How can I effectively join discontinued tile with vinyl plank flooring in my kitchen remodel with a 14-inch drop between them?
Asked by Angelo Lemaire 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 21, 2024
I’m currently redoing my kitchen and made some changes, like taking down a half wall. The tile I had is no longer available, and now I have vinyl plank flooring on one side. Luckily, I have plenty of the vinyl plank left. Wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to connect the two surfaces since there’s a slight 1/4 inch height difference. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!
Take out the initial row of tiles or cut it using a saw and take out half, like you did at the unfinished end, then install planks next to it.
I would trim it to fit the opposite wall shown in the bottom left corner and either locate a lengthy marble transition strip or trim one from hardwood.
Transition strip is one of the simplest things you can do.
Option 1: I’ve seen many people cut back the rest of the tile and wood floor to match the gap from the wall and create a larger custom transition. Surprisingly, it usually doesn’t look out of place.
Option 2:
Option 1: On the left
Option 2: On the right
I’m on board with that.
No need to cut the tile. It’s a pain. I would recommend taking it back to the grout joint and adding another row of vinyl plank, even if it requires ripping. This might eliminate the need for a transition, depending on how the vinyl plank is installed. Make sure to remove the grout before taking out the tile to prevent cracks. Chisel up the tile and clean up the Thinset. –
The reason I suggested cutting the tile is because removing the whole last row could throw off the alignment with the existing wall in the picture’s bottom left corner. I personally believe adding a transition there would be the least visually appealing choice.
Always has the urge to shake things up and start fresh. He wants to rearrange the kitchen, remove some walls, and make some big changes. Then he’ll finally be satisfied!
I was actually just about to mention that! I think option #2 is the way to go.
Is out here impressing everyone with his magic tricks. Awesome job!
Strip for transitioning.
The option I’d go for is cutting back the remaining row of the tile to make it even, then removing the first row of wood floor and replacing it with the new extra pieces so that it aligns with the tile floor. After that, you can install a transition strip designed for your wood flooring.
Transition strips for wood flooring often come with configurations to accommodate floors of different heights.
The correct solution is to take out the tiles that are right next to the empty space on the floor. Then, replace them with complete pieces. The same goes for the vinyl.
Other than that, you can trim the remaining width and cover it all with vinyl or a decorative strip of your choice.
Maybe not these exact tiles for the transition, but you might be able to find something similar that suits your style. Cut everything evenly and then install it all the way across. It could turn out nice depending on your choices.
That’s exactly what I’d do if I didn’t have enough money to repair the whole floor.👍🏻
I agree. It could definitely add a unique touch as long as you keep the colors understated.
I decided to go this route because I wanted to keep the hardwood in our large entryway but also wanted to avoid having narrow oak throughout the space. I added a strip of 6″x12″ slate tiles, and it complements the different wood finishes I have. It also ties in with the kitchen slate tile. It was the easiest way to create a seamless look.
Go ahead and do this. You might want to add a transition piece to address the height difference.
That’s a pretty cool idea!
Remember those in our house? Older folks kept tripping on them. I couldn’t stand them. We ended up ripping out all the flooring and making it level. Best choice we ever made.
Would it be possible to take out the narrow section of the tile and substitute it with a wooden plank?
You have the option to purchase a transition strip that should function perfectly.
Just a transition strip.
We had to put in a transition strip between these two rooms (the left side of the picture was already an addition) because of a 1/4” height variation. It’s all good for us
I think I’ll reinstall the wall!
I would definitely cover that up. Taking out tile and cement can be quite the chore.
Finish off your floor by taking out the final row of tile.
Take out some of the tiles. Then add new tiles to fill the space, cut the hardwood if necessary. You can also cut the new tiles to fit
Simply place the vinyl plank there. It won’t be very noticeable. Plus, it’s easier than removing the tile
Place the couch on top of it
Trim the tile straight through. Incorporate a transition piece that complements both surfaces.
To create a transition and add some decorative flair, remove the tile up to the first grout line and the flooring up to the first seam. Consider installing a solid flush threshold, such as oak or marble, to introduce another texture and perhaps a contrasting color.
Arrived here to deliver this message!
I agree with this solution.
Absolutely spot on 👌
That seems like a pretty big job. I’d recommend following the pattern of the current tile and installing the vinyl. You could use a grinder with a wet sponge
This is the very same suggestion I was going to offer
HERE
I’d remove the entire line of tile and replace it with new flooring.
Swap out the narrow tile border with a mosaic tile strip to seamlessly blend the tile and wood flooring.
I would personally remove the tile up to the grout line and install the vinyl along that strip. It’s a simpler solution than attempting to cut the tile pieces.
Trim the tile to the grout line to make it level, then install the vinyl and locate or create a transition piece to prevent tripping hazards
I recommend continuing the cut with a diamond saw blade and shop vac as straight as possible to avoid any mistakes. Any imperfections can be concealed with a ‘threshold’. If you make a major mistake, then you can always cut back to the grout line for an easy fix.
Cut the tile all the way across to match with another wood plank.
I missed the part about the tile being discontinued in my previous comment, so I took it out. Remove the other half of the tiles at the first grout line. It might be a bit tricky to cut the tip of the one that goes under the wall. Take out the filler strip and the first row of vinyl plank that was cut thin to fit against the wall. Now you have a couple of options. You can either add in something fun like the mosaic tile strip, as others have suggested. Then replace the vinyl plank with a full row and use an angled filler strip to even out the height difference between the tile and vinyl plank. It might look okay, but there could be a potential trip hazard. Alternatively, you can remove the tile at the first full row like before and then remove at least 1 foot to 18 inches of the vinyl plank. Put in a transition wedge from the tile into the kitchen. Where the wedge meets the corner of the left wall, make sure to
I wouldn’t cut into the first grout line because it extends past the wall, probably about 2-3 inches. I suggest cutting the existing tile to match the ones that are already cut. This way, the plank will line up with the end of the wall.
How about switching things up with a wooden piece that has a unique and pleasant look?
How about putting a plant there?
Icep
Thresholds are established for that.
Remove the initial row of tile and align the wood flooring next to it
There’s a place called “whole tiles” where I’ve had success finding old discontinued tiles. You could also remove a portion of the tile row and install a custom tile transition instead of matching it.
Remove that row of tile and replace it with vinyl
If there is a rip less than 2″ left, only go up to the next grout line. It’s best to use a full piece when possible.
Place a non-functional floor vent down and cover it with a black cloth for the holidays.
Trim the remaining tile, take it out, and replace it with planking. Seal the edges with matching caulk
Create artwork.
Consider getting a rug or a big dog.
How about switching out that entire strip of tile with something similar but different, all the way through, for a more intentional look?
Trim the tile at the base of the picture to align with the existing wall. Fill in the gap with extra plank flooring. Install a transition strip from tile to plank. If you remove the tile all the way to the grout line, it will create an awkward transition at the wall that you’ll want to avoid.
That’s correct
I used to know the answer to that question before I took down the wall.
Simply remove the final row of tiles along with the small piece of planking. Then install planking in place of the row of tiles, attempting to match it as closely as possible. Select the most suitable sizes and utilize T-molding to join the two surfaces.
Take out that row of tile
Lol, just move the couch over.
How about we build a wall in that spot?
The oak saddle molding has beveled edges on both sides, is 4” wide, and 1/4” thick, making it a great option for a nice finish.
I think it would look better if we replaced that first row of tile with plank flooring and added a transition strip.
How about taking out the bottom row of black tiles and extending the wood instead?
I’d choose a different material that complements both, it could be a great accent piece.