Question about what to do where tile meets carpet

geegerbee · ‎03-09-2010

Other than gettting new wall-to-wall carpet, I would like some advice. I have tile in a small area by my back door. Where it meets the carpet, it is sharp--the rug is wearing away and if you walk barefoot you walk on the sharp tacks.. Right now I put a small rug over that, but I think that is making the rug wear away even more. I saw a narrow stair tread and considered putting that down, but might look weird and would still wear away the carpet. I can't be the only one with this problem. Any suggestions?

sandraskates · ‎06-26-2014

I think you're looking for a transition piece called a "threshold." They are made out of various materials such as metal and wood; come in various widths but you may have to have the length cut to size. They work just great!

Your nearby hardward or big box hardware store should carry them in the flooring section.

sweetee2 · ‎06-21-2015

I have carpet runners in areas like that. It also helps to keep the carpet clean.

Tigriss · ‎03-12-2010

Get a floor threshold piece from the local home improvement store. They come in different colors and textures. Simple fix.

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

Agree, threshold will do the trick. Measure the area and go to the big box store. You can get them unfinished or finished. Use a few long skinny nails to secure it.

software · ‎06-08-2016

If someone did that job for you, they didn't finish it. There should be a smooth transition from one floor type to the other.

@sandraskates gave you good advice. You are looking for a threshhold but it looks like moulding. When you go look for it you can ask for either. There are different sizes and materials, one size does not fit all. Depending on the size, you may have to be creative.

@geegerbee wrote:

Other than gettting new wall-to-wall carpet, I would like some advice. I have tile in a small area by my back door. Where it meets the carpet, it is sharp--the rug is wearing away and if you walk barefoot you walk on the sharp tacks.. Right now I put a small rug over that, but I think that is making the rug wear away even more. I saw a narrow stair tread and considered putting that down, but might look weird and would still wear away the carpet. I can't be the only one with this problem. Any suggestions?

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

It sounds like your carpet installation was incorrect, to begin with. It should have been rolled and tucked where it meets the tile. At this point, a transition piece called a reducer strip or reducer molding is required, but you need to make sure you get the right kind. Some are for an even transition where the tile level and carpet level are equal and others are made for situtations where one is higher/lower than the other and are sized accordingly. If you just have one long run it should be pretty easy to just install one strip, but if you have tile with carpet on 3 sides, you'll have to mitre the corners on all the trim pieces.

Fressa · ‎03-20-2012

Sandraskates had a good idea. When we ripped up our carpet we found that they had used roofing nails/staples in most places. UGH!!! We have dogs so in the middle of this project I still needed something there to prevent all of us from getting cut. I used a rubber door mat. It gripped on the nails and partial staples but did not poke thru to the top. Depending on the size that you need a rubbe rstair tread would work. I might put the rug over the top of it if the rubber is more thin than thick.