Don’t wait for someone to trip over your rotting entry to revamp your front door.
Learn how to install a door threshold and sill in just a few hours.
Door threshold replacement should be done if it’s damaged for safety and aesthetics.
Credit:Michael Partenio
Thresholds come in wood and metal, with a rubber gasket toseal out the cold.
Most exterior door thresholds also have a sill beneath them.
If the threshold is rotted, the sill probably is, too.
The sill is beveled on one side to drain water away from the house.
An interior door threshold rests on the floor with no sill under it.
Installing a new threshold and sill will take between two and three hours.
Then tap the threshold out using a hammer and a block of wood.
Mark the New Threshold
Use the old threshold as a template tomark for cuttingthe door threshold replacement.
Attach and Secure Threshold
Test the fit of the door threshold replacement.
Fill the nail holes with exterior wood putty.
Cut the sillwith a hacksaw.
Use a hammer and chisel to cut through the stops.
However,measure to be surethe overall length is correct.
Fit and Install
Tap in the new sill to be sure it fits.
Apply flooring adhesive and implement the new sill with 12d casing nails.
Cut it with a hacksaw.
Install a cover alone, or purchase a cover and sill combination.
Add more light and outdoor access with our guides onhow to install French doorsorsliding patio doors.
If you need toreplace a door, our how-to has step-by-step instructions.
Get help from ourguide to doorsfor deciding what style of door would work in your room or entryway.
We also show youwhich materials are best for interior or exterior doorsfor maximum durability and curb appeal.
