What Are Floor Moulding and Trim?
Floor moulding and trim are edging pieces used to cover gaps. They provide a smooth transition from one room to another, to stairs or to walls. Adding moulding and trim as part of a renovation project can completely transform the look of a room. The project makes a room more appealing and gives your floor a polished, finished look. Moulding and trim are closely related.
- Trim is for flooring, walls, ceilings, doors and windows.
- Moulding is a specific type of trim that’s usually more decorative.
Types of Floor Moulding & Trim
Floor transition strips provide a seamless transition between multiple floor surfaces. There are a variety of floor moulding and trim types available. Each type serves a different purpose. Below are types of moulding and trim you might encounter.
T-Moulding
T-moulding acts as a transition between two hard surface floors of the same height or thickness.
Reducer
When you need transition strips for uneven floors, like hard surface floors of two different heights, a reducer is gradually sloped to correct uneven floors.
Carpet Transition
Carpet to hardwood transition is used when you’re transitioning from carpeting to hard flooring. It covers the carpet edge and makes it easier to move from one room to another.
Quarter Round
Quarter round is moulding that’s one quarter of a circle. It’s used mainly on wood floors to cover the expansion gap between the floor and the baseboard or wall. For a uniform look, color match the quarter round to the flooring.
Stair Nosing
Stair nosing improves the safety of stairs. It’s the finishing element that overhangs the edge of the stair tread and is where the most foot traffic occurs.
4-in-1 / Multipurpose Moulding
The 4-in-1 multipurpose moulding provides one solution for four different moulding needs: T-moulding, end moulding, carpet trim and reducer.
Carpet Gripper
A carpet gripper is a slightly curved strip that contains sharp angled pins that keep wall-to-wall carpet in place and prevent wrinkles in the carpet.
Carpet Trim
Carpet trim is a type of trim that’s made of metal and is used to prevent frayed edges on carpet. It’s also used to prevent vinyl floor seams from curling and to transition two sections of carpet. Carpet trim is similar to a seam binder (below) except it features a fluted design.
Seam Binder
A seam binder is a flat strip that covers seams and protects the edges of floors. It’s made of wood, aluminum or metal and is used between two hard floor surfaces of the same height.
Cove Base
Cove base is a type of wall base. It’s a thin baseboard trim with a flat top edge and rounded toe, on the bottom edge. It’s installed where the floor and wall join and rests flush against the wall with the toe sitting on the floor. It’s typically made from rubber or vinyl, creates a seamless look and is used extensively in commercial buildings. Cove base comes in a roll that’s cut to size and comes in a variety of colors. There’s also ceramic and porcelain cove base that’re used in bathrooms, kitchens and around fireplace facades.
Threshold
A threshold is designed to transition two different types of flooring of different heights, like a carpet to tile transition.
Wall Base
Wall base is what many people typically think of when they hear the terms baseboard, base mouldings or baseboard trim moulding. The wall base is directly affixed to the wall at the base and covers the gap between the wall and the floor. Wall base is often used with quarter round moulding. Types of wall base include cove (above), straight (also known as flat or toeless wall base) and butt-to-wall (straight toe).
Floor Trim Maintenance and Repair
To keep flooring trim looking good, it’s important to keep it well-maintained. That also means keeping it in good repair.
- Clean floor trim regularly by dusting weekly with a microfiber cloth. You can also use a vacuum with a brush attachment. Monthly, wipe the trim down with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and any scuff marks.
- Inspect the trim for any gaps, cracks or separation between the trim and floor or walls. Use paintable latex caulk to fill in the small spaces.
- For little scratches or nicks, use a small brush to cover them with matching paint/stain.
- Scratches or dents too large for a quick-fix coverup might be a good candidate for filling with wood filler or spackle. Wait to dry, then sand smooth and repaint or stain.
- Reattach loose trim with finishing nails or a brad nailer, then apply caulk along the top edge for a seamless look.
- To replace damaged sections, cut the new trim to size, attach with nails or adhesive, finish with caulk and paint.
Floor Moulding and Trim Materials and Colors
Floor moulding and trim are available in a wide range of materials, including vinyl, aluminum and anodized aluminum, plastic and wood, which is the most popular choice. Some wood floor moulding and trim are pre-finished, giving you the option to match or complement the look and feel of the floor. To create a cohesive look, find the coordinating moulding that blends with the floor’s color scheme.
To refresh a room, a couple of coats of stain or paint on the wall base and other moulding and trim works wonders. Choose water-based latex paint for easy cleanup.
Moulding and Trim Done Right
Knowing about the different types of moulding and trim are important because they help add character and visual interest to your space. Moulding and trim are not only functional but ornamental as well. Moulding can be used to highlight architectural details of a room like windows, ceilings and doors.
Whatever type of moulding or trim work you’re doing, we have the tools and materials you need to get the job done. For your convenience you can shop and buy online at Lowes.com and pick up at your local Lowe’s. If you need help with your project, stop by your nearest Lowe’s and a Red Vest Associate will help you find everything you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Customers frequently have questions about floor moulding and trim. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Floor Transition?
Leave about one-quarter of an inch which allows for expansion and contraction of the flooring. However, some floors may require up to one-half of an inch. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the flooring that you’re using for the specific gap size to use.
How Do You Transition Between Uneven Floors?
To transition between uneven floors, use a reducer to correct the unevenness.
How Do I Choose Floor Moulding?
There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing floor moulding. The floor type; the style and decor of the room, and whether you want the moulding to complement or contrast with it; the material of the moulding, like solid wood, pine or MDF; the type of transition pieces you want to use; and how the room’s function influence’s the moudling selection.
Should Floor Trim and Door Trim Match?
If you want the space to look cohesive and harmonious, you can match the floor and door trim. It also helps when you’re trying to create a clean and simple, minimalist look. However, if you want to create a bold, eclectic look, choosing contrasting colors adds visual interest.
What’s the Difference Between Trim and Molding?
Trim refers to all material — functional or decorative — that’s used to cover flooring, walls, ceilings, doors, seams, windows, edges and transitions, while moulding is a specific type of trim that’s usually more decorative.
Are Baseboards Necessary When Installing Flooring?
While baseboards aren’t necessary, they do cover expansion gaps and protect walls from dents, scuffs and scrapes. If you didn't have baseboards, the bottom of your walls would be unprotected and unsightly.