Doorways To Better Living
Screen Doors: Let the Outside In
Installing Your Threshold
If you've just installed a new doorway in your home, then you'll need to finish the job by installing a threshold. A threshold is usually a solid wood piece that is secured between the bottom of the frame and your floor. It not only reinforces the frame of the door, but it also provides a weatherproof seal for the bottom of an exterior door that helps to keep rain water as well as insects, out of your home.
What kind of wood should you use for a threshold? Choose a hardwood for durability as well as good looks. Hardwood resists rotting and decaying; both hazards if the door is an exterior one.
First of all, measure the width of the door opening at the bottom of the door. Cut the piece of wood you’ve selected for your threshold to this measurement. You'll need a piece of wood that fits securely into the space from end to end. The threshold will also need to be just low enough so the door can swing freely and not stick or jam.
Dry fit your selected hardwood piece in the doorway to make sure it fits well; trim off any excess wood. Then, use an electric drill with a small sized wood bit to drill four or five holes through the top of the wood threshold. Mark the locations of the holes with a pencil and a measuring tape first, so they will be spaced evenly.
Now remove the threshold and thoroughly vacuum the area at the bottom of the door. Remove all wood chips, sawdust and dirt, then use a weatherproof caulk to create a tight seal under the installed threshold location. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For your next step, place the wood threshold into place in between the sides of the door frame. Press it down so that it fits snugly against the floor. Before you permanently nail the threshold into place, close and open the door several times. Does the door open and close easily? There should be a slight drag when you move the door across the threshold, but it shouldn't prevent the door from moving. Is there a sizable gap between the door and the wood piece? If there is, you'll need to adjust the height of the threshold by using small wood shims.
Finally, secure the wood piece into place permanently by nailing it. Place long nails into the holes you drilled, and nail them down flush with the wood. Use a weatherproof caulking to seal the edges of the wood piece.
You can paint, stain, or varnish the new threshold according to the decor in the room. If the threshold is on an exterior door, then you should use a weatherproof coating as well as weatherproof caulking.