How to Install a Door Threshold

If your door threshold is old and deteriorated, it may be time to install a new one. Follow these steps and you'll be well on your way to having a new door threshold installed.

Things You'll Need

• Nails
• Hammer
• Circular Saw or Chisel
• Caulk
• Wood Stain
• Water Repellent Finish
• Wooden Threshold
• Measuring Tape
• Drill
• Vacuum or Broom

Instructions

1. Measure the length and height of your old threshold, as well as the width of your door opening and the distance from the bottom of your door to the floor.

2. Remove old threshold from doorway by prying it out of the doorway, using a circular saw or chisel if necessary. Be careful so you do not damage your interior floor or trim.

3. Measure and cut the new threshold to the width of the doorway so it will fit snugly in place. You can either use the old threshold as a template or the measurements you took in step one.

4. Make notches at the ends of the threshold to fit around any stops on the door frame.

5. Clean old dirt and material from doorway with a vacuum or broom.

6. Spread caulk on the bottom of the doorway to ensure an airtight seal between the floor and the threshold.

7. Tap the new threshold in place with a hammer, positioning the threshold so the edge facing the home exterior slopes away from the house.

8. Drill holes in the threshold slightly smaller than the nails that will be used to secure it and nail the threshold into place.

9. Fill the holes with wood dough and sand smooth when dry.

10. Apply stain and a water repellent to seal the threshold.