Baseboard on floors of different heights
DavidR8
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I recently completed my hardwood floor installation but am at a bit of a loss on how to transition my baseboards from the higher level of the hardwood down to the lower level of the kitchen floor which is lino. It is about a 3/8″ difference. My baseboards are taller (maybe 3″ or so) if that makes a difference in what I do.
My wife is dismayed that I can’t figure out what to do…. 🙁
Thanks in advance
David
Replies
Your baseboards are 3" taller than what ? In any case, what I think you've said is that you've installed hardwood in one room and it's 3/8" proud of the floor-covering in the adjacent room; and, as the baseboard follows the finshed height of the floor-covering, there's a 3/8 mismatch where the two floors meet (?).
If this is correct, then the choices I see are: to either make a "Z" transition (for 3/8 of an inch, you can make it a fairly flat "Z"), or, put a small transition feature, not unlike the corner blocks used with victorian base. you can make a really nice transition feature from a 1x1 or 1x2 with a fillial flattened 1/3 to 1/2 through on one side or a small applique mounted above it.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Depending on the layout.....you seeing it in person would be the best judge......but two thoughts off hand......run it tight to the hardwood......and float over the lino......and drop the shoe at a reasonable transition point between the two....or.....cut down all the hardwood base by 3/8th.......run it thru the table saw....if you aren't using shoe.
Or.....mill up your own shoe......and make the shoe for over the lino 3/8th taller.
Or.......figure in a plynth block......or trim at a cased opening....that would have hardwood on one side...lino on the other. If it can't meet exactly....make it so it don't have to. Jeff
* Jeff J. Buck/ Buck Construction/ Pittsburgh, PA *
2nd Generation Buck Const, 3rd generation Craftsman
I wasn't sure this would look good but the customer liked it and now that I see it again, it is kind of a nice transition. This occurred in an uncased opening from DR to Kit. I scribed a line on the wall of the change in level (including an oak transition that would bridge the hardwood/lino) and cut the base and shoe to that line (shoe on the hardwood and lino). The base w/shoe stepped up in that doorway running almost perfectly parallel with the finished floors. Painted out, it looked sweet (quote-the son). In the middle of a long wall, I don't know.
It's your house, and your time, chop up some pcs and check out all these options.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Hey Cal.....you mean you ran the base so it was slightly sloped? Just trying to get a visual. Jeff * Jeff J. Buck/ Buck Construction/ Pittsburgh, PA *
2nd Generation Buck Const, 3rd generation Craftsman
Stepped it up. Took the scribe (compass) and followed the step up at the flooring change. Did two mtr cuts that followed the step up of the flooring. The step was on a slightly upward angle that followed the oak transition (from lino to hardwood).
If you were looking at my hands you'd be able to see what I'm talking about.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Hey... just remember to show me at the hoosier fest! Jeff * Jeff J. Buck/ Buck Construction/ Pittsburgh, PA *
2nd Generation Buck Const, 3rd generation Craftsman
My personal favorite is to keep the top of the baseboard level right thru the transition, which means ripping 3/8" from the hardwood floor baseboard. If the baseboards are taller it looks less goofy than with a small baseboard. Try a length and see for yourself.
Hope this helps. Rich.
Edited 3/25/2002 10:09:54 PM ET by RichMast