How should I go about finishing this gap between flooring and bottom of banister?

Submitted by mac250 t3_zz3k99 in DIY

Imgur Album: https://imgur.com/a/nAIeiNl

I’ll start by saying that I’ve been kicking myself for how I did this for the last few weeks while trying to come up with solutions. Basically, my helper insisted we keep going and that he “had a solution” for when it’s all done. His solution was to fill the gap with caulk… I’m not interested in that “solution”.

If I had more time to think about it, I would’ve rotary sawed a notch in the banister bottom moulding (I don’t this this is the right wording) and forced the new laminate into the notch. Oh well. The flooring is done now and I’m in damage control now.

I’m looking for ideas and recommendations on how to finish this gap. The banister moulding is approximately 1/4” higher than the laminate. Potentially even 3/8". I'm not convinced quarter round is the right solution. I'm not a fan of just caulking it. Looking for any and all ideas at this point.

Here is the link to the laminate: https://www.flooranddecor.com/laminate-flooring/cocoa-waterproof-laminate-100961044.html?impressionlist=aquaguard-performance

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loganab13 t1_j2a0ebj wrote

Quarter round. The install instructions indicate a 1/2” expansion gap is required anyway.

Edit: really any trim profile would work, you don’t have to be limited to quarter round.

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BoredomPastime t1_j2bu93s wrote

It looks like there is already quarter round installed. If I'm seeing it right, I don't think that is going to be an option. Most want a 1/4 inch, not 1/2 inch, but I'm sure that varies by material.

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loganab13 t1_j2bue6c wrote

The install instructions in the link he posted call for 1/2”. Take the old quarter round up then and install something larger.

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BoredomPastime t1_j2bw4g3 wrote

I didn't see that. Wow, that's a huge gap. A quarter round or shoe molding would do the trick, but it's going to have a large vertical profile that may look odd. If the end closest to the camera leads to an inside corner, they could buy matching trim for transitioning different floor types. As long as you had some scrap wood to put underneath, should be solid and not look so out of place.

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PLEASEHIREZ t1_j2bg0jo wrote

If you're not ripping up board, you don't have that many options....

I might cut the base of the railing out, and install a new super facial bottom plate with a notch for the vinyl to sit under. Then wood fillers sand, and paint the bottom plate.

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BoredomPastime t1_j2buxr6 wrote

I think ripping up boards may be the best option. Sucks, but better than having a poorly finished product for years.

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