🚪 Doorway Details, Sorted: Your Guide to Thresholds, Door Bars & Transition Strips

Ever stood in a doorway wondering what that metal strip is called—or which one you need for your new floors? You’re not alone. Doorways are where different flooring types meet, and the right trim makes that join safe, neat, and long-lasting.

At Branew Flooring, we fit trims every day across carpet, laminate, LVT, vinyl, and tile. This guide breaks down the options in plain English, so you’ll know exactly which profile suits your space—and why it matters.

🧠 What Are Those Metal Strips Called?

In the UK flooring industry, you’ll hear a few names for the same family of products:

• Door bars – a general term for metal profiles used in doorways

• Threshold strips – sit directly under the door leaf to bridge two floors

• Transition strips – broader term covering T moulds, ramps, and reducers

• Carpet trims – designed to grip and protect carpet edges

  
  

If two floors meet in a doorway, you almost always need a threshold. It keeps edges tidy, reduces trip risk, and helps your flooring last longer. For floating floors like laminate or click LVT, thresholds also allow for expansion breaks—essential for preventing buckling.

🛠️ Tip: If you’re joining two rigid floors (like tile to LVT), explore hardfloor-to-hardfloor trims for a premium finish.

🔎 Common Door Bars Explained

Here’s a quick breakdown of the five main doorway trims we fit—and when to use them:

1. Carpet to Carpet Door Bars

• Use when: Both rooms are carpeted

• What they do: Clamp and protect both carpet edges

• Widths: 20–50 mm cover plates

• Pros: Clean, secure, adjustable to pile height

• Also consider: Decorative carpet threshold strips for wider or more visible joins

A photo of a brushed chrome dual door bar (carpet to carpet)

2. Carpet to Hard Floor Trims

• Use when: Carpet meets laminate, LVT, tile, or engineered wood

• What they do: Hold the carpet edge while resting on the rigid floor

• Choose: Z-profile or ramped trim to reduce step height

• Pros: Prevents fraying, reduces trip risk

• Also consider: Different colour threshold strips to match your decor

Brushed black Z Edge (LVT to carpet)

3. T Moulds (Hard Floor to Hard Floor, Same Height)

• Use when: Laminate to laminate, LVT to LVT, tile to tile

• What they do: Sit centrally over the gap, shaped like a T

• Pros: Allows expansion, gives a neat finish

• Watch out: Needs a straight expansion gap beneath the stem

T bar threshold (laminate to laminate)

4. Reducers & Ramps (Different Heights)

• Use when: Tile to LVT, tile to laminate, or any 3–15 mm step

• What they do: Create a gentle slope from high to low

• Pros: Smooth, safe transition, hides exposed edges

• Choose: A reducer sized to your exact height difference

A stick down ramp edge (Tile to LVT)

5. Tile Edge & Tile-to-Tile Trims

• Use when: Two tiled areas meet or a tile edge is exposed

• What they do: Protect tile edges, bridge gaps

• Pros: Guards glaze, gives a crisp line—ideal for bathrooms and kitchens

Aluminium tile edge trim (tile to hardwood)

📐 Where Should the Trim Sit?

Best practice is to centre the trim under the closed door—so it’s not fully visible from either room. This keeps lines clean and helps with draught control.

• Expansion gaps: Floating floors need 5–10 mm under the bar—check your manufacturer’s spec

• Door clearance: UK internal doors usually have 10 mm above the finished floor—always measure

• Accessibility: Keep lips low and slopes gentle. For mobility needs, choose wider ramps with longer slopes

📏 Do Trims Come in Different Widths?

Yes. Common cover faces range from 20 mm to 50 mm. Narrow trims are discreet; wider ones hide larger gaps or imperfect cuts. For busy doorways, a slightly wider face can feel sturdier underfoot.

🔩 Self-Adhesive vs Screw-Down Fixings

Benefits of Using Threshold Strips

Both work well—here’s how to choose:

Self-Adhesive

• Pros: Fast, no visible screws, ideal for rentals or quick refresh

• Cons: Needs a clean surface; not ideal for uneven subfloors

• Best for: Flat tile, sealed wood, light to medium footfall

Screw-Down or Clip-In

• Pros: Most secure; works on uneven subfloors

• Cons: Visible fixings unless capped; takes longer to fit

• Best for: Busy hallways, thicker carpets, larger level changes

🧮 Quick Picker: Match by Floor Combo & Height

Floor Combo	Recommended Trim Type
Carpet to carpet, same height	Carpet door bar or carpet-to-carpet trim
Carpet to LVT/laminate, small step	Carpet to hard floor trim with ramp
Carpet to tile, bigger step	Z edge trim or ramp edge with an adjustable ramp
Laminate to laminate, equal height	T mould
Tile to laminate, higher tile	Reducer sized to mm difference
Tile to tile, equal height	Tile-to-tile trim or flat threshold
Big gaps or imperfect cuts	Wide cover plate

🇬🇧 UK Fitting Tips from the Branew Team

• Under-door placement: Centre under closed door for a neat reveal

• Expansion room: Leave manufacturer’s gap under T moulds and thresholds

• Door swing: Check door clears the bar—10 mm is typical

• Fixing into concrete: Use plugs; avoid heated pipes or electric UFH

• Height planning: 3–8 mm = reducer; more = ramped threshold

• Wet rooms: Seal edges sparingly to deter water ingress without bonding floating floors

🧽Maintaining Threshold Strips

Keeping your threshold strips in top condition requires regular upkeep. Here are some helpful tips:

• Clean Regularly: To prevent dust and debris build-up, clean threshold strips regularly using a damp cloth or vacuum. This will keep them looking fresh and new.

• Inspect for Damage: Periodically check for signs of wear or damage. Addressing small issues promptly can prevent further deterioration, helping your strips last longer.

• Reapply Adhesive if Necessary: If a threshold strip starts to lift, consider reapplying adhesive following the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

🎨 Finishes That Match Your Style

From Antique Brass to Satin Chrome, finishes can elevate your doorway. Match trims to your handles, hinges, or flooring tone for a cohesive look.

Final Thoughts

Threshold strips may seem like minor details, but they significantly impact both the functionality and look of your home. By knowing the various types, benefits, and installation methods, you can make informed choices that enhance your flooring transitions. Whether renovating or simply upgrading your space, threshold strips are valuable elements not to be ignored.

Metal transition strip providing a sleek finish between tile and hardwood flooring

Need help choosing the right profile for your project? Pop into our Stockport showroom or give us a call on 0161 393 5747—our team is happy to help match trims to your exact flooring and layout.