Some installation work does not require the worker to have qualifications or extensive experience; one of such processes is the installation of thresholds. Despite the fact that the work is very easy, it must be carried out according to certain rules. These days, door frames sold in stores are not equipped with thresholds, so you will have to install them yourself or seek the help of a specialist, but you will have to pay for the services. In this article we will tell you how to decorate the front door threshold with your own hands.
These interior elements are installed to mask the unaesthetic transition of one floor surface to another. For example, such a transition is clearly visible at the entrance to the bathroom, when laminate or parquet turns into tiles. In addition, this element is able to complete the interior of the home, as well as smooth out the level of surfaces in different rooms.
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Types of door thresholds
There are two types of thresholds:
- for the front door;
- interior
These elements perform different functions and therefore differ from each other in appearance. For example, the threshold of the front door helps to retain heat in the home. As for interior thresholds, there can be no question of any functional load. These elements are created solely to enhance the visual effect and disguise the joint between different floor coverings. Products can be plastic, wood and metal.
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Materials
The market offers wooden, metal, laminated and plastic products, the variety of which will undoubtedly allow you to achieve an ideal combination with the chosen floor finishing option.
Wooden
Solid wood accessories look most natural on a natural wood floor. They can be matched to the coating material and form a single whole with it. The width of the products, regardless of the material from which they are made, is most often 20-60 mm. The length, according to manufacturers, starts with the standard width of a doorway with one leaf. Market research has shown that the size range of lengths of floor accessories for Polish manufacturers starts from 0.8 m, and for German ones - from 0.9 m. You can find products with a length of 0.93 everywhere; 1; 1.35; 1.8; 2; 2.1; 2.4; 2.7 m. Plastic products reach 3 and even 6 m.
What are the types of thresholds for interior doors?
The first and very common type is wooden thresholds . This material is excellent for the manufacture of such products, since wood is not very expensive, and if handled correctly it can last quite a long time. You can purchase a finished product at any hardware store, but you can also make it yourself using a wooden beam. For these purposes, hard wood types should be used; oak is the ideal option. Wooden thresholds can easily fit into the interior of any room and are suitable for any floor covering. The only inconvenience is the need to constantly update the protective coating. Otherwise, the product will quickly lose its appearance.
Metal thresholds . The main advantage of these products is their very wide range. The modern market offers a choice of thresholds made of various metals, for example, aluminum, brass and stainless steel. Metal thresholds are very often installed at entrance doors, but you can install them in the interior space. Interior metal thresholds are a fragment of a profile. Such products are installed using fasteners or special clamps. Installation of aluminum thresholds will not take much time and effort.
Recently, polycarbonate doors have become very popular, which you can easily install yourself. By following the link https://vse-postroim-sami.ru/building/doors/447_kak-ustanovit-dovodchik-na-dver/ you will find useful information about installing a door closer. You can find useful tips on choosing a door lock in this article.
Plastic thresholds . The cheapest option. Low cost is the only advantage. Such products do not look very attractive and wear out very quickly. Therefore, they are most often used in office premises or shops. Installing plastic thresholds is a very simple operation, so you can safely do it yourself.
Plastic threshold
Concrete or stone threshold . These interior elements are very expensive and difficult to install, especially if the old doors remain in place and only the threshold is changed. These interior elements are most often placed on the entrance or balcony door. To create a truly strong and reliable threshold, you should use a cement composition with special additives. Such an element can last up to fifty years.
Cork thresholds . The main advantage of such products is the ability to remain in conditions of high humidity for a long time. Similar elements are used in swimming pools, baths, bathrooms, etc. Also, these products can withstand temperature changes very well.
Laminate thresholds . Such products can only be used with laminate. The main advantage is simple and quick installation. The result of installation is a completely smooth coating. The disadvantage is deformation under conditions of sudden changes in temperature in the room.
Laminate threshold
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Level difference
Brass and aluminum floor thresholds for different purposes are made from 3 types of profiles:
- flat (the upper side may have a convex shape);
- corner (transitional step, difference in the thickness of adjacent floorings);
- T-shaped (for installation at the joints of materials of different structures, for example, tiles/laminate/parquet).
Where the difference in levels forms a clearly defined step, an angular profile is installed to maintain the integrity of the edge and protect the legs.
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The structure for multi-level transitions can be prefabricated or solid (with a given angle of inclination and width of the closing surface).
Aluminum prefabricated thresholds are much more versatile in their application. They can be adjusted in the range of 3 – 15 mm.
How to choose a door threshold
Before installing the door threshold, you need to select and purchase this product. First you need to arm yourself with a tape measure and take measurements. You will need to know the width of the door opening, as well as the width of the joint between the two floor coverings. The range of such elements in modern construction stores is very large, so it is important to decide in advance on the dimensions, material of manufacture and color of the product.
Types of thresholds
It is also necessary to take into account the floor level in different rooms; if it is level, it is enough to purchase a simple threshold, otherwise you will have to purchase a multi-level threshold. In terms of price/quality ratio, metal products win, the color range of which is very wide. The metal threshold will last a very long time and is suitable for any coating.
If you decide to purchase a wooden threshold, you should immediately consult the seller and purchase a protective agent for proper care. Plastic thresholds are also very popular due to their low cost, as well as quick and easy installation. But you need to understand that such a product will last no more than three years.
When choosing these interior elements, you should take into account the humidity in the room. It is better to choose moisture-resistant models if you need to arrange a transition from the bath to the corridor, or from the kitchen to the room. In general, in places where there is constant water, you cannot use thresholds made of non-moisture resistant materials.
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Combination of tiles and laminate
However, laminate flooring is not suitable for every room. For example, in the hallway and kitchen it is preferable to use ceramic tiles. The fact is that these rooms get dirty more often. There is almost always high humidity in the kitchen; moisture from shoes accumulates in the hallway. Laminate flooring is susceptible to scratches and other damage, and can swell from water. Therefore, many people prefer tiles.
Combining ceramic tiles and laminate allows you to divide the room into zones. Laminate flooring is laid in the dining area of the kitchen, and the rest of the space is tiled. Here the question arises: how to design the joint between two flooring materials? Which connection is better: with a threshold or butt-to-butt? How are thresholds installed between laminate and tiles? These are the questions we will consider in this article.
Installing an interior door threshold
Before correctly installing the threshold of an interior door, it is necessary to carry out some preparatory work. The first step is to remove the old interior element, and then remove debris and dirt from the installation site.
Very often, during the dismantling process, the floor gets damaged. In this case, you must first eliminate this, and only then begin installing a new element. As a rule, you just need to fill the surface with a layer of concrete and wait for it to dry. It's better to play it safe and wait two or three days.
Installing an interior threshold
The dimensions of the threshold should be measured using a ruler or construction tape. You can also simply not throw away the dismantled threshold, but take it with you to the store as a template for a new one.
If you decide to install a wooden threshold, it is important to leave a gap of up to 1 centimeter to ensure air circulation. It is recommended to install plastic thresholds for doors made of the same material.
Also, before installation, it is better to stock up on the following tools and consumables:
- hacksaw for metal;
- angle grinder;
- fasteners;
- roulette;
- drill;
- screwdriver.
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Is it worth betting?
In contrast to a wooden threshold, which separates adjacent rooms and creates an obstacle to the entry of dust, noise, and drafts, the new model is called an anti-threshold for interior doors.
Unlike the usual version, which rises above the floor and is dangerous for injury, the smart guillotine threshold does not have these disadvantages and, at the same time, honorably performs all the necessary functions:
- heat does not escape from the room;
- provides a high level of noise insulation;
- the penetration of light and smell into adjacent rooms is reduced;
- prevents smoke in case of fire;
- prevents dust from entering the room;
- when the floor is uneven, it adapts to it;
- allows you to choose the option of installing a mortise or overhead automatic structure;
- has high wear resistance.
The main advantage of a door with a drop-down threshold is guaranteed safety, which is extremely important for people in wheelchairs and families with small children. The disadvantage of the design is the impossibility of installing it in the bathroom and toilet.
There a height difference is required - elevation to prevent possible flooding of the premises
The disadvantage of the design is the impossibility of installing it in the bathroom and toilet. There a height difference is required - elevation to prevent possible flooding of the premises.
Mounting methods
The installation procedure for this interior element can occur in various ways. The most common is drilling holes in the threshold for fasteners. After this, you need to install the element in the desired place and secure it with self-tapping screws. This is the fastest method, but the result is unaesthetic.
The hidden method of installing thresholds is quite labor-intensive, but the result is an attractive-looking design.
Setting the threshold using the hidden method is as follows:
Such thresholds consist of two elements. The lower part must be installed using self-tapping screws, and the upper part must be mounted in special grooves. You will hear a click when doing this. There are also models in which the decorative element is glued to the bottom.
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Design Features
This feature determines the difference between the thresholds in form and purpose:
- The standard element is a straight strip, which can be used mainly on equally spaced areas of the coating. It doesn’t matter what kind of coatings are combined, because... it is simply important for the bar to be secured at the joint. Such a threshold would also look good in the transition between two adjacent rooms, the flooring of which is exclusively laminate or other coverings. It is only important to maintain the height of these coverings.
- A more sophisticated option is a corner for laminate and other coverings, designed to combine cladding on staircases. Its installation is carried out exclusively on the edges of the steps in order to cover the cut edge of the material. A rubber decorative element is best suited for these purposes, as it will eliminate the sliding effect.
- Finishing thresholds are so called because there are two options for their use: the structure will hide only one of the floorings, joining at different heights, or it will hide two surfaces at once. Most often, this option is used for installation on slopes.
- The curvilinear option allows you to design the joined coverings in an original way and implement zoning of the room. For example, it is not difficult to install a flexible threshold for laminate in combination with any other covering, but it is very important to adjust the coverings to be laid under it. The marking features are determined by the curvature of the acquired threshold.
Threshold at the front door
Now let's look at how to make a threshold at the front door of a house. For these purposes, you should use a product that is made from the same material as the front door. As a rule, entry doors are supplied complete with entry doors so most likely you will not have to do anything. However, it should be noted that thresholds can consist of two elements. The first element is screwed with self-tapping screws or bolts, the second is installed on the first element and serves to retain heat in the home. A similar threshold can be made from concrete on your own. Only for this you will have to build formwork from boards.
Entrance door threshold
Concrete threshold
Very often, residents install concrete interior elements and then finish them to enhance the visual effect. You can create a threshold of the same shape and size as the old one, or you can make it a little wider to make it more comfortable to walk on.
So, to install a concrete threshold you will need to thoroughly clean the base and apply a layer of primer material. Then you will need to screw in the bolts to the height of the threshold. These fasteners will replace the fittings.
After this, you should begin making the formwork. To do this, you will need to cut the boards into fragments of the required size. Install the formwork and secure it with spacers.
If you plan to finish the new threshold with tiled material, then you can simply install the formwork and fill it with mortar, but if you decide to use other finishing building materials, then you need to apply a layer of polyethylene to the formwork so that the edges of the threshold are even. When pouring formwork, it is necessary to fill all corners and carefully monitor the level.
It is important to know! When mixing concrete, you must strictly follow the instructions. Do not add more water or solution. Any violation of the technological process will lead to premature approval of the design.
After pouring the solution, you must wait a day and then dismantle the wooden structure. It will be necessary to moisten the threshold with water for three to four days to prevent the structure from cracking.
After the material has dried, you can begin facing work.
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Selection of decorative thresholds
The correct choice of threshold must be made according to a number of criteria:
- functional purpose of joined coatings. For example, if laminate is installed in the hallway, and tiles are installed in the kitchen, then the threshold connecting them must have sufficient strength and moisture resistance in accordance with the operating conditions in both parts of the house. It is best to use an aluminum or plastic strip in such conditions;
- from a design point of view, the choice remains solely with the owner, who should determine how harmoniously the threshold will look in combination with the joined floorings. Here you can play with the method of contrasts or, on the contrary, create a uniform coating. When it comes to delineating rooms, it is best to select a threshold that will be monochromatic for one covering and will set off another;
- if we are talking about height differences, then it is necessary to select multi-level thresholds for the laminate and focus in this process on the thickness to be covered.
Naturally, we should not forget about the prestige of even such a small decorative element as a threshold. A priori, a low-quality plastic threshold cannot be located next to a very expensive laminate.
Wooden threshold
Before making a threshold for the entrance door in an apartment, you will first have to remove the old product. This operation can be carried out using a nail puller or a screwdriver, depending on how it was installed. Do not immediately throw away the wooden product. It is better to take it with you to a hardware store to properly select a new one.
Construction of a wooden entrance door threshold
After purchasing the product, you must complete the following operations:
The first step is to thoroughly clean the base from dirt and dust. If during dismantling work you accidentally damage the concrete screed, then it is better to collect all the broken fragments and level the floor with mortar. Don't forget to apply a coat of primer before doing this and let it dry.
Installation work should begin only after the base has dried.
- First you need to make grooves at the level of the future threshold in the lower part of the side walls of the door frame.
- Then you need to take measurements and use them to cut a piece of wood.
- Now you need to install the workpiece in place. This should be done very carefully and use a wooden spacer when working with a hammer.
- Now you need to arm yourself with an electric drill and drill through holes in the threshold. Three holes is enough. This must be done so that marks remain on the concrete surface. Then you need to remove the threshold and drill holes in the concrete base following these marks. Dowels must be inserted into the holes.
- After this, you need to put the threshold in place and secure it with self-tapping screws. They must be screwed in very tightly so that the fastener heads sink into the wood. The holes need to be filled.
It is important to know! When installing a wooden threshold in rooms with high humidity, it is necessary to leave a gap of approximately one centimeter. This gap is needed to form natural ventilation.
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