can i lay carpet against laminate flooring without any end cap?

Question

i was told to put carpet up against laminate id have to install an "end cap" a.k.a. "trim molding". the trim is very expsensive $30 per 8 feet and is probably the worst quality material you could ever have to work with. it breaks way too easy and is horrible to try to install.
is it really necessary to use it?
id prefer just to install the carpet right up against the laminate itself. i think it would look better be cheaper and be much less stressful. but is there a logical reason this isnt a good idea?

Answer 1

I usually use a Pergo 4-in-1 molding carpet transition. I'm not sure if this is the molding you don't like. It usually works well for me and costs about $13 at the Lowe's in my area. If you don't want to use a transition you can "turn and tack" the carpet directly up to the laminate. Make sure that the edge of the laminate in your doorway is straight and smooth. Cut the carpet so that it overlaps the laminate by about an inch. Then fold it under itself to make a smooth edge along the laminate. Staple the edges down with an electric stapler and your done! Of course it's not the easiest thing in the world to do if you don't have a lot of experience. E-mail me if you have any questions about how to make molding or laminate installation easier. I'll be glad to help.

Answer 2

Laminate To Carpet Trim

Answer 3

Carpet To Laminate Trim

Answer 4

Hello,
Please check your manufacturers installation instructions. Check generally every 5th carton. They are not all the exact same but they generally require a period of acclimation to the conditions of your environment. All manufacuters require a transition strip when laminate stops and a new flooring surface begins. Laminate must have a 1/4" gap around the entire perimeter of the flooreven at the transitions. The floor also may not be secured in anyway to the subfloor or it will buckle or peak at the seams. Laminate has a fiberboard core that expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. It must also be floated over foam so that movement is not impeded. If you don't install a transition strip over the floor to meet the carpet against you will lift up or damage the floor if a toe or front edge of the she catches on the edge of the laminate. It could also be a tripping hazard.

Good luck with your flooring project.

Jen

Answer 5

I'm not 100% sure about laminate, but with our tile and wood floors the carpet installer used something called "z-bar". In my opinion, it is much nicer--there is no "thing" between the carpet and the hard flooring, so it looks classier. From what I recall, the bar gets installed next to the hard flooring and the carpet gets wrapped around the top and tucked in to the top of the Z. This sounds fragile, but in 2 houses we have never had any fail or un-tuck.

Many installers don't have this on the trucks, so you will want to mention it when you book the installation so they bring enough with. I don't know why more people don't do this--it looks so much cleaner!

Good luck.