How to Build a Door Threshold

Building a threshold defines two rooms or helps hide two different thicknesses of materials used for the flooring.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• wood
• saw table
• hammer
• finish nails

1. If your doorway has a threshold already we can use that one as a template for the new threshold. If not we will measure and cut to fit. Since this will be a replacement, we are going to cut to fit in between the trim molding and not underneath it. If it was to go under, most likely you will have to removed trim set threshold and replace trim.

2. Normal threshold height is 3/4", it can vary depending on situation. The threshold should always finish above the floor surfaces you are butting up to. Lets measure depth, width and length. Find a piece of hardwood and cut to the size. Usually cutting with and length is possible for most people, so you will have to find a wood with a thickness greater than your depth. Anything over 1/4" of your total depth would be too thick for this application. You can always shim material up if you cant find anything thick enough.

3. Now that we have the piece cut we can test fit it. If its tight don't jam it in, we have to remove it again to finish it. Add shims needed to bring the height up, cover the whole area with shim material as you don't want this to move or even squeak when stepped on. Mark on threshold the height difference from floor to top of threshold on both sides. This will be used to cut bevels into the threshold.

4. Remove threshold and place on table saw, we are going to cut the bevels. Adjust table saw to 45 degrees and adjust fence to make a cut on the top edge of your threshold. Cut the bevel as big as you need for the indications you have marked on your threshold. If you need a 1/4", cut a 1/4" bevel and same for both sides.

5. Sand and finish threshold.

6. Now we are going to install. Place your shims in with construction adhesive and place threshold. Nail with finish nails, set nails and cover up holes with putty. You can also predrill holes if you think the wood might split. The diameter of the drill should be slightly smaller then the shaft of the nail being used.

7. Finish with another coat of polyurethane and let dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Wood used should be a nice piece of hardwood that will match your interior.

• The gaining of the wood should be lengthwise when cutting.

Resources

• Craigshelper