There are various types of floor covering materials. When doing DIY, be sure to understand the characteristics of each type and how to choose one so as not to spoil the design of the room or create gaps.
In this article, we will explain the types of flooring materials and how to choose them. In addition, we will introduce the installation procedure and points when doing DIY, so please use it as a reference.
What is floor parting material?
Floor parting material is an important component used at the joints and ends of flooring materials, and is sometimes called "edging."
The main role is to uniformly adjust the height of different flooring materials and prevent tripping and steps. It also plays the role of protecting the edges of the flooring and improving its durability.
In addition, parting materials help to create a beautiful design and finish on the flooring, creating a sense of unity throughout the room.
Is floor covering material necessary?
However, it is not mandatory to use floor coverings. If there is another way to eliminate the difference in level or create a beautiful finish, there may be no problem even if you do not use parting material.
However, floors are typically areas where edges are often peeled or damaged due to daily use and friction. By using parting material, you can protect the joints between flooring materials and prevent them from peeling or scratching.
If you want to maintain the value of your home or want to continue living in it in good condition for a long time, we recommend using parting materials to keep your floors clean.
Types of floor parting materials
There are two main types of flooring materials: ``parting materials between flooring materials'' and ``parting materials for eliminating differences in level.'' Here we will explain the characteristics of each, and also introduce other parting materials other than flooring.
Parting material between flooring materials
Partitions between floorings are used to connect floorings of different thicknesses. There are two main types of flooring materials: solid flooring and composite flooring, each with different thickness.
Type: Solid flooring Composite flooring Thickness: 15mm 12mmSince solid wood flooring and composite flooring have different thicknesses, there will be a difference in level when they are placed next to each other. By using parting materials, it is possible to eliminate the difference in level between floorings.
Additionally, flooring materials may expand and contract due to changes in season and humidity. By using parting materials, the expansion and contraction of the flooring material can be minimized and the stability of the flooring can be ensured.
Parting material for eliminating steps
Parting materials for eliminating differences in level are used to eliminate differences in level between different flooring materials, such as cushion floors and tiles laid on top of flooring.
A typical case is a situation where there is a step between the kitchen and the living room. Because the kitchen and living room have different functions, they often use different flooring materials. Therefore, in some cases, there may be large differences.
By installing partitions, steps can be eliminated, allowing smooth movement and preventing tripping.
Parting materials other than flooring
There are cases where parting materials are installed on areas other than floors. For example, if you install composite flooring or floor tiles, there may be gaps between them and the wall. By using parting materials, you can create a beautiful finish at the joint between the floor and wall, and prevent dirt and dust from accumulating in the gaps.
Furthermore, if the wall material is made of different materials above and below the waist, you can also use parting materials for the transition areas.
Effect of floor parting material
Floor parting materials have three main effects.
- Create a beautiful border between rooms
- Eliminate the difference in level
- Prevent peeling
I will explain the effects of each.
Create a beautiful border between rooms
Floor parting materials mainly have the effect of creating beautiful borders between rooms. It is generally used to create beautiful boundaries between rooms, such as between walls and floors, or between closets.
Parting materials are also useful in areas where the flooring material is changing. In single-family homes, different flooring materials are often used, such as floor tiles in the kitchen and hardwood floors in the dining area. By using parting material, you can neatly hide the joints of flooring materials.
Eliminate the difference in level
Floor parting materials are sometimes used to eliminate differences in level. For example, if you lay a mat on an existing floor, you may end up with a difference in level. By incorporating parting material here, you can eliminate the level difference between the floor and the mat.
Stepped floors not only affect appearance, but can also affect safety. Steps are especially likely to cause trips and falls, especially for the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. In fact, there is statistical data that approximately 60% of elderly people have experienced a fall accident at home.
Many falls among elderly people occur at home, where they are accustomed to living. According to the Tokyo Fire Department, approximately 60% of people fall at home, and the specific locations are living rooms/bedrooms, entrances, stairs/corridors, and bathrooms. Source: Government Public Relations Online | Just one fall can leave you bedridden. Where are fall accidents likely to occur?By using sidewalls, you can help prevent these accidents and improve the safety of your home.
Prevent peeling
The edges of finishing materials applied to floors, walls, etc. can peel off due to everyday life and external pressure. By using parting material, it is possible to protect the edges of the finishing material and improve its durability.
Parting materials are also used as anti-slip materials for stairs. Stairs are slippery areas that can lead to accidents. Installing sidewalls increases safety and reduces the risk of slips and falls.
How to choose floor parting materials
There are various types of floor covering materials. Therefore, if you choose it blindly, it may not match the atmosphere of the room or the material of the flooring, and you will have to purchase it again.
When choosing flooring materials, it is important to pay attention to the following four points.
- material
- color
- shape
- Width/thickness
I will explain each point.
material
There are several types of material for parting materials, so choose the appropriate material to match the style and purpose of the room. Common materials for parting materials are as follows.
- wooden
- Made of resin
- metal
Wood is the most common material. It has a natural warmth and is easy to harmonize with the floor, so it will blend seamlessly into any room.
Resin parting materials are often affordable and come in a wide variety of colors. Metal parting materials are often thin, so they are suitable for creating a modern atmosphere.
color
Generally, the color of the parting material is the same as the finishing material of the floor. This will blend in with the flooring and create a sense of unity throughout the room. On the other hand, you can add accent to a room by contrasting the color of the parting material with the flooring.
If you're having trouble choosing a color, try using a sample.
shape
There are three main shapes of floor parting materials.
Type of parting material Main areas of use Characteristics T-type Intersections and joints of different flooring materials Eliminates seams and differences in flooring materials for an even finish Flat type Joints of flooring materials of the same thickness Maintains a beautiful appearance on stairs, hallways, etc. L-shape Joints between flooring materials and walls Protects the edges of flooring materials to achieve a beautiful finishChoose the appropriate shape depending on where in the room you will use the parting material.
Width/thickness
The width of parting strips usually varies from 20mm to 45mm. If the width is narrow, the joints between the floors will be less noticeable and a natural finish can be achieved. On the other hand, a wide type makes it easier to cover steps when connecting flooring materials of different thicknesses.
The thickness of the parting material is also important. Measure the thickness of your flooring and choose the appropriate parting material. This will help protect your floor and maintain its beautiful finish for a long time.
How to use floor parting materials
Installation of the parting material can be done by DIY. The main steps when doing DIY are as follows.
- Measure dimensions accurately
- Choose the right material and color
- Clean the construction area
- cut the parting material
- securely fixed to the floor
I will explain each step.
1. Measure dimensions accurately
First, accurately measure the thickness, width, and height of the floor. If the measurement is incorrect, the parting material may not fit properly or the difference in level may not be resolved.
Choose a parting material of the appropriate height and length based on your measurements.
2. Choose the right material and color
Next, choose the material and color. By choosing a parting material that is the same material or similar color to the flooring, you can create a sense of unity throughout the room.
For example, choosing wood parting for a hardwood floor creates a harmonious and beautiful finish. On the other hand, if you want to add an accent, consider choosing a material or color that is different from the flooring.
3. Clean the construction area
In order to install floor parting materials accurately, the installation area must be thoroughly cleaned.
By removing dust and dirt, the parting material will adhere firmly to the floor, increasing its sense of stability. If dust or dirt remains, it may create gaps or become unstable when installing the parting material, so please be careful.
4. Cut the parting material
After cleaning, cut the parting material to match the construction area. Take your measurements and make sure you get the correct length. For corner installations, a 45 degree angle is generally the best choice.
If you don't cut carefully at this point, the parting material may not fit where you want it to go. It is important to make precise cuts using the appropriate tools, such as a universal cutter or a saw.
Additionally, by fixing the receiving mold to the construction site, it becomes easier to install the parting material.
5. Securely fixed to the floor
Once the cutting is complete, secure the parting material to the floor. Fixing methods include adhesive, double-sided tape, and nails. Choose the appropriate method that matches the floor material and type of parting material.
Finally, check to see if the parting material is shifting or floating. Make repairs and adjustments as necessary.
Points to note when using floor parting materials
In order to use parting materials effectively, it is necessary to pay special attention to the following two points.
- File the cut surface
- Fasten the molding material with screws
When cutting the parting material, it is important to file the cut surface neatly. If the cut surface is smooth and uniform, the parting material will be beautifully finished and will not spoil the overall aesthetics.
Also, if you use a molding agent to secure the parting material, be sure to secure it firmly with screws, etc. This increases the stability of the parting material.
Examples of how to use floor parting materials
There are various ways to use floor parting materials.
- Change the flooring in the kitchen and dining room
- Combine multiple parting materials
Here we will introduce examples of these two types of use.
Change the flooring in the kitchen and dining room
Kitchens use a lot of water and are prone to getting dirty, so water-resistant flooring materials such as tile floors are suitable. On the other hand, in dining rooms, emphasis is placed on design and a comfortable feel. Therefore, it is common to use different flooring materials even within the same room.
T-shaped parting materials give a natural look even when combined with different flooring materials. Additionally, T-shaped parting materials are relatively easy to install, so even beginners of DIY can install them with confidence.
Combine multiple parting materials
By combining multiple parting materials, you can create a unique floor design. Particularly suitable are Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and hallways.
For example, you can create a stylish space by installing partitions in the form of borders that match the placement of furniture.
However, combining multiple materials requires advanced skills. When performing this kind of installation, we recommend that you obtain the cooperation of a contractor.
Understand the types and how to choose them, and install parting materials
There are different types of floor parting materials, such as those used to join flooring together and those used to eliminate differences in level. Install parting materials of the material, color, shape, width, and thickness that match the floor you envision.
