Stair Treads To Transitions: A Guide To Everlife® Luxury Vinyl Flooring Trim Options

May 02, 2024

cyrus-akadiaCyrus® Akadia Luxury Vinyl Planks

Selecting the appropriate trim options for luxury vinyl flooring is a critical step in ensuring a flawless and enduring installation. Everlife® Luxury Vinyl Flooring offers an extensive assortment of trim options meticulously designed to complement their luxury vinyl planks and tiles, guaranteeing your flooring project not only looks exquisite but is also executed to perfection.

Stair Treads: Enhancing Safety and Aesthetics

cyrus-2.0-braly-lvp-with-stairsCyrus 2.0® Braly Luxury Vinyl Planks

Stair treads are integral to both the safety and aesthetic appeal of staircases. Serving to cover the top layer of each stair, they provide a continuous and seamless appearance. The benefits of incorporating stair treads into your flooring project are numerous. They significantly enhance safety by creating a uniform surface, reduce installation time, and ensure a visually cohesive appearance with Everlife® flooring colors.

Transition Pieces: Creating a Seamless Flow

xl-sandino-lvp-transitionXL Cyrus® Sandino® Luxury Vinyl Planks

Transition pieces are essential for achieving a smooth transition between different flooring types or levels. Everlife's collection includes:

End Caps: These are utilized to bridge the gap between the floor and other surfaces, such as carpet, hearths, or sliding doors. They are crucial for ensuring a neat finish where the flooring meets other elements.

Stair Nose (Flush and Overlapping): Stair noses are designed to neatly finish the end of a step. They come in flush and overlapping options to accommodate different installation needs, providing a smooth or slightly elevated transition.

Quarter Round: This trim is used to conceal the expansion gap between the floor and the wall, ensuring a clean and finished look around the perimeter of the room and cabinets.

Surface Reducer: Surface reducers are employed to ease the transition between floors of unequal heights, ensuring a smooth and safe transition from one area to another.

T-Molding: T-Moldings are used to fill the gap between two floors of equal height, essential for maintaining a continuous flow in spaces where different flooring materials meet.

Installation Instructions for Everlife® Luxury Vinyl Flooring Trims

layer-lvp

When installing Everlife® Luxury Vinyl Flooring, the finishing touches are just as important as the flooring itself. Proper installation of trims and transition pieces is essential for achieving a seamless look and ensuring the longevity of your flooring. The following instructions will guide you through the process of installing various trim options. Each type of trim serves a specific purpose and requires careful attention to detail to ensure a perfect fit and finish. Whether you're transitioning between different flooring types, finishing the edge of your floor, or capping off a stair, these steps will help you complete your flooring project with confidence.

Stair Treads

For a guide to installing rigid core stair treads with an eased edge, including detailed steps on preparation, measuring, cutting, and securing your stair treads, please visit our full installation instructions here.

End Caps

  1. Preparation: Install the flooring, leaving a 1-inch gap between the two floors for the end cap installation.
  2. Installation: Center the track between the flooring, ensuring a 1/4-inch spacing between the track and floor planks.
  3. Securing: Attach the track to the subfloor using screws or construction adhesive.
  4. Fitting: Measure and trim the end cap to fit. Start at one end and press the molding into the track, using a rubber mallet if necessary.

Stair Nose (Flush)

  1. Preparation: Ensure that the subfloor is clean and level.
  2. Installation: Apply a generous bead of construction adhesive along the underside of the stair nose.
  3. Positioning: Carefully roll the stair nose into place against the front of the step.
  4. Securing: Press down firmly over the entire stair nose to ensure it is securely attached.

Stair Nose (Overlapping)

  1. Preparation: Clean the area thoroughly to remove any debris or old flooring.
  2. Installation: Apply construction adhesive to the underside of the stair nose.
  3. Positioning: Carefully place the overlapping stair nose at the edge of the step, ensuring it overlaps the existing flooring.
  4. Securing: Press down firmly along the length of the stair nose to secure it in place.

Quarter Round

  1. Preparation: Install the flooring, leaving a recommended quarter-inch expansion space between the flooring and the vertical surface.
  2. Measuring: Measure the length of the transition where the quarter round will be installed.
  3. Cutting: Cut the quarter round to the measured length using a power saw.
  4. Installation: Apply construction adhesive to the back of the quarter round and press it into place against the vertical surface.

Surface Reducer

  1. Preparation: Install the floor, leaving a 1-inch gap between the two different height floors.
  2. Installation: Center the track between the flooring with a 1/4-inch spacing from the floor planks.
  3. Securing: Screw or glue the track to the subfloor.
  4. Fitting: Measure and trim the surface reducer to fit. Start at one end and press the molding into the track, using a rubber mallet if necessary.

T-Molding Installation

  1. Preparation: Install the flooring, leaving a 1-1/8-inch gap between the two floors of equal height.
  2. Installation: Center the track between the flooring, ensuring a 1/4-inch spacing between the track and floor planks.
  3. Securing: Attach the track to the subfloor using screws or construction adhesive.
  4. Fitting: Measure and trim the T-Molding to fit. Start at one end and press the molding into the track, progressing along its length. Use a rubber mallet if needed.

These instructions provide a detailed guide for installing various types of trims and transition pieces for Everlife® Luxury Vinyl Flooring, ensuring a professional finish and seamless transition between different areas and surfaces.

The selection of the right trim and accessories is paramount in achieving a successful luxury vinyl flooring installation. This guide has explored the various options available within the Everlife® Luxury Vinyl Flooring range, offering insights into how each can contribute to a seamless, safe, and aesthetically pleasing finish.

If you're seeking assistance in selecting the perfect trim options for your luxury vinyl flooring project, MSI is here to help. Explore the trim and related accessories on every Luxury Vinyl Plank and Luxury Vinyl Tile product page. Need help choosing the right accessories for your project? Chat with us online now, visit an MSI showroom, or contact an authorized MSI retailer in your area for more information or to see samples in person.