Replies

1. 
   Danno | Oct 18, 2005 04:35am | #1

   This is more or less a bump, to move your question nearer to the top, but sometimes less of a transition (a couple inches) is worse as far as being a trip hazzard than a full 7-8" step. Don't know if there's a minimum or maximum per code.

1. 
   bhackford | Oct 18, 2005 04:41am | #2

   Thanks. I know that is my question. Are 1/2" "lumps" allowed?

1. 
   alrightythen | Oct 18, 2005 06:50am | #3

   I don't know if they are allowed, but can you avoid it. Probably alot of work right? like 1/2" underlay. If you can't get away from it the least you could do is fabricate a nice custom threshold. a wide piece of 3/4" stock, with a 1/2" rabbet in it. beveled on both sides (lengh) will help to lesson the tripping hazard as well as make the transition look better.

2. 
   Danno | Oct 18, 2005 01:31pm | #5

   As Alrightythen said, if you are tiling you will probably be installing some sort of underlayment or backer board anyway, so you could make up the difference that way. The threshold ideas are good ones too.

3. 
   Dinosaur | Oct 19, 2005 05:41am | #10

   A half-inch 'lump' is no problem, but that's about the max. You will need to fabricate a beveled transition moulding to finish the joint when you are done.

   The most important 'safety' element of a non-flush floor transition is for the two different levels to be two different colours. That way the human eye picks up the transition peripherally 99.9% of the time.

   Dinosaur

   A day may come when the courage of men fails,when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship...

   But it is not this day.

2. 
   piko | Oct 18, 2005 07:32am | #4

   Which do you have installed already? If you are putting in the tile IMHO I'd raise the subfloor (you have to have min 1" thickness anyway) to the hardwood floor level. I'd probably finish the tile with Schluter trim, in that case.

   There are transition strips available that allow for differing thicknesses - kind of T-shaped with one top-side of the T fatter for a lower floor. Use tha same wood as your extg.

    

   All the best...

   To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.

    

3. 
   johnnyd | Oct 18, 2005 10:29pm | #6

   There shouldn't be ANY, but maybe you can get away with 1/8" or 1/16".  I had to deal with some minors and some majors on a recent addition, and took my time with thick oak stock, the table saw, belt sander, etc to make thresholds to account for the differences.

1. 
   EricPaulson | Oct 19, 2005 02:43am | #7

   This is what annoys me to no end when I hear people start talking about installing CBU's for tile.

   They don't mention that they are going OVER hardwood or 5/8 Underlayment and 2 layers of vinyl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

   Oh......+ tile!!

   Never mind spans or joist depths, I'm puttin Hardiboard down and I'm doin it right!!

   So what if it's an inch above the floor in the next room!! I did it myself and it only took me 6 w/e's!!

   Pass out the stepladders, we have a transition to mount!

   My apologies to the OP.

   I'm done.

   EricIt's Never Too Late To Become

   What You Might Have Been

    

    

    

   [email protected]

4. 
   Designerwench | Oct 19, 2005 02:45am | #8

   Are you concerned with safety, getting sued, doing a quality job, or all?

   A lot depends if the job is residential or commercial and what code governes your juridiction.

   To be safe, practical and protect one from lawsuits, I'd use the ADA requirements (Americans with Disabilities Act) which has been adopted by most codes in most states.

   Maximum difference is 1/2".

   Jodi Fitzpatrick, ASID, CID, AKBD

1. 
   EricPaulson | Oct 19, 2005 02:51am | #9

   Nice reply Jodi and welcome to Break Time.

   Stick around won't you?

   And consider filling out your profile when you can.

   EricIt's Never Too Late To Become

   What You Might Have Been

    

    

    

   [email protected]

1. 
   Designerwench | Oct 21, 2005 01:52am | #11

   Thanks so much for the greeting. Just found this site yesterday out of Inspired House and am enjoying finding such an interesting place to blow off my current projects!

   Didn't know there was a profile, will check that out.

    

5. 
   dtgardengirl | Oct 21, 2005 03:33am | #12

   This only generally addresses your differential issue.  Check the different transition moldings.  Many are available that can adjust for this issue.  Look for a T-moulding (Threshold moulding that is designed to accomodate different heights of flooring material on either side of the "meet".  There are so many, you have plenty of choices, and you may or may not find what would work as a "one size fits all" at a big box store.  If you know the height difference, and it's not too great, there is likely a good product available to meet the requirement. 

   Jodi had a great point about ADA recommendations.  If things are an issue there, it would likely be an issue, period, for customer satisfaction.  Overall, you must avoid a fall/trip hazard and meet any code requirements.  I'm just encouraging you that you can probably find a reasonable and safe solution.  Good luck to you.