Smooth transition between Marmoleum and Bamboo
We’re installing bamboo (Teragren craftsman, nail down) in most of our house, but need something more water resistant in the entryway (lots of wet boots, etc). Our current thought is Marmoleum, but am not sure how to transition it to the bamboo.
The floor plan is pretty open – the flooring will be helping to define the entry area, and we’re hoping to have the edge of the entry area be curved, rather than a straight line. We really don’t want the “lump” of a T-shaped molding to do the transition from the Marmoleum to bamboo — we want a flat smooth surface. The underlayment under the marmoleum will be selected such that the top surface of the two flooring types is level.
How firmly does Marmoleum glue down (I assume we’ll use glue down, rather than “click”)? Can we just butt joint it with the bamboo? Is there some sort of calking or grout that we can put between the two to cover up any raw edge, but without creating a raised joint? We don’t want to end up with peeling up edges.
Is there any other way to transition from Marmoleum to bamboo without using one of the moldings designed for that purpose?
Replies
Do something completely different: Instead of Marm to cork directly, put in a transition of small tile.
BHT
You need to allow movement of the bamboo, yet don't want to have a level difference between the two floorings.
I would suggest you not defy the manufacturers guidelines and drylay the bamboo to the arc you want to achieve.............
Take up the bamboo and rout out the backside so it lips over (not much thickness-1/4", round over that edge. Lay the Marm, then lay the bamboo lipping over and allowing movement.
Or
Seek out the old style Lino metal trim that you used to see up against a bathtub. It is bendable to a large arc. Use that on the Marm edge, lay the bamboo up that metal, caulk the resultant joint.
To leave the Marm raw I don't think a good idea.
*the metal is like a thinner Shluter edge.
BHT
Which way is this cut edge going to be-long side of the bamboo or the end cuts?
If it isn't going to look good, don't do it.
The flooring moves in width, not much in length.
As a good floor layer-if the marm can stay down in that application, and will the edge of the bamboo with a caulk joint in between look decent. You can certainly knock the sharp edge off and then apply a sealer to that edge, that won't look odd.
I'm just a dumb carpenter.