How To Install Exterior Door Wood Threshold
Open door and apply expanding polyurethane sealant under the threshold.
How to install exterior door wood threshold. If you choose to install a front door made of steel you will need a helper. Sand the threshold with 120 grit paper and spray it with borate. Installing an exterior door that is insulated and made of steel can be heavy and cumbersome due to the weight of the materials. Trim the horns flush with the edges of the casing.
An exterior threshold takes a lot of abuse from foot traffic and weather and it can only withstand so much. Slip the notched threshold into position under the door stops then nudge it into place by tapping a hammer on a wood block against the threshold s edge. Close the door then tap shims between door bottom and top of threshold. If the threshold of an exterior door includes a wooden sill that has rotted it ll need to be replaced.
Most exterior thresholds also have a sill beneath them. Measure both the door and rough opening to make sure the door is the right size. The wooden part under the threshold is called the sill and it usually extends under the door jambs so it has to be cut out. Leave shims in place until the sealant cures.
Measure between the outside edges of the door casing. Carefully measure the doorway for the new threshold. The first step is to remove the rubber gasket the screws then the aluminum threshold. Close door and check for even gap along threshold.
Door thresholds come in a variety of materials such as wood marble and metal and make the transition from doorway to floor smooth and easy. Next create a rough opening around your frame that s at least 1 inch wider and taller than the outside of the door system you re installing then insert the new door into the opening and place shims on the hinge side of the door making sure there s a gap of 1 8th inch between the edge of the door and the jamb. The new threshold should have a similar profile to your old threshold and be 1 to 2 inches longer than the length of the doorway so that you can cut it for an exact fit. If your threshold is in rough shape replace it.
Install the threshold photo by reena bammi.