[Evo49]

I am putting laminate wood flooring in a bedroom. There is plush carpeting in the hallway. (The carpet plus padding is taller than the laminate). The only type of transition strips I have seen are either T-molding made for equal heights, or a reducer molding made to go from laminate to a lower surface. This is my first time trying this and don't know what to do. I am thinking that I should be tucking the carpet under some type of strip, opposed to butting it up, so it won't pull back or fray. Maybe cutting back the padding? Help!!

[joypulv]

So the carpet doesn't have a finished edge, a band of cloth? I would cut the padding back as you suggested and tack down a transition strip (wood) that you can get at any home improvement store. You may have to give the carpet a haircut if it's too thick. Or even put a piece of wood under the strip to raise it up, maybe a piece of your laminate flooring.

[Evo49]

No it doesn't have a finished edge. It was taped from the bottom side and butted up to the old carpet in the bedroom. It also does not have a carpet "tack strip" where the two carpets met. Should I put down a piece of tack strip and secure the carpet to it first ? And then would you suggest using a T- moulding strip? Or a reducer moulding strip?

[joypulv]

I wouldn't put down a tack strip because it will just add to the height and it isn't needed.
Reducer or transition pieces are sold in wood in short lengths good for a doorway. Once you nail it down the rug won't move. Nail down the thicker side so you don't split the thinner side. Maybe run some glue under the thinner side, the side over the carpet.
Try a Lumber Liquidators if Home Depot ones are too narrow. Look online at both sites. Wider the better for your situation.

[massplumber2008]

Hi Guys!

In my opinion, the carpet tack strip should be used here as it actually thinner than the carpet pad and if you cut the pad out in the area that the tack strip will go it will NOT add any height to the carpet side.

Be sure to leave a minimum of a 1/4" between the tack strip and the end of the laminate flooring. After the tack strip is in you'll want to try to stretch the carpet into the tack strip a bit and then "tuck" the carpet in behind the strip using a large, dull wood chisel or carpet tucking tool.

Then, in terms of a transition piece, there are a few options:

1) Purchase a threshold of the same color as your laminate floor and cut out a <1/4" to 3/8" x whatever width is needed> into the back side of the threshold. Install the cut side over the carpet.

2) Z transition bar... see image. This acts as both the transition strip AND the finish stripping.

3) Carpet edge strips... see other, smaller image (shows 4 options.. T shaped strip won't work here). These may not be available at your local home improvement store, but may be found at a local carpet/flooring store.

Anyway, one of these should get you rolling along. Let us know if you have any questions, OK?

Mark