Flooring Tile - Ceramic tile meets Laminate Flooring

I am remodeling a den/sitting area and installing 12"x12", 1/4" thick cermaic tiles around a patio door enterance and in front of the fireplace. The rest of the area will have a laminate flooring.

I have installed a few ceramic tile floors before but never with laminate flooring next to them.

My questions relates to the joint where the ceramic time meets the laminate flooring. I am allowing for room expanision along the rooms outside walls but what is typically done to cover the lines where the ceramic tile and the laminate flooring materials meet?

Should the tiles and flooring meet tightly or should there be a gap between them?

Is there a "overlay" that is typically used at such joints?

Dave

Yes leave an expansion!

I would go buy some prefinished, wood "T" moldings to match the laminate first. Then you will know exactly how much expansion to leave, and you can mark it on the floor.

You don't want to cut either the laminate or the c-tile after it is installed!

I agree with the "T" moulding--I have needed to do this on a number of occasions. You will also find that many "T" mouldings come in various configurations that will accomodate differences in floor height that occur when you add tile, vinyl, or other surfaces to a floor that will butt-up to an existing floor. I have found some at hardwood floor suppliers that come unfinished and allow you to match existing stains, finishes, etc.

LewMac

Thanks for the ideas gentlemen....

I stopped in the area building supplier yesterday and looked up their specialty moldings. Low and behold, there they were all made up for matching different flooring to carpets, ceramic, etc.

They had both raw wood and some "printed" type stuff (I didn't like). Looks like I can get what I need in raw wood and match it to the flooring.

Now it's, upward and onward with the project.

Thanks again and have a Happy Holiday season

DaveA :)