Top Tips for Stylish Transitions
Transitions between areas of timber flooring and other floor coverings such as concrete, carpet and tiles don't have to be ugly or boring! Here's some ideas on how to create a stylish transition:
Metal trims
Think brass, copper, matte black and more! Metal trims are an excellent way to define the transition between timber flooring and other flooring surfaces. They are becoming increasingly common as not only do they look good, they also help to protect the edge of your floorboards from wear and tear. Metal trims can be slim and discreet, or super wide to make a statement. However be aware that metal trims can scratch and the wider the trim is the more noticeable scratches will be!
How do metal trims help protect your flooring? For example, where foot traffic moves between carpet and timber flooring the carpet often compresses, leaving the timber edge raised and susceptible to damage. If somebody stands on the timber flooring edge in a stiletto heel this can cause a lot of stress on the floor edge leading to chipping or splintering. A metal trim installed along the edge of the timber helps to protect the edge and avoid such damage.
Timber borders
Timber borders have the ability to elevate a space and give a classy feel - herringbone and chevron flooring in particular can look incredible when finished with a border. Borders can be made with flooring planks by laying them length-ways along the transition where your timber flooring meets another surface. You can choose to leave the planks at their original width, or if you prefer a narrower border you can have them cut down to size by your installer. A wider border can work well in larger spaces for impact. A narrower border gives a more understated look which works well in smaller spaces.
Timber borders + metal trims
For a truly stunning transition you can combine a timber plank border together with a metal trim. The trim could be placed on the inside of the border, or the outside - or both! The world is your oyster - go wild an use your imagination!