When preparing for a major renovation of an apartment or for the final finishing of a purchased home in a new building, the owner must decide which interior doors will be purchased. The door structure includes a threshold - a part of the door frame that has certain functions. The main one is to cover gaps or differences in floor coverings at the point of transition from one room of an apartment or house to another.
Door threshold in an apartment
What other functions does this part perform, how to choose the right one from those offered on the construction market and install it without problems, we will tell you in this publication.
Threshold for interior accordion door
The junction of the floor and the door frame creates a gap. Thanks to this, dust and cold air travel freely between rooms. Door thresholds are designed to solve this problem.
Gap between door frame and floor
What are the advantages and disadvantages of interior door thresholds
In the photographs placed by designers in thematic magazines and in articles on websites, you can see that in some cases this design detail of interior doors is missing. Indeed, it is not always used when designing places of transition from one room to another.
Doorway without threshold
However, in many places it is considered mandatory: bathroom, kitchen, front door.
This is required:
- eliminating to a minimum the gap between the door leaf and the floor surface in order to achieve the tightest connection;
- improving sound insulation of living rooms;
- reducing the entry of foreign odors into the premises of an apartment or house from the kitchen or sanitary area;
- organizing a protective barrier against water spills from the bathroom or toilet into the hallway and living rooms.
- They refuse to use interior thresholds due to the fact that they are mounted above the level of floor coverings.
Installation height of interior threshold
That's why:
- they can cause injury to younger and older family members;
- impair the perception of the harmony of floor design with laminate or linoleum of the same type and color.
Doorway between rooms without a threshold
Installation of aluminum interior thresholds
It will feel like they were installed by a specialist.
Nowadays they no longer make thresholds in door frames, so when replacing the floor covering, it goes without saying that it is necessary to install thresholds, which are quite varied in installation methods.
People often ask the question: “How to install interior thresholds beautifully, reliably and durablely?” We will help you figure this out, because without practical advice, it’s unlikely that everything will work out beautifully.
Types of interior door thresholds
Manufacturers of interior doors offer consumers a large number of types of door thresholds, differing in their design, material, and purpose.
Among them:
- Invoices
Such thresholds can be made of plastic or metal. This overlay plate with a special cross-section shape closes the gap at the top at the junction of different types of floor coverings, for example, between ceramic and vinyl tiles.
- Transitional
The purpose of this type of threshold is to hide the stepped transition between floor surfaces located at different levels. A height discrepancy of 3-15 mm can be veiled with a rounded or angled strip.
- Corner
It is used to decorate the corners of steps formed at the location of the doors between the rooms of an apartment or house. To eliminate the sliding effect, they are equipped with special perforations. Length, width and a wide range of colors make it possible to choose a corner threshold that suits the interior being created.
- Flexible
The materials for their manufacture can be silicone, rubber, and plastic that is safe for health. For all their elasticity, such thresholds have excellent strength and moisture resistance. With the help of such thresholds you can disguise the joints of floor coverings, decorate arches, niches, podiums and columns.
Types of rubber threshold
- T-shaped, universal
They have the ability to be extremely smooth and imperceptible underfoot, and perform curved transitions at the junction of different types of floor coverings.
- Externally mounted
Most often, these are metal thresholds with ready-made holes for mounting on the floor, made in the shape of a cone for deepening the head of a screw or self-tapping screw.
- With hidden fastening
The fastening system for this type of threshold is located under the profile and independently adapts to the existing gap or gap, the width of which does not exceed 15 mm.
- Guillotine
Among clients, its second name is “smart”. A U-shaped profile with a spring mechanism and a rubber seal is inserted into the lower end part of the door leaf. This makes this threshold virtually invisible.
Guillotine interior threshold
When closed from the interior door, the threshold goes down and blocks the access of noise and odors from the outside, keeping the room warm. It is difficult to install such a threshold yourself. It is better to seek help from a specialist.
Installation methods
Once the dimensions of the thresholds for interior wooden doors have been determined, installation work begins. The installation process of such a structure can be carried out using different methods.
Installation of a wooden threshold
When choosing wood, it is better to purchase a ready-made kit with characteristics corresponding to the parameters of the opening. Before installation, remove the old fasteners, clear the surface of debris, and level the concrete screed.
After determining the dimensions of the future structure, its height is calculated and grooves are made from the bottom of the side posts based on the measurements taken . After measuring the width of the box, the wood blank is cut, inserted into place and hammered through a special gasket.
The threshold should be drilled in several places so that the points are visible. After you remove the threshold, holes are made according to the marks on the concrete and fasteners (dowels) are hammered into them. Then the threshold is put in place, screwed with self-tapping screws and their caps are recessed into the strip. The holes are filled with putty.
When installing a wooden threshold in a toilet or bathroom, you need to ensure its height so that there is a gap of 4-5 mm between the panel and the strip for air flow into the bathroom and the efficiency of the supply and exhaust system.
External and internal methods of fastening door thresholds
The following installation methods are distinguished:
- Drilling holes in the sill for fastenings into which elements are placed and fixed with self-tapping screws. Despite its simplicity, the method will not be aesthetically pleasing.
- The hidden installation method is labor-intensive, but its use results in an attractive design. The lower part of the threshold is installed with self-tapping screws, and the upper part is mounted in special grooves. There are also sill models where a decorative layer is glued or snapped to the bottom element.
With the help of external fastening, the threshold is easier to fix, but the internal method will be preferable due to aesthetics. This applies to laminate products where a neat appearance is required.
Rice. 8. Threshold fastening diagram
What materials are used to make thresholds for interior doors?
An important characteristic of interior thresholds is the material from which they are made. Certain materials behave differently during use.
Thresholds in the apartment are made from:
- Become
- Brass
- Bronze
- Aluminum
- Trees
- Plastic
- Laminate
- Traffic jams
- Rubbers
- Stone
This material gives the product strength and resistance to any mechanical stress and stress. The surface of steel thresholds is usually anodized or painted, decorated in silver, gold or bronze. Such doorway parts are rarely made from stainless steel.
Steel threshold of interior door
This is required if you need to highlight this particular detail during the decorating process.
This material is characterized by strength, a pleasant golden color and high cost. Thresholds made from this material are used to create luxury interiors for apartments or offices.
Brass interior threshold
Such thresholds for interior doors are made only to order. You can't find them on the open market. The cost of the products is very high. However, there are “bronze” thresholds available for sale, available to any consumer, the basis of which is aluminum.
It is part of many alloys used to make reliable and lightweight objects and products. Among them are interior thresholds. The service life is long, the price is affordable, the appearance is attractive. Aluminum thresholds can be laminated, giving them the appearance of natural materials.
Types of aluminum door thresholds
The metal threshold is not affected by dampness. The metal may be different. For example aluminum, stainless steel or brass. The most popular option is the aluminum threshold; it has an attractive and modern appearance, and is resistant to physical impact and corrosion.
Metal is a slippery material, especially if condensation forms on it (for a bathroom this is a completely possible development of events). If there are elderly people or children in the house, it is better to choose a threshold with anti-slip notches or rubber coating.
To prevent the metal threshold from being so slippery, either anti-slip notches are applied to it, making the surface corrugated, or rubber coating is applied.
The most common material for thresholds in door structures. Experts recommend choosing a threshold made from hard wood. This will increase the service life of the interior door. Wooden thresholds can be used for any floor covering, but they require constant maintenance.
In order for a wooden threshold to retain its original appearance, it will have to be painted periodically.
In rooms with constant humidity, it is better to opt for a metal threshold.
Door threshold made of natural wood
The durability of this material is higher than that of wood, but lower than that of metal. They have an affordable price, a wide color spectrum, and excellent appearance.
Suitable for creating thresholds at the entrance to the house or exit to the balcony. Various additives to the concrete mixture make the material plastic, and after complete hardening, durable.
Interior door threshold made of plastic
Plastic thresholds easily take a curved shape and are suitable for masking joints of complex shapes. Wooden and metal linings, if bent, can simply break.
A distinctive feature is that it is identical to the floor covering used in the room. The material reacts to temperature fluctuations and humidity by deformation.
Laminate door threshold
A wooden threshold is a universal option, compatible with any floor covering. This is an immortal classic.
Cork thresholds are used in rooms with high humidity and when a large gap needs to be closed.
It also acts as a compensator at the junction of two types of flooring, for example between laminate and tile.
Rubber thresholds are more suitable than others for installation at the junction with the front door. The resistance of rubber to moisture and chemical attack plays a decisive role.
On shoes, especially in winter, we bring chemicals into the house that are used to treat asphalt from ice. A wooden threshold definitely cannot cope with the aggressive effects of chemicals, and a metal one is too slippery.
Stone thresholds, in addition to being highly wear-resistant, look stylish and unusual. In most cases, marble or granite is used for production.
Thresholds made of natural stone are installed at the junction of different floor coverings, in rooms with high humidity. The strength of natural stone makes it possible to use it at the junction with the entrance door.
To make the stone slip less, anti-slip notches are applied to it.
Stone threshold of interior door
| In addition to being highly wear-resistant, stone thresholds look stylish and unusual. |
How to make the right choice
In order for such a small element to function correctly and properly perform the tasks assigned to it, it is necessary to pay attention to such points.
- Purpose . Everything is not so complicated here: you need to accurately formulate the problem that the threshold will solve. This could be protecting the edge of the covering, combining joints of different materials, designing a doorway, curved surface, etc. It is also worth paying attention to: the size of the gap to be closed and choosing thresholds with a narrow or wide clamping part, a suitable profile for the step (difference in levels) or flat, etc.
- Functional load of the premises . This is one of the important factors that you need to pay attention to when choosing interior thresholds or elements intended for rooms such as a kitchen, etc. In this case, moisture-resistant moldings are considered, so we choose products made of plastic or aluminum.
- Type of fastener . For each individual room and passage, an open or closed fixation method is selected. In many cases, ease of installation and attractive appearance play a big role.
- Quality and type of materials . Obviously, the durability of the thresholds will depend on the wear resistance of the threshold materials. Good quality products serve for a long time and reliably even in areas with high traffic, and homeowners will definitely not have to replace worn-out elements after a year.
- The degree of traffic of the room . You need to take into account the wear resistance of materials and be guided by the fact that it is better to pay a little more once, but not think about this element for a very long time.
- Acceptable price of products . Naturally, the purchasing budget is also an important factor when choosing a product.
- Design decision . A correctly selected threshold can easily become an expressive decorative detail.
If the preference is on the side of the well-known classics, and the joint needs to be decorated at the level of the doorway, then the color of the threshold is identical to the tone of the door frame.
It is believed that the most common option is a threshold of the same color as the baseboard. Visually, we get a picture of an inextricably unified interior.
Many people like contrasting solutions, especially the unique effect of black and white opposition. For example, in the bathroom there are black tiles with white grout on the floor, add a white threshold (to match the color of the grout) and enhance the impression of the contrasting colors.
Quite often you can find a threshold that repeats not only the color of the main coating, but also its pattern.
The natural color of steel is quite common in design developments. Metal thresholds will favorably complement the loft or hi-tech style.
A threshold of the same color as the floor covering, only a few tones lighter or darker than the latter, will help to emphasize the curvilinearity of the forms and make the interior more multifaceted. The play of colors in halftones looks very interesting.
You can choose the optimal type of threshold for different floor coverings.
- PVC threshold (hidden fastening) – for laminate flooring. Moreover, laying the floor and installing additional elements occurs simultaneously.
- PVC elastic – curved joints. For convenience during work, you can use a hair dryer.
- The curved metal threshold and PVC profile elements are suitable for processing smooth curved joints in cases where expansion gaps are not needed. PVC parts are softened using hot water, thin metal products are bent with a special machine or carefully by hand.
- Aluminum parts are relevant when joining carpet.
- An aluminum threshold plus a rubber insert is an excellent choice for floors decorated with ceramic tiles. The linings will become compensators for loads on the moving seams of the coating.
Increasingly, modern housing is decorated using several types of flooring at the same time. Carpet and linoleum are suitable for organizing a studio, and a multi-level threshold will connect these two different materials.
Silicone, plastic or LMDF inserts are perfect for a corridor or hallway where it is necessary to combine parquet and laminate, parquet boards and linoleum.
Ceramic tiles and linoleum are often connected in a curved manner. A cork expansion joint is suitable for organizing curved lines. Good shock absorption during installation allows the threshold to compress during installation and practically merge with the surface of the covering.
Threshold configurations for interior doors
- High threshold
It is part of the door frame, so they are installed simultaneously. This is an ideal option for bathrooms and kitchens. In case of flooding, it will prevent the spread of water, become a barrier to moist air or odor and provide additional sound insulation.
- Overlay threshold
It has more of a decorative than constructive function. It is a plate, the surface of which can be flat or rounded.
The overlay threshold is perfect in case of differences in height of different types of floor coverings, and can be installed at an angle. But if the height difference exceeds 5 millimeters, then it is better to use a multi-level threshold.
- Multi-level threshold
It has the shape of a turned corner and is used in cases where the height difference ranges from 5 to 15 mm.
Threshold for different floor levels
Threshold types
Metal
Aluminum is used, less often steel or brass. Due to its durability, strength, and frost resistance, this is the most common type of threshold for home and commercial use. The advantages of metal products also include a wide range of decors. Including:
- Simple aluminum ones, to which no decorative technique is applied. Inexpensive, versatile and not too difficult to install.
- Anodized. The metal strip is subjected to anodic oxidation, as a result of which a thin metallized film of various shades and textures is formed on the surface: gold, classic and blackened silver, copper and bronze with a patina, etc. The effect is really beautiful, but this is not the only advantage of this treatment. Ready-made thresholds are not afraid of scratches, corrosion processes, are durable, and fit perfectly with classic laminate designs.
- Painted. Special polymer-powder compositions of rich and muted shades are applied to the surface. The coating is resistant to abrasion and impact, and can easily withstand frequent washing even with the use of aggressive household chemicals. Recommended for use in combination with classic wood decors, as well as marble-like laminates, ceramics, textiles, etc.
- Laminated. Aluminum strips are covered with a dense and durable PVC film with a laminate texture. This is the best-selling type of product, and all thanks to the reasonable price and the widest range of decors - up to 80.
PVC
Unique in its simplicity and practicality, the flexible threshold for laminate is produced by almost all factories producing skirting boards, panels and other plastic products. It is a set of:
- Mounting solid or perforated strip - attached to the base with self-tapping screws or mounting adhesive
- A profiled threshold that is inserted into the groove of the strip and fixed.
The product is made from semi-rigid PVC and is characterized by water, bio- and impact resistance. The flexible threshold is designed for:
- overlapping straight joints;
- alignment and connection of different-level materials; Multi-level thresholds.
- filling round gaps (for decorating columns, bay windows, etc.). Edging with PVC thresholds.
Thanks to the rich range of colors (up to 30 shades) and texturing, a harmonious transition is ensured between identical and different floor coverings, including multi-level ones (for example, a threshold between a 12 mm thick laminate and a 4 mm thick carpet).
Wooden
Wooden thresholds in natural, tinted and bleached shades belong to the luxury category and are most often used in combination with parquet and parquet boards. They are often purchased for laminate flooring, especially in cases where it is difficult to match the decor and tone of the coating with metal and PVC accessories. Solid wood profiles are expensive, not very difficult to use, and are not allowed for installation in damp rooms. For fixation, use super-strong mounting adhesive or a fastening strip made of metal or PVC.
LMDF
MDF thresholds laminated with PVC film deserve special mention. If only because they are universal. That is, they can be used to level significant differences, and, if necessary trimming, for simple straight seams. The assortment, as a rule, includes an average of 12-25 of the most popular shades.
MDF thresholds are used in combination with parquet, laminate, parquet or engineered wood. They are convenient because they are produced for certain collections, that is, the match in tone and texture will be perfect.
Separately, it is worth mentioning cork expansion joints - strips of cork of different thicknesses and heights. This is not a threshold in the classical sense. Rather, it is a kind of “buffer” between coatings that needs protection from moisture and dirt after installation. Rarely used in combination with conventional laminate.
Methods for attaching interior door thresholds
- First option
- open type. Self-tapping screws are used to screw the threshold through. The screw caps must be recessed into the holes in order to avoid injury.
- Second option
- hidden fastening using glue or special fasteners that are hidden from view under the surface of the threshold.
Hidden installation of interior door threshold
| The overlay threshold is perfect in case of differences in height of different types of floor coverings, and can be installed at an angle. But if the height difference exceeds 5 millimeters, then it is better to use a multi-level threshold. |
How to choose the right threshold
The choice of threshold for a door is carried out according to the following criteria:
- Material. Products are usually selected that closely match the floor covering or door frame: wood, PVC, laminate. Planks made of moisture-resistant materials are used where dampness is present. When choosing a decorative element, take into account the material of the joining floor covering. If, for example, you need to connect tiles and laminate, use a profile with an edge. The tile is tucked into the groove. The transition to laminate remains slightly noticeable.
- Configuration. If it is necessary to make thresholds of different heights between rooms, use multi-level strips. When the height of the threshold corresponds to the level of the floor covering, overhead flat elements are used.
- Purpose. Decorative thresholds are used to disguise the joint under the door. The seams of the stepped finishing, as well as a flexible threshold, are also hidden under them.
- Attractiveness. They try to match the strip to the color of the floor or door frame so that it does not stand out against the general background.
- Mounting type. Elements of the open fixation method are screwed with self-tapping screws through through holes. The hidden type of installation is more attractive. The strip is built-in or glued.
Which threshold for an interior door to choose
Based on the material and color, it is advisable to select an option that matches the floor covering and door frame. If systematic exposure to moisture is expected, it is better to abandon wood in favor of metal or stone.
The threshold configuration is selected depending on what function it will perform:
- If you just need to close the joint between two rooms, an overhead threshold will do.
- The height difference between different types of floor coverings is compensated by the different level thresholds.
- If you need reliable separation of one room from another, increased noise insulation, then a high door threshold is the ideal choice.
High door threshold of interior door
It is important to clearly understand which configuration to use in each specific case, because the wrong choice will cause a lot of inconvenience, quickly become unusable, lose its original appearance and interfere with walking.
| If you just need to close the joint between two rooms, an overhead threshold will do. The height difference between different types of floor coverings is compensated by the different level thresholds. |
If you do not have a clear understanding of which option to choose, the best decision would be to contact a door sales salon. Consultants will help you choose the most suitable option.
Installation, if you have the tools and skills, can be done independently or by contacting specialists.
Types of thresholds for doors
When choosing a threshold for a doorway, you should familiarize yourself with the varieties of such an element:
- wooden products are most often pine or oak. It is most effective to use them in residents’ personal rooms: bedrooms, children’s rooms, living rooms, offices;
- metal - made from a number of materials, but the most practical are aluminum. Metal allows you to give the threshold any shape during the production process. In this regard, single-level, multi-level and corner structures appeared;
- a less durable, but more beautiful and neat material for the manufacture of thresholds is plastic;
- The most expensive type of thresholds is stone, since it has high strength and a number of positive characteristics that allow it to be used in absolutely any conditions. It is very difficult to install such a threshold in an existing doorway with an inserted door.
How to prepare a place for installing an interior door threshold
Site preparation before installation is required if the interior doors cannot be replaced.
The old threshold is dismantled using a hacksaw, hammer and crowbar. The work should be done carefully so that the door jamb does not warp. The next stage of work will be the installation of a new interior threshold.
Wooden interior door threshold
Installation technology
Having made all the necessary measurements, you need to place the threshold in the installation location and mark the location of the mounting holes. Using a hammer drill with an 8 mm drill, we make holes in accordance with the marks.
The holes should be approximately 6-8 cm wide. Insert plastic dowels into the finished recesses. We secure the profile by screwing the screws into the dowels.
Installing interior doors with a threshold is much simpler, because in this case the cross beam is part of the door structure, and therefore does not require preliminary adjustment of dimensions.
Installation with an open fastening system
These are fairly simple jobs. For an open system, profiles with already provided holes, drilled at the same distance, are used. The standard installation technology is for a threshold with an open fastening system.
The advantages of such profiles include reliability, ease of installation and dismantling. The disadvantages are the risks of damaging the interior of the room with fastening screws. To get rid of such an unpleasant nuance, it is recommended to carry out installation using parts with decorative caps.
Installation with closed mounting system
Closed thresholds are strips with internal floating holes for screw heads. Such a design can be a profile consisting of two parts: a T-shaped threshold and a rail.
To attach a threshold with a closed system, a rail is screwed to the floor using self-tapping screws. Then the top decorative strip is mounted on top of it.
Choosing interior thresholds
In order to make a horizontal connection between two different floor coverings, a cork expansion joint is usually used. This plank is an indispensable part, especially in those rooms where sudden temperature changes occur, as well as in those where there is a high level of humidity. It can expand and contract almost twice, which will absorb any thermal expansion.
The connection between two floor coverings in adjacent rooms should be located strictly in the middle of the interior door. Otherwise, the flooring of another room will be visible from one room.
Fastening thresholds at different floor levels
In this case, the market also provides us with a huge selection of multi-level thresholds. They are made of aluminum and have a very diverse coloring and texture. Designed to smooth different floor heights, ranging from 3 millimeters to 2 centimeters. Measure the height difference between the floors and you can easily select the required threshold. I think you understood how to secure it from what was written above.
Thresholds for bathroom
If you need to install thresholds in your bathroom, take it more seriously. The floor in the bathroom is mainly laid with ceramic tiles, so thresholds are needed with a special profile that will not allow moisture to pass through. Otherwise, your parquet or laminate flooring that will be adjacent to the bathroom will soon swell.
If you want to install an aluminum threshold on a concrete base or on a screed, then you probably won’t get by with just screws and nails. Use dowels that are designed for quick installation. It is necessary to drill holes in the concrete into which we insert dowels and impact screws and tighten them thoroughly. It is this design that will hold your thresholds most firmly, both in concrete and in wood.
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