Often times it’s the little things in a flooring project that really get the job done, and that’s where thresholds and transitions come in! These little ones are the gap between one floor and another, or they can fill in the edge of your tile to give it that professional look you want. So what is the difference between threshold and transition? Good question.
Thresholds are the spaces between one floor and another, usually about 4-6 inches wide. Transitions can be made from many different materials, including but not limited to: marble, granite, and stone. There are many ways to install a transition in the sense that there is no right or wrong direction or style. What you are doing is separating one floor from another, usually from one room to another.
A good example of this would be a tile floor in a hallway, another tile floor in a kitchen. I would place the 4-6 inch threshold at the entrance, allowing you to start the tile in the next room in whatever direction or type you want. So if you had ceramic tile in the hallway, but wanted porcelain tile in the kitchen, a threshold would allow you to do this while still looking professional. Even if you just want to use the same tile in each room, but want a different pattern, adding a threshold will work great.
The transitions are almost the same, since they also separate one type of floor from another, although these floors are usually very different from each other. Transitions come in plastic and metal forms, with metal being the most expensive professional option. There are many different types of transitions, depending on your particular application.
Are you transitioning from tile to carpet? There is a transition piece for that. From hardwood to tile? There is also a transition piece for that. Even if you’re going from tile to tile, you can use a transition piece instead of a threshold piece, depending on the final look you want.
Make sure you know the height of the flooring you will be using or transitioning to when deciding what is best for your flooring. If you have a floor that is very thick like wood and you want to go down to the existing vinyl floor, choose the piece that has a downward slope that allows your feet to easily slide up or down.
Ultimately, it is up to you and your particular application and taste. There is no right or wrong decision for this. With that said, do not place a transition piece that is intended for carpet when tile, or use a ¾ “thick stone in the threshold next to a ½” ceramic tile. Common sense is also important.
Have fun deciding what style you want, and if you can, take a look at other people’s houses to see what you like and what you don’t. Either that, or buy a book or magazine on the floor and see what looks good there. You’d be surprised what’s out there.