CFI Transition & Trim Installation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When installing a T-molding between two hard-surface floors at the same height, what minimum expansion gap should be maintained on each side of the track?
- 1/8 inch
- 3/8 inch
- 1/4 inch (Correct answer)
- 1/2 inch
Correct answer: 1/4 inch
A 1/4-inch expansion gap on each side of the T-molding track allows the flooring to expand and contract without buckling.
Question 2: Which transition molding is specifically designed to connect a hardwood floor to a lower-pile carpet?
- T-molding
- Reducer (Correct answer)
- End cap
- Threshold
Correct answer: Reducer
A reducer transitions between two floors of different heights, such as hardwood stepping down to carpet.
Question 3: A stair nosing is required to overhang the stair tread edge by what typical measurement to meet safety standards?
- 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches (Correct answer)
- 1/4 to 1/2 inch
- 1-1/2 to 2 inches
- 2 to 2-1/2 inches
Correct answer: 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches
Stair nosings must overhang the riser by 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches to provide adequate toe clearance and meet IBC/IRC safety requirements.
Question 4: When a floating floor transitions to a sliding glass door track, which trim piece is most appropriate?
- T-molding
- Reducer
- End cap
- Threshold (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Threshold
A threshold is used at exterior door openings and sliding door tracks to bridge the gap between the flooring and the door assembly.
Question 5: Which adhesive application method is recommended when gluing a metal transition track directly to a concrete subfloor?
- Spread adhesive across the entire track base
- Apply adhesive in a continuous bead along the center of the track channel (Correct answer)
- Use contact cement on the track only
- No adhesive needed; concrete screws are always used instead
Correct answer: Apply adhesive in a continuous bead along the center of the track channel
Applying adhesive in a continuous bead along the center channel of the track ensures a secure bond while allowing slight adjustment before the adhesive sets.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a carpet-to-tile transition strip (also called a carpet bar or seam binder)?
- To raise the carpet edge to tile height
- To hold the carpet tack strip in place
- To cover and protect the raw carpet edge while providing a smooth height transition (Correct answer)
- To seal the grout line adjacent to the carpet
Correct answer: To cover and protect the raw carpet edge while providing a smooth height transition
A carpet bar secures and conceals the exposed carpet edge while creating a smooth, finished transition to the adjacent tile surface.
Question 7: When installing a snap-in T-molding over a laminate floor, at what stage of the installation should the track be secured?
- After all flooring planks are fully installed
- Before laying any flooring planks (Correct answer)
- Midway through the flooring installation
- After the baseboard is installed
Correct answer: Before laying any flooring planks
The T-molding track must be fastened to the subfloor before the surrounding planks are laid so that the correct expansion gaps can be maintained on both sides.
CFI Transition & Trim Installation 2
When installing a T-molding between two hard-surface floors at the same height, what minimum expansion gap should be maintained on each side of the track?