How to Repair a Door Threshold

Repairing or replacing a wooden door threshold can have both aesthetic and practical benefits. If a threshold is allowing water to leak into the house, you will definitely need to repair it. Even if your threshold is doing its job, you may wish to replace it with a more attractive one. In most cases, it is best to simply replace the entire thing and seal it up properly. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Pre-cut threshold or length of raw threshold
• Saw
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Construction adhesive
• Shims
• Drill
• 3 inch galvanized finishing nails
• Water repelling finish or sealant

Instructions

Remove the Old Threshold

1. Set aside plenty of time for this project. Like most home improvement projects, it seems like it won't take long but can build up into something more complex. You need ample time to repair your threshold properly.

2. Remove the old threshold. If the threshold is underneath the frame of the door, you will need to cut through it on either side of the doorway, as close to the door frame as possible. Be careful not to cut into the floor below.

3. Lift out the threshold if you can. There may still be some nails holding it down. If this is the case, pry it up gently. Again, use care not to damage the floor underneath the threshold.

4. Take out the end pieces of threshold that are under the door frame. Nails may be holding in these pieces and you don't want to split the door frame. Use a hammer and a small chisel or flat head screwdriver to break the threshold ends into small pieces that you can remove easily.

5. Look for rot in the floor. If you see any, you will need to repair that problem before continuing with Section 2.

Install the New Threshold

1. Install the new threshold. You can purchase pre-cut thresholds, or make one yourself from a plain piece of raw threshold. Either way, you will probably have to make some changes to get it to fit your doorway.

2. Insert shims under the threshold to support it and make sure that it slopes downward to direct water away from the door. You may be able to use one long piece or several shims in different thicknesses to ensure your threshold is level. Once you have test fitted everything, remove the threshold and use adhesive to keep the shims where you want them.

3. Replace the threshold, and insert some more shims on the outside of the threshold against the doorjambs if necessary. Use a little adhesive here also.

4. Drill holes in the threshold for a few nails. Hammer the nails down, securing the threshold. Coat the threshold with water repelling finish or other sealant and allow to dry allowing foot traffic to return to the area.