How to Install Transition Moldings
Installing your new transition moldings can be hard. We provide step-by-step instructions to make flawless installation easy!
Before starting, please read the instructions in full, gather the necessary tools, and make sure you know what you're getting into. We are not responsible for the quality and functionality of your installation. If you are not comfortable installing your own moldings, we would suggest consulting with an expert.
Please scroll to the guide relevant to the type of molding you are installing. We recommend fully reading through the guide before you begin. If you have any questions, contact us.
T-Moldings, Reducers, and Thresholds
Optional Track: In some cases a track is provided to allow the molding to be removed in the future, if needed. Be sure not to throw away this track, it may be needed during the installation.
Items Needed for Installation
- Tape measure
- Power miter saw or hand saw and miter box
- Blue tape
- Caulking gun
- Polyurethane adhesive
- Rubber mallet (optional)
Measure
Measure the length of your doorway or opening.
Cut
Cut the molding and track (if included) to the exact length as measured in the previous step. For this step, you can use a power miter saw, or a hand miter saw to cut the molding.
Dry Fit
Dry fit the molding to make sure your cut was flawless.
Installing the Molding
There are two installation methods, depending on if your molding included a track.
Without Track
Clean the area where the molding will be installed. Apply a 1/4" bead of polyurethane adhesive to the subfloor. Secure the track into the adhesive, position correctly and allow to dry.
With Track
Clean the area where the molding will be installed. Apply a 1/4" bead of polyurethane adhesive to the subfloor. Apply adhesive for the entire length of the molding. Secure the molding into the adhesive and position as desired. Secure the molding in place by applying blue tape in several places and allow the adhesive to dry. Once the adhesive has dried, remove the blue tape.
You're done!
Stair Nose
Items Needed for Installation
- Tape measure
- Power miter saw or hand saw and miter box
- Blue tape
- Caulking gun
- Polyurethane adhesive
- Finish nail gun or hammer and nails
- Matching wood putty
Vinyl Stairnose Only: We recommend abrading the underside of vinyl stairnose with 80-120 grid sandpaper to improve adhesion.
Installing the Molding
Measure the width of the stair.
Cut the stairnose to the exact width of the stair, and dry-fit to double-check your cut. You can use a power or hand miter saw to cut the molding.
Clean the area where the stairnose will be installed. Cleaning the are helps ensure strong adhesion.
Apply two 1/4in beads of polyurethane adhesive across the length of the stair.
Secure the stairnose into the adhesive, and apply blue tape in several areas to hole it in place while the adhesive dries.
On plywood subfloors, nail the stairnose every 9-12 inches. Use matching wood putty to cover the nail holes.
Once the adhesive has dried, remove the blue tape.
You're done!
Quarter Round
Items Needed for Installation
- Tape measure
- Power miter saw or hand saw and miter box
- Finish nail gun or hammer and nails
- Matching wood putty
Installing the Molding
Measure the width of the wall or cabinet.
Cut the quarter-round to the exact length of the area. You can use a power or hand miter saw to cut the molding.
It is recommended to join multiple pieces together with 45 degree cuts.
Dry-fit the quarter-round before continuing to ensure a correct fit.
Nail the quarter-round in place every 12-18 inches. Use matching wood putty to cover the nail holes.
You're done!