Overlap Reducer for Laminate – Product and Installation – Superseded Profile

This article is for a reducer profile that has been superseded by an updated part. This article applies to reducer with model numbers that do NOT end with an “R” suffix. To see the article for the updated reducer with model numbers that DO end in “R”, follow this link.

Reducers are used to transition from laminate flooring to floors of different height with a minimum height difference of 1/4 inch.

Product Features

  • Used to fill the gap between two floors of unequal height
  • Surface material: High wear resistant aluminum oxide laminate
  • Core material: Moisture resistant MDF

Materials and Tools:

  • Track metal track (for 7-12 mm floors) (not included)*
  • 1/8″ MDF or wood shim (for 12-16 mm floors) (not included)**
  • #6 x 5/8″ wood screws (when using track on wood subfloors)
  • #6 x 1″ wood screws + 0.375″ x 1.25″ wood dowel pins OR screws + plastic all-purpose anchors (when using track on concrete subfloor)
  • Pencil
  • Tape measure
  • Saw
  • Screwdriver
  • Drill with masonry drill bit (when using track on concrete subfloor)
  • Urethane construction adhesive
  • Damp cloth

Installation Procedures

FOR 6-9 MM FLOORS: (METHOD WITH GLUE, WITHOUT TRACK)

Step 1: Install the flooring planks, including the underlayment by leaving a 1″ (25 mm) wide gap between the vinyl and the laminate floor for the installation of the reducer molding.

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Step 2: Run a bead of urethane construction adhesive between the two planks

Step 3: Gently press the molding into the adhesive and adjust to make sure it is straight.

FOR 7-12 MM FLOORS: (METHOD WITH TRACK, WITHOUT GLUE)

Step 1: Install the flooring planks, including the underlayment by leaving a 1″ (25 mm) wide gap between the vinyl and the laminate floor for the installation of the reducer molding.

Step 2: Center the track between the vinyl and laminate floor and screw it to the subfloor with #6 x 5/8″ wood screws.

Step 3: Gently press the molding into the track, starting from one end and progressing toward the other. DO NOT TRY TO PUSH THE ENTIRE MOLDING IN ALL AT ONCE.

FOR 12-16 MM FLOORS: (METHOD WITH TRACK, WITHOUT GLUE)

Step 1: Install the flooring planks, including the underlayment by leaving a 1″ (25 mm) wide gap between the vinyl and the laminate floor for the installation of the reducer molding.

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Step 2: Center the track between the vinyl and laminate floor and screw it to the subfloor with #6 x 5/8″ wood screws.

Step 3: Gently press the molding into the track, starting from one end and progressing toward the other. DO NOT TRY TO PUSH THE ENTIRE MOLDING IN ALL AT ONCE.

FOR 7-12 MM FLOORS: (METHOD WITH TRACK, ON CONCRETE)

Step 1: Install the flooring planks, including the underlayment by leaving a 1″ (25 mm) wide gap between the vinyl and the laminate floor for the installation of the reducer molding.

Step 2: Cut track to length. When placing in a doorway, cut the track so it stops 1/2″ short of the doorjamb on each side. Lay the track in the position to be installed, and mark the holes with a pencil on the concrete floor. Make sure the track does not shift when marking each hole.

Step 3: Lay the track aside and drill into the concrete by means of a 1/4″ masonry drill bit. Make sure the drill does not “dance” off the mark when starting to drill, as it will otherwise bend the track when affixing to the floor. Drill only as deep as your selection of dowel/screw combo requires. Never drill deeper than 1-1/2″ into the concrete.

Step 4: Use your preferred method of screw+dowel combo.

  • A: Screw + 0.375″ x 1.25″ Wooden Dowel Pin: With #6 x 1″ screws, this option will give you a bit more flexibility in case the holes are not 100% in line with the track holes. Make sure you drive the wooden dowel flush with the concrete. If it sits a bit high, scrape it flush with a chisel.
  • B: Screw + Plastic All-Purpose Anchor: Start all screws in each hole before you tighten each one all the way down. This will ensure that all holes line up properly with the track.

Step 5: Gently press the molding into the track, starting from one end and progressing toward the other. DO NOT TRY TO PUSH THE ENTIRE MOLDING IN ALL AT ONCE.

Product Dimensions

Length: 94″ (238.76 cm)

Track Dimensions*

*Track not included. Order model number LAM-TRACK.

Length: 94″ (238.76 cm)

Shim Dimensions**

**Shims not included. Order model number LAM-SHIM.

Length: 94″ (238.76 cm)

Updated on October 26, 2022