Hardly anyone would say that the threshold for the floor (overlay) is the main detail in the interior of the room, but all the same, such elements are important: they give the space completeness, emphasize the elegance of the design. Often these decorative elements are used in order to be able to hide the technological gaps that may be between two rooms in the house. In addition, the floor threshold helps to connect floor coverings that differ in structure or color, it also helps to mask irregularities and edges that have been poorly processed. The pads also perform protective functions - it is not without reason that it is customary to wash the floor from the threshold. It should be remembered that it is they who protect floor coverings in vulnerable areas from wear.
Varieties of thresholds
There is a traditional classification, according to which it is customary to distinguish four main types of thresholds:
- In the form of a sphere (has open places for fastenings) - such structures are mounted where they separate the floor coverings of different rooms if they are on the same level.
- Spherical shape,but with hidden fasteners (installed where the floor materials are separated, but the joints are not visible).
- Multi-level thresholds for the floor - such a solution is chosen when it is necessary to connect coatings that are at different levels.
- L-shaped thresholds - they are placed in order to connect those floor coverings that are not only at different levels, but also join in the most difficult places. These overlays are chosen when it is impossible to use others.
In addition, there are final thresholds (they are placed near the entrance doors or in front of the exit to the loggia) - they are needed in order to close the gap that appears when there is a strong difference between the two levels. Often there are metal, wooden, cork lining. The oldest solution can be called thresholds made of wood. These products look great with any furniture in the room, perfectly harmonize with the doors.
Metal thresholds
Today, metal floor coverings are very popular - the construction market offers consumers an impressive range of such products. As a rule, products are made of aluminum. Such thresholds for the floor, the price of which varies significantly, can be made in different forms: there are overlays for bronze, gold, silver, wood - it is easy to guess what will cost more and what will be cheaper. With the help of such products, you can make any interior more interesting, additionally emphasize the floorindoor coverage.
Price details:
- the most budget options will cost you 50-100 rubles for 1 threshold;
- medium price products cost between 200-400 rubles;
- expensive products start from 450 rubles
Metal floor thresholds help protect the most vulnerable areas in your home, including stair treads and corners (as well as the floor material). All products are equipped with a profiled surface, due to which they achieve an anti-slip effect.
Laying thresholds
Before starting work, perform all the necessary measurements - the length of a separate profile is determined. The design of the overlay is made in such a way that the elements can be cut into pieces of different sizes. The instruction accompanies each set, the installation process itself is described in detail there. Thresholds for floors with a difference are laid in order to really effectively and beautifully combine completely different floorings in the house. Installation of overlays, in fact, is not a difficult task at all, this process can hardly be called laborious either (especially when compared with other repair work). But in the device of the floor, this is certainly an important stage. If the threshold for the floor in a particular area is set correctly, the overall appearance of the coating will be flawless - you don’t have to worry about this. Nuts are usually mounted in two ways - closed and open.
Closed way to install thresholds
Kthis option is resorted to if they want the joint between the floor coverings to be harmonious, beautiful - a flexible threshold for the floor will help to bring the plan to life. Fixation is carried out by special fastening structures that have guides, they can be found on the underside of the product. Such a system helps to make a really reliable connection of joints, the appearance of the floor is effectively complemented. The imposition of thresholds on liquid nails is referred to as the same method of fastening. Experts advise choosing a closed installation method in order to process joints in the corridors of office and residential buildings.
Open mounting of linings
In this case, the masking element of the floor is mounted on self-tapping screws. If you bought metal nut, they should already have the appropriate holes. This fastener option is usually used where it is necessary to connect surfaces at different levels. Profiles with self-tapping screws are fixed very securely, but the hats remain in sight - for all elements that serve for fastening.
Cork overlays
What can you say about thresholds that are made of cork? Experts call this choice universal. A distinctive feature of the material is that it is very elastic. Thanks to this property, it is possible to obtain wide thresholds for floors of various shapes. However, these products also have a drawback: they are not able to hide the edges of floor coverings - it is important to remember this when choosing linings.
Color matching
To achieve harmony in designflooring, you should think about what color your docking thresholds will be. It is usually selected to match the materials that were used in the interior and were generally used in work. There are certain principles to be followed.
- It is worth choosing the classic version - that is, such thresholds will have the same color as the floor skirting boards. In this case, the overlays will advantageously complement certain finishing elements, thanks to which it will be possible to get a completely finished interior. The classic solution allows you to get the harmony of color design in the room.
- You can choose the color of the doorway that is in the room. As a result, the door acquires a clear outline, where every detail works to harmoniously fit the element into the overall composition. This method allows you to perfectly divide the space if you have adjacent rooms.
- Under the color of the floor - this method is especially popular today. Thanks to this technique, you can make an imperceptible transition between rooms, the image of the room comes out complete. The threshold, which has the shade of the floor grout of the tiles, looks very interesting - especially when the contrast is maintained.
Types of docking thresholds
Today there are three types of thresholds: leveling, t-molding, final. What can be said about the first variety of products? This design is needed when you create a smooth transition between different levels of the floor. Due to this, it is possible to combine different floormaterials between themselves, for example, carpet and ceramic tiles. The range of permissible heights varies from 3 to 18 mm. When the work is done, the result is neat, all uneven edges are masked, a convenient transition appears between the rooms.
A special option is used when it is necessary to work with hard floors. This overlay has a beveled edge, as well as a smooth transition to low from high. The threshold emphasizes the texture, and also significantly increases the strength of the floor itself.
T-molding is needed in situations where different coatings are smoothed at the same level. Perfectly connects parquet and laminate, the floors take on a complete look. The name is also not accidental - the shape of the product is somewhat similar to the letter "T", due to this, the joints between the coatings are aligned. The profile of this sill can be curved or straight, making it adaptable to any floor configuration.
Final - this threshold for the floor is needed when it is necessary to fix the coating near steps, balconies or entrance doors. Most often used on those surfaces that have a large difference in height. The finishing nut is a great tool to effectively finish the finish on one level and highlight the next surface.
Remember that each type of docking threshold has its own functions, solves certain problems. That is, the choice of an element must be approached responsibly, focusing not only on the type of flooring (which must be combined), but also on the function of the overlay itself.
How to buy the perfect thresholds?
Today, companies produce a variety of docking thresholds, in the construction market you can find both simple and very decorative options. Thanks to the wide range of colors and textures used, the consumer can buy floor profiles for even the most sophisticated spaces.
To achieve the best effect, you need to analyze what functions the room serves you, what materials the floor or other elements in it are made of. Then it will be easy to find the perfect overlays, and the result will meet all expectations.
