| Preparation | Dos
and Don'ts | Installing
Different Molding Applications | | Dos
and Don'ts | Installing
Different Molding Applications | | Installing
Different Molding Applications
Installation
Instructions - Hardwood and Laminate Floors
This installation guide covers the installation of hardwood moldings
on glue down/nail down flooring installations and floating floor
installations. Any differences in instructions between hardwood and
laminate flooring will be noted in the appropriate section of this
guide. Please refer to the appropriate section of the guide for the
instructions that apply to your installation.
Installation
Applications - Instructions - Helpful Tips for:
Installing: (Type of
Molding)
Wall Base Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor
Quarter Round Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down
Floor
Base Shoe Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor
Threshold Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor
Reducer Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor
Stair Nose Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down
Floor
T-Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor
Floating Floor Moldings
Reducer Moldings With A Floating Floor
Stair Nose Moldings With A Floating Floor
T-Moldings With A Floating Floor
Warranty and Maintenance
Preparation
Preparation for the installation of hardwood moldings is the same as
the preparation for installation of the hardwood floor. Subfloors
must be flat and level.. “Highspots" should be sanded down and
“lowspots" filled with a high compressive strength underlayment
patch or self-leveling cement compound developed by a reputable
manufacturer.
Color and grain matching - It is important to consider color
and grain matching any molding and hardwood flooring that will be
installed directly adjacent to one another. Because hardwood
flooring and moldings are products of nature, they are susceptible
to variations in grain and wood color. These natural variations add
variety and natural beauty to the overall look of your floor.
However, pre-selecting flooring and moldings that will be installed
directly adjacent to one another will enhance this beauty. Just
prior to installation, the installer should sort through and set
aside several pieces of flooring that most accurately match the
required moldings. Following this simple, but often overlooked
guideline, will provide a pleasing and trouble-free finish on every
job.
Dos and Don'ts-with
Hardwood Moldings
The following guidelines are presented as an overview of steps the
installer can take to assure the hardwood molding installation goes
well. These "dos and don'ts" have been gathered from the experiences
of many installers across the country and can help to assure your
installation goes well.
Prefinished moldings must be handled carefully to avoid chipping and
marring of the face. Moldings must be pre-drilled to avoid splitting
whenever they are to be secured with nails or fasteners. Avoid
splits in moldings by controlling the size of the fastener and its
proximity to the end of a cut or the edge of the molding. If a
pneumatic nail gun is to be used, test it on a scrap molding before
the installation to assess possible damage due to fastening. The
tool of choice for cutting hardwood moldings is a 10 or 12 inch
motorized miter saw with :pre-set adjustments for the basic miter
cuts at 22.5°, 45° and 9O°. A carbide tipped blade makes the best
cuts. Always use miter cuts rather than butt cuts when splicing.
Decide the direction of the miter by cutting the molding with the
long point oriented in the same direction as your natural line of
vision when you enter the room. When installing Wall Base molding,
eliminate the need to putty holes on the molding by placing the
bottom nail below the finished line of the Quarter Round molding. On
Wall Base or Quarter Round moldings, never restrict the hardwood
floors natural contraction/expansion movement by driving the
fasteners at a downward angle. Rather, attach the moldings to the
wall or vertical surface.
~~~Wall Base
Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor
Application-
Borders the wood floor at the base of the wall to give the room a
finished look. This molding conceals the required expansion space
between the wall and the hardwood flooring. It is also sometimes
used under cabinet toe kicks.
Installation - Wall Base moldings should be installed alter
the hardwood floor is in place You must make allowances for an
expansion space between the floor and wall in accordance with the
hardwood flooring manufacturer's recommendations. The molding should
be fastened to the wall (not the subfloor) to assure that the
contraction or expansion space for the floor is not restricted (See
Fig. A). Pre-drill the molding to avoid splitting. Artistic Finishes
Wall Base moldings are eight feet long to ensure minimal splices.
This length also helps to assure that splicing joints will be on a
stud.
Helpful Tip:
If the expansion space between the wall and the hardwood floor is
wider than the Wall Base molding, you will need to use an Artistic
Finishes Quarter Round or Base Shoe molding to complete the job. In
this case, place the lower nail securing the Wall Base molding below
the finished line of the Quarter Round or Shoe Base molding. By
doing this, the Quarter Round molding will cover the lower nail in
the Wall Base molding and avoid the need to putty the lower nail
holes.
~~~Quarter Round
Moldings With A Glue Down / Nail Down Floor
Application - The Quarter Round is used in much the same
manner as a Wall Base molding to conceal the required expansion
space between the wall and the hardwood flooring. It is sometimes
used under cabinet toe kicks where a wall base won't fit or at the
base of a stairs to provide a subtle blend between the floor and the
wall or vertical surface. Adding the Quarter Round in front of a
Wall Base (See Fig. C) softens the transition and adds a decorative
touch.
Installation - Quarter Round moldings should be installed
after the hardwood floor is in place. You must make allowances for
an expansion space between the wall and floor in accordance with the
hardwood flooring manufacturer's recommendations. The molding should
be fastened to the wall (not the subfloor) to assure that the
contraction or expansion space for the floor is not restricted (See
Fig. B). Pre-drill the molding to avoid splitting. Artistic Finishes
Quarter Round moldings are eight feet long to ensure minimal
splices.
~~~Base Shoe
Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor
Application - Used as a transition to vertical surfaces in
tight spots where Wall Base will not fit such as the toe-kick under
cabinets (See Fig. D) Also used as a substitute for Quarter Round
when a lower profile molding is desired to preserve an existing Wall
Base molding (See Fig. E).
Installation - Base Shoe moldings should be installed after
the hardwood floor is in place. You must make allowances for an
expansion space- between the floor and vertical surface in
accordance with the hardwood flooring manufacturer's
recommendations.
The molding should be fastened to the wall and/or Wall Base molding
(not the subfloor) to assure that the contraction or expansion space
for the floor is not restricted. Pre-drill the molding to avoid
splitting. When used to transition other floors, such as vinyl or
tile floors (See Fig. D), fasten to the wall or toe plate. Artistic
Finishes Base Shoe moldings are eight feet long to ensure minimal
splices.
~~~Threshold
Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor
Application - Typically used at exterior doorways as a
transition between flooring and the threshold. Also used to
transition a wood floor to different floors to make them fit
together perfectly, such as high pile carpeting or tile. The
Threshold molding is also commonly used interchangeably with a
square nose molding to conceal the expansion space when the flooring
runs up to a vertical object that cannot be framed by Wall Base or
Quarter Round molding. Examples include fireplace hearths, sliding
glass doors and large thresholds.
Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures two sizes of
the Threshold molding (Variable Threshold A for floors ranging from
1/4 inch in thickness up to 3/8 inch; and Variable Threshold B for
floors from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in thickness). Check the label on
the bottom side of the molding to be sure you have the right
Threshold molding for the job.
When installing Threshold moldings, it is important not to
attach the mold-ing directly to the hardwood floor, as the hardwood
floor must be able to expand and contract under the lip of the
molding in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
After the hardwood floor is installed, lay the Variable Threshold
molding in place. The Threshold-molding should overlap the flooring
by 1/2 to 3/4 inch, leaving the balance for required expansion or
contraction. To attach the molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads
of construction adhesive to the sub-floor and seat the molding in
place. If nailing, pre-drill the molding to pre-vent splitting and
nail to the subfloor behind the lip of the molding. Be sure when
nailing, not to obstruct the floor's expansion space under the
molding (See Fig. F).
~~~Reducer
Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor Application - Used to
join hardwood floor with floors of different heights such as vinyl,
ceramic tile or low pile carpeting.
Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures two versions of
Reducers. The Standard Reducer, for nail down or glue down floors,
is available in either a flush mount or tongue and groove
configuration. The Overlap Reducer is designed for floating floor
installations. Because of variances in thickness with some
manufacturers' hardwood floors, on both 3/8 inch and 9/16 inch
floors, there are two different moldings (Reducer A and Reducer B)
available in each size. Match the molding to a piece of flooring on
a flat surface to verify whether Reducer molding A or B is needed.
Check the label on the bottom side of the molding to be sure you
have the right Reducer for the job.
Standard Reducer - To attach the molding, apply glue to the
front edge of the molding as recommended by the Manufacturer. Apply
one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to the subfloor
and seat the molding in Place. If nailing, pre-drill the molding to
prevent splitting. To assure a flush surface in any glue down
installation, it is recommended that the molding be taped to the
floor while the glue is setting up as shown in (Fig. G).
Overlap Reducer - The Overlap Reducer is typically used for
floating floor applications. See the floating floor section of this
installation guide for instructions on how to install the Overlap
Reducer.
~~~Stair Nose
Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor
Application - The Stair Nose transition molding combines style
and function to create an attractive threshold that catches the
brunt of floor traffic while enhancing the beauty of a staircase or
step. The Stair Nose also provides the proper overhang for a
transition from one floor level to the next such as the step into a
sunken living room.
Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures Stair Nose
moldings for glue down/nail down applications that mount flush with
the hardwood floor to provide a clean transition to the next step or
sunken room. Stair Nose mold-ings arc available for floors ranging
from 1/4 inch in thickness up to 3/4 inch. Because of variances in
thickness in some manufacturers' hardwood floors, in both 3/8 inch
and 9/16 inch floors, there are two different moldings (Stair Nose A
and Stair Nose B) available in each size. Match the molding up to a
piece of flooring to verify whether Stair Nose molding A or B is
needed. Check the label on the bottom side of the molding to be sure
you have the right Stair Nose for the job.
Standard Stair Nose - When used on a stairstep, the Stair
Nose molding should cover and overlap the riser. (See Fig. H).
When used on a step-up to another room, the Stair Nose molding
becomes the starting "edge" of the floor. Because of the
interlocking of the molding with the floor, the Stair Nose molding
should be installed first. Once the molding is in place, the
interlocking floor can be installed out from this point. To install
the Standard Stair Nose molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads of
construction adhesive to the subfloor and seat the molding in place
If nailing, pre-drill the molding to prevent splitting and nail to
the subfioor To assure a flush surface in any glue down
installation, it is recommend that the molding be taped to the floor
while the glue is setting up as shown in (Fig. H). Overlap Stair
Nose - The Overlap Stair Nose is typically used for floating
floor applications. See the floating floor section of this
installation guide for instructions on how to install the Overlap
Stair Nose.
~~~T-Moldings With
A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor
Application - Commonly used in doorways to join two wood floors
in adjoining rooms. Also recommended when making a transition from a
wood floor to another floor that is approximately the same height
such as ceramic tile. T-moldings are also used to provide expansion
joints when a floor dimension exceeds 40 feet.
Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures one T-Molding
to fit floors ranging from 1/4 inch in thickness up to 3/4 inch.
When installing T-Moldings, it is important not to obstruct
the space for expansion or contraction recommended by the flooring
manufacturers. For this reason, you will need a space between the
two adjoining floors of approximately 1 1/4 inches to properly
install the T-Molding.
Installing T-Molding between a wood floor and another floor of the
same height - Lay the T-Molding in place to determine proper
fit. To attach the T-Molding between a ceramic tile floor and
hardwood floor, apply a 1/4 inch bead of construction adhesive to
the top edge of the ceramic tile. Seat the molding in place, making
sure that you have a minimum of a 1/4 inch molding overlap on the
wood flooring, including an expansion space between the T-Molding
and the wood floor to handle expansion or contraction (See flooring
manufacturer's recommendations on required space) (See Fig. I)
Installing T-Molding between two wood floors of the same height
- Lay the T-Molding in place to determine proper fit. To attach the
T-Molding between two hardwood floors, apply a 1/4 inch bead of
construction adhesive to the top edge on one side of the hardwood
floor. Seat the molding in place, making sure that you have a
minimum of a 1/4 inch molding overlap on the wood flooring on the
adjacent floor. Check to make sure that you have also provided an
expansion space between the T-Molding and the wood floor to handle
expansion or contraction (See flooring manufacturer's
recommendation, on required space) (See Fig. J).
~~~Floating Floor
Moldings
Artistic Finishes supplies a full line of quality hardwood moldings
for floating floor applications. The following installation
guidelines provide suggestions on how to properly install these
moldings for a picture perfect look.
Wall Base Molding - The installation instructions for Wall
Base molding on a floating floor are the same as a glue down/nail
down floor installation. See the installation instructions in the
"Glue Down/Nail Down Floor" section of this installation guide.
Quarter Round Molding - The installation instructions for
Quarter Round molding on a floating floor are the same as a glue
down/nail down installation. See the installation
instructions-in-the "Glue Down/Nail Down Floor" section of this
installation guide.
Base Shoe Molding - The installation instructions for Base
Shoe molding on a floating floor are the same as a glue down/nail
down floor installation. See the installation instructions in the
"Glue Down/Nail Down Floor" section of this installation guile.
Threshold Molding - Artistic Finishes manufactures two
versions of the Threshold molding (Variable Threshold A for floors
ranging from 1(4 inch in thickness up to 3/8 inch; and Variable
Threshold B for floors from 1(2 inch to 3/4 inch in thickness).
Check the label on the bottom side of the. molding to be sure you
have the right Threshold molding for the job.
When installing Threshold moldings, it is important not to
attach the molding directly to the hardwood floor as the hardwood
floor must-be able to expand or contract under the lip of the
molding per the manufacturers recommendations.
Start the installation by installing Artistic Finishes Shims (Part #
17949) wherever you plan to install Threshold moldings (i.e. against
fireplace hearths. sliding glass door tracks, ceramic tile, etc).
This Shim should be placed directly against the vertical object or
floor where you plan to install the Threshold molding. This Shim
serves as a base or foundation for the molding. Secure the Shim in
place by either nailing or gluing it down.
Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly against the
Shim. Install the floating floor so that it overlaps the Shim
approximately 3/4 of an inch. The Shim serves to stabilize the floor
from compressing under weight and provides a foundation for the
Threshold molding (See Fig. K). Lay the Variable Threshold molding
in place. The Threshold molding should overlap the-flooring by 1/2
to 3(4 inch, leaving the balance for required expansion or
contraction. To attach the molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads
of construction adhesive to the Shim and seat the molding in place.
If nailing, pre-drill the molding and Shim to prevent splitting and
nail to the subfloor behind the lip of the molding. Be sure when
nailing, not to obstruct the floor's expansion space under the
molding.
~~~Reducer
Moldings With A Floating Floor
Application - Used to join hardwood floors with floors of different
heights such as vinyl, ceramic tile or low pile carpeting.
Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures two versions of
Reducers. The Standard Reducer, typically used for nail down or glue
down floors, can be used on a floating floor installation when .you
want a smooth, flush transition between floors. The Overlap Reducer
is designed specifically for floating floor installations and is
quick and easy to install. Artistic Finishes manufactures reducers
to accommodate floors ranging from 1/4 inch in thickness up to V4
inch thick. Check the label on the bottom side of the molding to be
sure you have the right Reducer for the job.
Standard Reducer for flush mount installations - Start the
installation by installing Artistic Finishes Shims (Part # 17949)
wherever you plan to install a Standard Reducer. The Shim should be
placed directly against the edge of the floor to which you are
transitioning. Secure the Shim in place by either nailing or gluing
it down. Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly
against the Shim. Install the floating floor so that it overlaps the
Shim by approximately 3/4 of an inch. The Shim provides a foundation
for the Reducer molding and serves to stabilize the floor from
compressing under weight. Lay the Reducer molding in place. Apply
glue to the front edge of the molding and one or two 1/4 inch beads
of construction adhesive to the shim and seat the molding in place.
To assure a smooth, flush surface, it is recommended that you apply
tape to the molding and floor to hold-the Reducer in place until the
glue is dry (See Fig. L).
When installing Overlap Reducer moldings on a floating floor, it
is important not to attach the Overlap Reducer directly to the
hardwood floor as the hardwood floor must be able to expand or
contract under the lip of the molding per the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Overlap Reducer - Start the installation by installing Artistic
Finishes Shims (Part #-17949) wherever you plan to install an
overlap reducer. The Shim should be placed approximately 1-1/2
inches from the edge of the floor to which you are transitioning.
Secure the Shim in place by either nailing or gluing it down.
Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly against the
Shim. Next, install the floating floor over the Shim so that only
1/4 to 3/8 inch of the Shim is showing under the floor. The Shim
serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under weight. Lay the
Reducer molding in place.
Note: The Shim should not extend under the base of the Overlap
Reducer (See Fig. M). Lay the Overlap Reducer in place. The Overlap
Reducer should overlap the flooring by 1/2 to 3/4 inch, leaving the
balance for required expan-sion or contraction. To attach the
molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to
the subfloor and seat the molding in place. If nailing, pre-drill
the molding to prevent splitting and nail to the subfloor behind the
lip of the molding. Be sure when nailing, not to obstruct the
floor's expansion space under the molding.
~~~Stair Nose
Moldings With A Floating Floor
Application - The Stair Nose transition molding combines style
and function to create an attractive threshold that catches the
brunt of floor traffic while enhancing the beauty of a staircase or
step. The Stair Nose also provides the proper overhang for a
transition from one floor level to the next such as the step into a
sunken living room.
Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures two Stair Nose
versions: an Overlap Stair Nose for quick, easy floating floor
installations (See Fig. N) and a Standard Stair Nose for flush mount
applications where an overlap is considered undesirable (See Fig.
0). Artistic Finishes supplies Stair Nose moldings for floors from
1/4 inch in thickness up to 3/4 inch thick. Check the label on the
bottom side of the molding to be sure you have the right Stair Nose
for the job.
When installing Overlap Stair Nose moldings on a floating floor
it is important not to attach the molding directly to the hardwood
floor as the hardwood floor must be able to expand or con tract
under the lip of the molding per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Overlap Stair Nose. Start the installation by installing Artistic
Finishes Shims (Part #17949) wherever you plan to install an Overlap
Stair Nose. The Shim should be placed approximately 1-3/4 inches
from the front edge of the risen Secure the Shim in place by either
nailing or gluing it down. Install the pad with the edge of the pad
placed directly against the Shim. Next, install the floating floor
over the Shim so that only 1/4 to 3/8 inch of shim is showing under
the floor. The Shim serves to stabilize the floor from compressing
under weight. Lay the Overlap Stair Nose in place. Note: The Shim
should not extend under the base of the Overlap Stair Nose (See Fig.
N).
Lay
the Overlap Stair Nose in place. The Overlap Stair Nose should
overlap the floor mg by 1/4 to 3/8 inch, leaving the balance for
required expansion or contraction. To attach the molding, apply one
or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to the subfloor and
seat the molding in place. If nailing, pre-drill the molding to
prevent splitting and nail to the subfloor behind the lip of the
molding. Be sure when nailing, not to obstruct the floor's expansion
space under the molding.
Standard Stair Nose - Many homeowners and installers prefer
the look of the Standard Stair Nose to the Overlap Stair Nose
molding. If you choose to use a flush mount Stair Nose, start the
installation by installing Artistic Finishes Shims (Part #17949).
The first Shim should be placed flush with the front edge of the
riser. Secure the Shim by either nailing or gluing it down. Install
a second Shim directly against the first Shim and secure it in
place. If proper-ly installed, it should extend under the edge of
the floating floor. The Shim provides a foundation for the Stair
Nose molding and serves to stabilize the floor from compressing
under weight. Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed
directly against the Shim. Lay the Stair Nose molding in place. To
attach the molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction
adhesive to the Shim. and seat the molding in place. To assure a
smooth, flush surface. it is recommended that you apply tape to the
molding and floor to hold the reducer in place until the glue is dry
(See Fig. 0). If nailing, pre-drill the molding to prevent splitting
and nail to the subfloor behind the lip of the molding.
~~~T-Moldings With
A Floating Floor
Application - Commonly used in doorways to join two wood floors in
adjoining rooms. Also recommended when making a transition from a
wood floor to another floor that is approximately the same height
such as ceramic tile. T-moldings are also used to provide expansion
joints when a floor dimension exceeds 40 feet.
Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures one T-Molding to fit
floors ranging from 1/4 inch in thickness up to 3/4 inch.
When installing T-Moldings, it is important not to obstruct the
space for expansion or contraction. recommended by the flooring
manufacturers. For this reason, you will need a space between the
two adjoining floors of approximately 1-1/4 inches to properly
install the T-Moiding.
Installing T-Molding between a stationary floor and a floating floor
- Start the installation by installing- the Artistic Finishes Shim
(Part #17949) wherever you plan to install a T-Molding. The Shim
should be placed approximately 1 inch from the edge of the floor to
which you are transitioning. Secure the Shim in place by either
nailing or gluing it down. Install the pad with the edge of the pad
placed directly against the Shim. Next, install the floating floor
over the Shim so that only 1/4 to 3/8 inch of shim is showing under
the floor. The Shim serves to stabilize the floor from compressing
under weight. Lay the T-Molding in place Apply a 1/4 inch bead of
construction adhesive to the top edge of the stationary floor. Seat
the molding in place, making sure that you have a minimum of a 1/4
inch molding overlap on the wood flooring, including an expansion
space between the T-Molding and the wood floor to handle expansion
or contraction (See flooring manufacrnrer’s recommendations on
required space). (See Fig. P).
Installing T-Molding between two floating floors - When installing
the T-Molding between two floating wood floors, begin the
installation by installing the Artistic Finishes Shims (Part #
17949) under the edges of the floating floors where you plan to
install T-Molding. The Shims can be butted together or separated no
more than 1 inch. Secure the Shims in place by either nailing or
gluing them down. Install-the pad with the edge of the pad placed
directly against each Shim. Next, install the floating floor over
the Shim so that only 1/4 to 3/8 inch of shim is showing under the
floor The Shim serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under
weight. Lay the T- Molding in place. Apply a 1/4-inch bead of
construction adhesive to the top edge of one side of the wood floor
(Caution: Do not glue both sides.) Seat the molding in place, making
sure that you have a minimum of a 1/4 inch molding overlap on the
side of the flooring that is not glued. Make sure you also include
an expansion space between the molding and the sides of the wood
floor that are not glued to handle the expansion or contraction of
both floors (see flooring manufacturer's recommendations on required
space). (See Fig. Q.)
~~~Warranty and
Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance Use rugs in high traffic areas to reduce
wear Use dirt trapping walk-off mats at all exterior doors to keep
sand, dirt, grit, grease and oil outside Sweep or vacuum regularly
Never wet mop or flood your floor with water or other water-based
products as this can severely damage the flooring Remove spills
promptly using a soft cloth and use cleaning products recommended by
your flooring manufacturer Do not use oil soaps; liquid or paste wax
products or other household cleaners that contain lemon oil, tung
oil or ammonia Keep pets' nails trimmed and paws clean and free of
dirt gravel oil and stains Place protective pads beneath furniture
legs and feet to reduce scratches and dents Use a dolly and
protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, furniture or
appliances Make certain furniture casters are clean and operate
properly (a minimum 1 inch width is recommended) Remove shoes with
spiked or damaged heels before walking on the floor/moldings Follow
all other preventative recommendations of the flooring manufacturer
~~NOTE: Artistic Finishes, Inc. has
authorized the reprint of the following Guide for the Installation
and Maintenance of Hardwood Moldings, including graphics herein.
~~~See Related Pages:
Moldings & Wood
Floors
Technical Questions & Answers
Installing Wood Floors
