How to Install Carpet Transition Strips in 4 Steps

Ease the transition between rooms with this simple DIY

A carpeted living room
Photo: david hughes / Adobe Stock
A carpeted living room
Photo: david hughes / Adobe Stock
Catherine Hiles
Written by Catherine Hiles
Contributing Writer
Updated Nov 11, 2024
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
2 hours
COST
Up to $25
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Pry bar (optional)
  • Scraper or utility knife (optional)
  • Tape measure
  • Hacksaw
SUPPLIES
  • Carpet transition strips
  • Construction glue
  • Nails
  • Screws

Fresh new carpet can transform a room, instantly making it feel warm and cozy. But sometimes, the transition from carpet to another flooring material can be jarring. Carpet transition strips ease that changeover, improving the flow of your home while preventing your floor from becoming a tripping hazard. Learn how to install carpet transition strips to give your floor a more polished finish.

Prepping to Install Carpet Transition Strips

Before installing carpet transition strips, you’ll need to choose the type of strip you want to use. 

  • Aluminum transition strips are the most common type of strips for carpets. They’re also the cheapest option.

  • Hardwood transition strips can be used if you’re installing the strip between a carpeted room and a hardwood floor. They’re often shaped like a T, with the vertical portion slotting between the two flooring types and the horizontal portion creating a smooth transition.

  • Vinyl transition strips are used similarly to hardwood transition strips, though they are less durable. They come in various colors, including hardwood-look at a lower price.

Read more

How to Install Carpet Transition Strips in 4 Steps

Carpet transition strip installation is an easy DIY that, depending on the size of the area, can be completed in a few hours. 

  1. Remove Existing Transition Strips

    Once you’ve chosen the transition strips, remove any old strips before proceeding with installation. Carefully lift them from the floor with a pry bar, then scrape or utility knife any leftover glue or molding.

  2. Measure the Threshold

    A person measuring the threshold
    Photo: Vadym / Adobe Stock

    Next, grab a tape measure and calculate the threshold length where you plan to install the transition strips. Measure from one end of the opening to the other without leaving any expansion gaps.

  3. Cut to Size

    Once you know the installation area length, cut the transition strip to size using a hacksaw. Careful measuring is essential to ensure that the strip is the precise size of the opening where it will be installed.

  4. Nail or Glue the Strip Into the Subfloor

    A person installing a carpet strip on the subfloor
    Photo: andrey gonchar / Adobe Stock

    You can glue or nail the transition strip in place, depending on your subfloor type and your chosen transition strip. 

    If using glue, apply it either directly to the floor or to the back of the transition strip, then place the strip on the floor, putting pressure on it as you do to encourage it to stick. You can also stick tape across the transition strip or place a heavy object on top to hold it still while the glue adheres.

    If you’re nailing the strip in place, lay it down and drive the nails into the rail to secure it. You may prefer to use screws instead of nails, depending on the transition strip material.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing transition strips is a relatively simple task for novice and experienced DIYers. If you tackle this project yourself, you’ll need the correct tools to ensure a secure installation. If you prefer to leave this project to the pros, you can hire a local flooring company to install carpet transition strips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flooring transition strips can be glued, nailed, or screwed to the subfloor. Gluing has a cleaner finish, but screwing and nailing will result in a more secure installation.

Installing transition strips in doorways follows the same process as installing them between rooms. First, measure the width of the doorway, then cut the transition strip to size, and finally, install the strip in the doorway.

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Learn more about our contributor
Catherine Hiles
Written by Catherine Hiles
Contributing Writer
Catherine is a content writer specializing in home improvement, home finance, and personal finance. She is passionate about making complex topics more digestible for the average reader. Catherine’s work can be found on BobVila.com and TIME Stamped, among others.

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