How to Seam Tile and Parquet?

Unified floor covering visually enlarges small spaces. But what if you want to combine several types of coverings at once — for example, tile and parquet or laminate? We found out from designer Elena Lagutina.

Elena Lagutina is an interior design decorator and graduate of the International School of Design.

What can be used to combine parquet and tile?

It's important to remember that wood is a "soft" material that reacts to temperature changes and humidity levels, while "hard" tile is not. Therefore, problems may arise during use, and a rigid seam can damage floor coverings. Let's look at several options for joining different types of flooring used by professionals.

Cork compensator — the most common way to connect different types of floor coverings. It creates a "soft" joint. However, if such a compensator looks good on a straight section of the seam, it may not be aesthetically pleasing on a curved or patterned tile seam (like honeycomb or octagon).

You can replace the compensator with liquid cork. The only drawback is that such seams won't look as neat.

Design: Anna Mogharron

Wood-compatible sealant — comes in handy where a cork compensator cannot be used. Due to its elasticity, the sealant solves the same problem but looks neater on complex or curved joints. Moreover, you can choose a shade that matches your floor color.

Alternative to the sealant — grout. However, this method is not practical and can only be used as a temporary solution. Over time, it can be replaced.

Joint profiles — ideal for modern interiors: they are designed taking into account the specifics of laying different types of floor coverings. These seams always look neat. There are several types:

• for joining tiles;
  
• for joining tile and glued parquet;
  
• thresholds between adhesive base and floating floor: laminate, parquet or engineered boards, cork;
  
• for joining tile and carpet;
  
• for finishing tile edge;
  
• for finishing threshold between uneven coverings.
  

Design: Anna Mogharron

On the cover: WeCreate Studio Design Project