Flooring Tile - where tile meets hardwood...

what do you do here? I know with carpet you nail down one of those metal strips. What do you do where ceramic tile meets hardwood floors?

Thanks!!

Since the hardwood floor expands and contracts and the tile does not (at least not much), the official answer is that you should use something that can handle the expansion. This is especially true if the hardwood is running parallel to the joint between the two materials, since almost all of hardwood expansion is across the width, not the length of a board.

Having said that, when I was faced with the same problem, I looked at what had been done in other homes. Emboldened by what I saw, I just grouted the gap. Theoretically, that's the wrong answer, but it's been four years now, and it's still perfect.

If you live in a climate where the humidity swings are large between seasons, you may not be as lucky. But if you take the risk, be sure there is a good expansion gap on the other side of the hardwood so at least it can expand in that direction.

Be aware that grout can stain unfinished hardwood, so make sure the hardwood is finished (including the edge) before you grout the gap.

Install a wood T-molding. Leave a gap between the bottom of the T and the wood floor for expansion.