Installing a threshold

The threshold on wood flooring is the thin piece of wood which sits between each room or area, helping separate them easily and covering the gap which is often left between the door frame and the planks. They are also useful for covering the gap which is left when installing wood flooring next to another material such as carpet, leaving no sharp edges and a professional finish.

Installing Thresholds For Wood Flooring

Every room you walk in that has wood flooring installed is likely to have oak door thresholds installed at each doorway. They are easily unnoticed, but without them your wood flooring will have unsightly gaps each time a new area of flooring meets, which can also be very uncomfortable to walk on. Here is our guide for installing thresholds for wood flooring: 

1. Remove any damaged or existing thresholds from the hardwood floor using a small pry bar or flat-head screwdriver. Take care to lift the threshold gently to avoid scratching the wood. Once removed, vacuum the area thoroughly to clear away any dirt or dust.
2. Measure the width of the doorway and mark this measurement on your new threshold. If you are joining different flooring types—such as wood to vinyl or carpet—choose a threshold with a recessed section underneath. 
3. Secure the threshold with clamps and cut it to size using a circular saw. Smooth the cut edges with 60-grit sandpaper.
4. Position the threshold in the doorway, ensuring any fixing holes sit over the wood flooring. If installing over carpet on one side, tuck the carpet neatly beneath the threshold to prevent movement. 
5. Check the fit by opening and closing the door, making any necessary adjustments by filing down the edges until it fits correctly. 
6. Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the fixing screws into the threshold. Reposition it and secure it by hammering finishing nails through the holes into the subfloor. 

If the subfloor is concrete, you may need to fix the threshold using adhesive instead. Apply a strong adhesive along the edge of the flooring, place the threshold over the gap, and press it firmly into position. Add weight on top while the adhesive cures, typically for two to four hours.