previous house but the carpet installer used ramps under the carpet to minimise the trip hazard.

  • That strip is really the only way to resolve it. Old school it was done with a piece of wood but that was for a combination of edging the concrete and limiting tile/concrete chipping.

    It's frustrating as a modern build should have accounted for it by either adjusting the pour or padding the floorboards up. 🤷‍♀️

  • You could still buy a piece of quad timber (Porta) nail it down and paint over it. But the metal strip option looks nicer.

  • I had a slightly worse situation in an old house, just put in a sloped timber strip and it was never a trip hazard.

    But I agree that is bad for a new build and that tiling does not look good

  • +2

    This may give you some ideas about the range of options available: https://eu.schluter.com/en-GB/transition-profiles-276.html

    • Most of those examples are meant to be installed in the tiling phase.

      • Sure, but you can get stuff ripped up and redone during construction

        • This is true.

    • Looks better than ones from the Bunnings, but where can I buy them in Australia?

      • Not sure, but I figure it's always good to show your builder what you'd like, then see if it's possible to source the exact item or an acceptable equivalent.

  • I'd be looking to get a timber wedge in there. Will look better than that metal strip. Can you get some of the timber flooring and have a ~100mm wide wedge put in there?

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