Usually, where different types of
flooring meet under a doorway is called a threshold. This
can mean wood or tile against carpet or a different type of surface.
A threshold not only provides a finished look to those edges, it
offers safe footing. Most thresholds are made of wood, but you can
also find them offered in metal to stone. For the sake of simplicity,
this article will detail how to remove and install a wood threshold.
Some thresholds need to be replaced
for a variety of reasons, from age to damage to warping. In
other cases, a new threshold needs to be placed where there wasn't
one before. Either way, replacing a threshold is not terribly complicated,
but it does take a little know how in order to achieve the look
you want.
Some thresholds are flat, while others
have a rising, level and sloping surface. If you want to install
one of these thresholds, you may need to trim your doorway or doorstop
to allow the new shape of your threshold. This will take you a little
more time, but the look you achieve is more than worth the
trouble it takes to trim.
Before you start, you'll most likely
need a pry bar, a hammer, measuring tape, a drill and either screws
or nails to anchor your new threshold. First:
If the threshold is not inserted beneath
the doorframe or doorstop, you can easily loosen and lift it out
using a pry bar. If it is attached beneath the doorframe, you'll
need to remove the nails and then bang the threshold from beneath
the doorframe with your hammer. Or, you may need to cut the threshold
in half and then hammer it out of position.
Clean away old dust, sawdust or other
debris and then measure the door opening. Trim the new threshold
to fit.
Drill pilot holes into the threshold
prior to nailing threshold into place or you may find yourself wasting
nails. Thresholds are typically made of hard wood that can be difficult
to drive a nail through without bending. Take the time to pre-drill.
Set the threshold in place, make sure
it's lined up properly and then nail into place, using nails or
screws at least 1-2 inches longer than the thickness of the threshold.
In most cases it won't take more than
an hour to remove and install a wood threshold. After installation,
sand the threshold with a fine grit sandpaper and then paint or
stain and varnish to create a finished, professional appearance.
