Transition types
- T-molding: same height, two hard surfaces (laminate to laminate across a doorway)
- Reducer: higher floor down to lower (laminate to vinyl or tile)
- End cap / square nose: flooring ends at fireplace or sliding door track
- Stair nose: bullnose profile on top stair tread for laminate/LVP
- Carpet gripper transition: metal strip where carpet meets hard flooring
Expansion gaps and baseboards
Floating floors need a 1/4–3/8 inch gap at walls — hidden by baseboard or quarter round. Do not caulk the floating edge to the wall.
Match transition color to flooring or trim. Buy one extra piece for miscuts.
How to order transitions
Measure each doorway width and add 10% for cuts. Count height changes between rooms — each needs a reducer or T-mold. See laminate install basics for when to snap transitions before the last row.