Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - transition

Before I started the remodeling of my house, the kitchen and family room (which are next to each other) were on the same level. I installed porcelain tiles (about 1/2" thick) in my kitchen and now my GC is installing 3/4" Bruce hardwood maple (T&G) in the adjoining family room on top of 3/4" plywood, creating a 1" difference between the levels of the floor.

Initially the GC that a transition piece would resolve the problem. WELL, HE'S WRONG. Bruce has a 3/4" reducer, but because the difference in levels is 1", it does not work. He has suggested both stair nosing or a threshold, but these do not work either because you would the equivalent of a "speed bump" from the kitchen side and subject me to liability everytime a guest breaks a bone (or more) from tripping on it!!

Does anyone have any suggestion to resolve this transition problem? Thanks in advance.

Yeah 1" is a pretty big jump. Most transition peices (as you found out) do not get that high. I would get a nice peice of wood (whatever wood your hardwood is) and cut it and rout it to the specifications you need. Then stain and poly it. If you do not have the meens to this yourself I am sure you know someone who does and has the tools to do it. This problem is a lot more common than you think. I have the same issue in my home between kitchen/living room. The previous owners knocked out some of a wall to make the entryway to the living room but was left with a huge gap in the floor transition. They took a peice of oak wide enough and high enough to fit, and not be too obtrusive, beveled the top 2 edges and installed it. It sits up high but you get used to it and it is noticeable enough where if people didn't notice it then they deserve to trip :). good luck to you.

I have to do about 25 feet of a 1" drop reducer. I'm simply buying matching stock and having it made to my specs. I'm also going with wider stock to help spread out the rise. A carpenter with a shop can easily do this for you.