How to Secure Floor Thresholds
Thresholds are used to cover over the floor transitions at the base of doorways. They are made from wood and come in a variety of styles. Select a threshold that will complement your doorway and flooring style. For example, if you have oak flooring, you would want to select an oak threshold for the doorway. Thresholds are secured to the floor using finish nails. The nails are set below the surface of the threshold and filled with putty so that the installation is seamless. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pre-finished hardwood threshold, 48 inches long
- Radial arm saw
- Fine-grit sanding block
- Tack cloth
- Touch-up wood finish
- Paintbrush
- Hammer
- Finish nails
- Nail set
- Wood putty
- Putty knife
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the floor across the door opening from one side of the door frame to the other using a tape measure. This is the length required for the threshold.
-
2
Lay the threshold flat on the table of a radial arm saw. Measure the length from Step 1 on the threshold using a tape measure and mark it with a pencil.
-
-
3
Slide the threshold along the table of the saw until the pencil mark lines up with the outside edge of the saw. Pull the trigger on the saw and guide it down through the threshold. Lift the saw back up to the star position and release the trigger to complete the cut.
-
4
Sand the cut end of the threshold with a fine-grit sanding block until it is smooth. Wipe off the threshold with a tack cloth. Touch up the cut edge of the threshold with a matching wood finish using a paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry at least four hours.
-
5
Lay the threshold flat on the floor in the center of the doorway. Hammer finish nails through the center of the threshold every 4 to 6 inches.
-
6
Center a nail set over each finish nail and tap the top of it with a hammer to sink the nails approximately 1/16-inch below the surface of the threshold.
-
7
Fill each nail hole with wood putty using a putty knife. Leave the putty slightly raised over the surface of the threshold to allow for some shrinkage as it dries. Allow the putty to dry 24 hours.
-
8
Sand the wood putty flush with the surface of the threshold using a fine-grit sanding block. Touch up the filled holes with a matching wood finish using a paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry 24 hours before walking on the threshold.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make your own threshold out of hardwood lumber and mill the edges on a router table for a custom look.
Wear eye protection when installing thresholds to prevent eye injury.
