skip to main content

Max height difference of flooring between 2 rooms

8 years ago

Hi, I am replacing my wood floors to install an assembly that would provide the best reduction of impact noise. My choices will be narrowed down significantly with some guidance around maximum height variance between my existing 3/8" tile and future wood floor. Could I have a finished wood floor height of 1 3/8", leaving a 1" transition/reducer?

Featured Answer

User

8 years ago

I have always taken 3/4" to be the maximum allowable height difference between two floors. This is based on seeing houses with solid wood in one room and vinyl in another and is also the approximate height of a nice area rug sitting on a hard surface floor.

Exactly what are you looking to install? Have you looked into a nice engineered floor that could be floated over a high quality foam underlayment like Floor Muffler? That could end up around 5/8" to 1" total.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

jhawker23
Original Author
8 years ago
I just purchased a 2nd floor condo. It has hardwood nailed directly to the subfloor. Also, it appears the installers took the quick route and left a decent sized gap between the planks and wall and covered up with a stick of quarter round. So there's sound going to the neighbor downstairs like a water hose. I want to pull these floors, lay the best possible decoupling and airborne noise combo I can. However, with the wood floors abutting to tile in the kitchen, fireplace, entryway and bathroom, I am limited on height.
Related Discussions
Height difference between hardwood and marble floor-solutions?
Q
Comments (1)
You can also chamfer the edge of the hardwood. Probably easier than chamfering the marble unless it is a small chamfer. A larger chamfer over a portion of the threshold is common for differences as small as 1/4 inch. The threshold is simply turned into a small ramp to ease the transition and eliminate any edges.
...See More
Max height difference between room flooring
Q
Comments (3)
A custom made hardwood ramp transition would be ideal. See this thread and the post by jim mcclain for a visual. Make this transition piece easily visible for safety. http://www.thefloorpro.com/community/hardwood-and-laminates-q-and-a/6614-floating-laminate-hardwood-transition-2-height.html# Trip/fall hazards are very real. People brake bones all the time from ground level I see it at work almost every day (hospital). Nothing routine about an ER trip and possible surgery. The problem with height transitions is when your foot falls you expect the floor or stair to be in a certain spot and when it is not a fall can happen. This is an example why stair code requires height difference between treads cannot deviate +/- 3/8" from each other.
...See More
Small height difference between tile and wood flooring
Q
Comments (3)
Ditra is 1/8" thick, and you mentioned that you were 1/8" low. What size are your tiles? If your tile is small, and your slab is very flat, 1/8" for mortar is reasonable. If your tile is larger, you may need a medium-bed mortar. As is all things tile, a test is worthwhile. Good luck.
...See More
How to fix 2" difference in floor height?
Q
Comments (7)
I don't know how you do this without doing almost a full gut and remodel of this unit. You rightly point out the kitchen cabinets would have to be removed and either replaced or re-installed after the new flooring goes in, so it really depends on how much you're willing to spend on this and whether or not the added expense is worth it to you. I think if I was in your shoes, I wouldn't buy this unit. You could do a short-term solution of putting in rubber "ramps" to ease the transition and prevent tripping, but it's not ideal aesthetically and you'll still have to do the remodel at some point.
...See More
User
8 years ago
I remember your original post. What type of floor do you intend to install? Will it be nailed down or glued?
jhawker23
Original Author
8 years ago
It will be engineered hw. Due to the importance of impact noise reduction, I'm considering floating, but preferred glued to ensure a feel of hardwood, not the squishy laminate feel. But I've never experi need floating EHW so perhaps floating isn't as soft as the laminate?
User
8 years ago
I'm not particularly fond of floating floors either, but they do a nice job in regard to sound deadening. The thickest sound deadener I've seen is 1/2" thick cork or rubber and the thickest engineered wood I've seen is 3/4", bringing you pretty close to your 1-3/8" figure. There are some nice 5/8" engineered product which could be installed over 1/2" sound deadener. This would net you a difference of 3/4".
jhawker23
Original Author
8 years ago
Would you recommend a rubber underlayment? It appears a 1/2" rubber underlayment from the rubber company is the same product as the branded Serenity Mat, etc for a lower cost. To get an idea, I purchased a 6'x4' 3/4" rubber mat which was also a recommended solution. I can see this accomplishing airborne noise but it was quite rigid and created notable vibration.

Perhaps the 1/2" will better absorb impact?

In the case of a rubber underlayment, is there benefit to adhering the underlayment to the floor with Green Glue or is this a waste of money?

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Match Tile Heights for a Perfect Installation

By By Any Design Ltd.

Irregular tile heights can mar the look of your bathroom. Here's how to counter the differences

WINDOWS These Windows Let In Light at Floor Height

By Joanna Tovia

Low-set windows may look unusual, but they can be a great way to protect your privacy while letting in daylight

DINING ROOMS Buffet, Sideboard, Server, Credenza: What's the Difference?

By Laura Gaskill

Learn the definitions and details to make shopping for dining room storage furniture less confusing

DECORATING GUIDES Architectural Details Make All the Difference

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

Are you missing an opportunity to enhance your home with brackets, cabinet feet and moldings?

DECORATING GUIDES Single Design Moves That Make All the Difference

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

One good turn deserves a whole ideabook — check out these exceptional lone moves that make the room

CEILINGS 13 Ways to Create the Illusion of Room Height

By Affecting Spaces Design Studio

Low ceilings? Here are a baker’s dozen of elements you can alter to give the appearance of a taller space

BATHROOM DESIGN The Right Height for Your Bathroom Sinks, Mirrors and More

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Upgrading your bathroom? Here’s how to place all your main features for the most comfortable, personalized fit

MOST POPULAR See the Difference a New Back Deck Can Make

By Becky Harris

A dramatic 2-story porch becomes the centerpiece of this Ohio family’s renovated landscape

ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop: Thinking Differently About Doors

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Go beyond utilitarian openings to use doors as art, space definers and experience enhancers

KITCHEN DESIGN The Kitchen Counter Goes to New Heights

By Tiffany Carboni

Varying counter heights can make cooking, cleaning and eating easier — and enhance your kitchen's design

Sponsored

More Discussions

Will marble lighten up??

4

Help! Dilemma With Red Oak Hardwood Flooring

15

About to take the plunge on Showplace Maple Cashew! Reassurance please

5

California Classics Hardwood Floor - Mediterranean Sebastian - Photos?

0

California Classics Mediterranean 9.5 Flooring

0