What Is A Door Threshold? (Find Out Now!)
If you have different flooring throughout your house, then you likely have door thresholds in your home. You also, undoubtedly, have thresholds at your home’s entry points. But, what exactly are they, and why do you need them?
A door threshold is a strip of metal or wood located on the floor, running along the bottom of a doorway. Interior thresholds serve as a transition from one type of flooring to another, so you get a more aesthetically appealing look. Exterior thresholds provide an important seal against things like weather, drafts or hot air, and pests.
Whether you’re considering adding or replacing a door threshold, it’s essential to know what they’re supposed to do. Then, you can determine if a threshold isn’t doing its job, and you can replace it.
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What Does A Door Threshold Do?
Door thresholds serve several functions depending on whether they are exterior or interior thresholds. Exterior thresholds have many purposes, all of which are important to the efficiency and comfort of your home. Interior thresholds help create a more cohesive and appealing look throughout your house.
Exterior Door Thresholds Protect Against Weather
The main role of your exterior thresholds is to provide a seal below your exterior doors. This seal offers protection against multiple elements, including cold air, heat, and even rain and snow.
Exterior Door Thresholds Save You Money
Since the door thresholds under your exterior doors keep out unfavorable conditions, they can save you money. This savings is thanks to the fact that you won’t have to crank up your A/C in the summer.
The threshold keeps the extra heat from outside from coming in from below your doors. Likewise, you won’t have to dial up the heater in the winter since the threshold blocks the cold air.
Conversely, door thresholds also keep the interior air from leaking out. So if you have your heater or A/C on, you won’t lose the benefits through gaps below your doors. All of this means your A/C and heater can run more efficiently, saving you money in utility costs.
Exterior Door Thresholds Keep Out Creepy Critters
Basically, you should have no gap between the floor and an exterior door. Otherwise, things get inside your house, and not just unpleasant weather conditions. Without a threshold providing a barrier, you’ll end up with all sorts of creepy crawlies making themselves at home.
Interior Door Thresholds Provide A Smooth Transition
Interior door thresholds don’t serve as many purposes as exterior ones. Plus, if you have the same flooring throughout your home, you don’t need interior thresholds. It’s not unusual to have about a ¾ to ½”-gap below interior doors.
However, if your flooring changes from one room to the next, a transition between the two rooms is a good idea. Placing an interior door threshold in these situations makes things look a lot nicer. Also, it helps protect the edges of the flooring.
What If My Exterior Door Threshold Isn’t Working?
If your exterior door threshold doesn’t seem to be doing its job, it’s time to replace it. Exterior thresholds can experience a lot of wear and tear, so it’s not unusual for them to need replacing.
Tools You Need For The Job
- Screwdriver
- Caulk and Caulk Gun
- Utility Knife or Small Hacksaw
- Tape Measure
- Replacement Threshold
- Pencil
Step One: Remove The Old Threshold
The exterior threshold most likely has screws holding it into place. Remove the screws, and pry up the old threshold with a small pry bar. If it doesn’t come up, you may need a small hacksaw or a utility knife to score along the back and sides.
Step Two: Get The Correct Size Replacement Threshold
Measure your door opening or your old threshold. Alternatively, you can take your old threshold to the home improvement store to select your replacement.
You want to get the correct and same size threshold so you can install it easily.
Step Three: Install The New Exterior Door Threshold
Position the new threshold and draw a line along its back (the side facing the inside of your house).
Then run a bead of caulk along this line and under the sides of the door frame. Then, carefully put your new door threshold in place. Close the door and make sure everything is flush and correct.
It’s a good idea to do the job during the day so that you can check for sunlight coming through. This test is a great way to ensure you have a complete seal beneath your door. Finally, install the screws into the new threshold to secure it in place.
What Are The Different Types Of Thresholds?
Door thresholds come in various materials and styles.
Types of Interior Door Thresholds
Inside your home, you can select from marble, tile, wood, or metal thresholds. Your choice will typically depend on the look you’re going for and the types of flooring.
If two different floor styles create an uneven level between two spaces, you can use a wooden transition strip. Marble thresholds are common for bathrooms. If you’re unsure of what type of threshold to use, consult with a flooring professional.
Types of Exterior Door Thresholds
The most common exterior threshold is a saddle-type, which gets its name from its shape. It sits below the door, closing the gap within ⅛”. When you combine it with a door sweep that you attach to the bottom of the door, it provides excellent protection.
Some saddle thresholds feature a strip of vinyl along the top to provide an extra seal. You can also get exterior thresholds in aluminum. Interlocking thresholds feature a groove that interlocks with a hook installed on the bottom of the door.
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Related Questions
How much does it cost to install a new door threshold?
An interior threshold costs about $7 to $15, depending on the material. Exterior thresholds cost about $15 to $30, again, depending on the material and size. If you pay a professional to install the threshold for you, expect to pay between $50 and $100 for labor. Interior thresholds usually come included in your flooring job estimate if you’re already paying for installation.
Is an exterior door threshold the same as weatherstripping?
No, weatherstripping installs around the sides and top of your door while the threshold is below the door. It’s instrumental in protecting against things like drafts, hot air, and leaks around your exterior door. Together, the threshold and weatherstripping provide a complete seal around your door to protect against the elements and pests.
Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
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