A living space consists of many elements that perform specific functions, both useful and decorative. This also applies to the threshold. It decorates the entrance to the apartments of multi-storey buildings, as well as private country houses and summer cottages.
Purpose and device
The threshold at the front door is an essential element in any living space. This detail performs many useful functions, such as: protection of the room from dirt, moisture and dust from the street, insulation from drafts, decorative component (addition of decorative design). It is worth noting that with the help of the above design, you can increase the level of protection of an object from intruders. Also, due to the threshold, the docking differences between the door and the floor are leveled.
Many owners are interested in the question of how you can make a threshold yourself using certain materials and tools. Experts recommend creating this element no more than three centimeters high. In certain cases, the parameters can be changed, especially if it is necessary to achieve a certain decorative effect.
In the process of manufacturing the structure, you need to find a middle ground so that the threshold fulfills its main task - the tight joining of the door to the floor, and also decorates the entrance and does not attract much attention.
Before starting work, you should choose a specific type of structure, as well as materials for its manufacture and cladding. As a rule, the material is selected taking into account the general style of the room, personal preferences and financial capabilities. The choice depends on the performance characteristics of the threshold and its resistance to external damage.
Some people mistakenly think that making the structure taller will make it look better and better cope with other tasks. However, the height can get in the way and cause a lot of inconvenience when visiting the house.
A well-chosen entrance threshold device should be of optimal dimensions. Further in the article, we will discuss the criteria for choosing the type of threshold at the entrance to a house or apartment.
Design selection rules
In the event that a door sill strip is included with the door frame, then the buyer does not need to choose a structure for the sill. In this case, it is mounted when installing the door and box. If there is no such component, you need to independently choose the materials for the threshold and the design of this element. It should be noted that the installation should be carried out only at the end of the installation of the box.
Renovation and decoration professionals declare that when selecting design options, it is imperative to take into account these parameters:
- dimensions;
- raw materials for the manufacture of finishing;
- the density of the docking of the canvas to the threshold;
- product shape.
In order for the doors to adhere as securely as possible to the threshold, it is equipped with special locks.
Remember that the threshold is almost constantly under stress, and the more people live in the house, the more intense the stress. If you want it to retain its appearance for many years, it is recommended to choose the most durable and reliable cladding material.
It's time to talk more about their diversity.
We select the material
As with any element in every room, certain criteria have been developed for the threshold. The materials used are:
- Natural wood... The array is widespread in the field of interior decoration and construction.
- Metal... It is a reliable and durable material that retains its shape and appearance for a long time.
- Brick... Strong and, importantly, affordable raw material.
- Plastic... One of the most popular man-made materials.
- Cement... The budget option is to make a strong threshold.
Moreover, the color and texture of the material of the nut should be in harmony with the door.
After the choice with the matter is made, it is necessary to choose the shape. Most experts agree that the most reliable structure is in the form of a ladder. The most common material options for thresholds are concrete, metal and wood, however, the latest version is especially popular. Hard woods are great.
Despite the fact that a solid wood structure is not as strong and durable as a concrete or metal structure, it is much easier to repair and dismantle it if necessary.
Next, we will talk in more detail about the arrangement of this type of threshold: how to make a threshold out of wood. The tree has a special natural appearance, which is distinguished by aesthetics and attractiveness. In addition to oak, birch can be safely used. In order for the boards to withstand constant loads without problems, they must be pre-treated with a composition that protects against moisture and dampness.
Required tools
- Hammer;
- saw;
- plumb line;
- sander (suitable for working with wood);
- nails;
- Bulgarian;
- vacuum cleaner.
The working process is carried out in a strict sequence. First you need to remove dust and dirt at the installation site. After that, boards of the required dimensions are selected. Their size should be longer than the width of the lumen.
Installation steps
Now that we have talked in general terms about the entrance threshold and its meaning, it is time to take a closer look at the stages of installing a wooden structure.
Base leveling
Before proceeding directly with the installation, you need to put things in order. If there is an old threshold, it should be dismantled. The base is leveled for a solid installation. All pits, seams, cracks, etc. need to be fixed, plastered.
Measurements
After the place for the threshold is thoroughly cleaned and rid of various kinds of flaws, measurements should be taken. Measure the gap between the vertical posts of the box, while the master chooses the width for the structure. Taking into account the selected parameters, you should buy boards of the required dimensions or prepare the material yourself.
The form
Now follows the formation of the bar in accordance with the measurements taken earlier. To achieve a secure fit, it is recommended to equip the threshold wider than the door frame.
Installation
Using a construction plumb line, a plank is installed in a new place. During the installation process, you should check how the front door works together with the strip. Unobstructed opening means that the measurements were carried out correctly and the dimensions of the threshold were selected correctly. When the door is closed, its lower part must reliably dock with the threshold. The threshold itself is fixed in place with nails or self-tapping screws. If you are using nails, pre-drill holes before driving them into the board.
This is done so that the array does not crack during operation.
Decor
Typically, a wooden threshold is decorated with oil-based paint. If there is a desire to preserve the beauty and pattern of the array, it is better to use a transparent varnish. It will protect the tree from damage and at the same time will not block the beauty of the material.
How to install a metal nut?
Metal sills are often used in tandem with PVC doors. Today, thresholds made of this type of material are actively used in the design of entrances to living quarters. Suitable raw materials are aluminum, stainless steel or brass. The choice of these products is wide. Aluminum blind for a plastic door is perfect for an apartment decorated in a modern style.
It is worth noting that metal structures fit perfectly into the interior space.
The finished product can be bought at any specialty store. After purchase, it is fixed with freezing screws. In the process, special clamps and fasteners are used.
If necessary, the length of the threshold must be shortened in accordance with the dimensions of the door frame. As you can see, the installation process is very simple.
How to cement yourself?
It should be noted that the process of creating such a structure is not easy. But if the work is done correctly, such a threshold will last much longer than a solid wood product. In order to cement it yourself, you will need the following materials and tools:
- level;
- roulette;
- putty knife;
- sand;
- cement;
- water;
- broom;
- formwork board;
- primer;
- self-tapping screws;
- mixer for cement and the required capacity;
- screwdriver;
- hammer;
- puncher.
The workflow can be divided into specific activities.
Cleaning
As with wood, the threshold is carefully cleaned. The old product is removed. If there are cracks and potholes, they are filled with cement-sand mortar. The surface is primed.
Formwork
For a concrete threshold, formwork should be installed. It is made from planks or planks in accordance with the dimensions of the new design. It is firmly fixed. The work process is carried out by level.
To make the structure strong and reliable, it is recommended to screw long metal bolts into the base of the new threshold. Their height should correspond to the height of the structure. This element will play the role of reinforcement, strengthening the threshold. Some use mesh or wire.
Solution preparation
Sand and cement, in a 1: 3 ratio, are needed to create a mortar. For increased wear resistance, plasticizers are sometimes added; this element increases resistance to high temperatures. The modern market offers ready-made mixtures that do not need to be specially manufactured.
Fill
As soon as the concrete solution is ready, it is poured into the timber formwork. After that, the mixture is leveled. Make sure that concrete covers all corners. Then it remains to wait until the raw material dries. While waiting, periodically wet the surface with water, this will help get rid of minor defects and irregularities.
For information on how to set the threshold correctly, see the next video.
How to decorate the door threshold in the hallway?
Depending on the material from which the threshold is made, the appropriate material for finishing is selected. Also, the choice is influenced by various indicators: where the threshold is set, in an apartment, a private house or on the street.
The metal gates that come with the box do not need to be drawn up. This is a complete element. As mentioned above, the wooden structure is painted or varnished.
The front door not only protects the premises from intruders, makes the decoration of the home complete thanks to the slopes, platbands and various design finishes. To give the structure a complete look, thresholds are mounted at the entrance doors. They enhance the aesthetics of the room. This article describes the types of thresholds, describes how to properly install these structures yourself at home.
The threshold at the door is the final element in the design of the door space. In the interior aisles, the planks serve as a decorative element, but for entrance and balcony doors, their installation is mandatory, since they protect the floor from the accumulation of dirt and dust. Thresholds are recommended at the entrance to rooms with high humidity or with a risk of smoke and odors (bathrooms, toilets, kitchens).
Purpose of thresholds:
- soundproofing;
- thermal insulation;
- an obstacle to the spread of odors outside the room;
- protection against the accumulation of dirt, dust;
- decorative finishing.
Attention
Installation of the bar increases the degree of protection of the premises from intruders. An important purpose of the threshold is its ability to level the differences in floor coverings between zones.
What types of structures can be installed in the apartment?
Thresholds are classified according to the materials from which they are made:
- wood;
- metal;
- concrete.
Some specific types are made on the basis of cork and PVC.
Metal
To decorate metal structures with your own hands, they use alloys from materials such as:
- brass;
- aluminum;
- stainless steel.
Aluminum profiles are more popular:
- they are resistant to abrasion;
- unpretentious in care.
Such strips do not differ in aesthetics, they have a sliding surface, therefore they are decorated with corrugated elements made of wood or plastic.
Advantages of metal thresholds:
- suitable for industrial and residential premises with high traffic;
- optimal for installation in rooms with high humidity (bathrooms, toilets);
- simple design: profile, seal, decorative plate;
- long service life while maintaining performance;
- large selection of sizes;
- easy installation, flexibility;
- mechanical stress, corrosion is not afraid of him;
- relatively low price.
Installation of a metal profile does not require skills, special tools, since it is simply fixed on self-tapping screws. It is permissible to use tile adhesive to secure low planks.
Metal sills are made of high and low profiles (up to 2 cm high), depending on the functionality of the room and the load on the walk-through area. High are recommended for entrance and balcony doors.
Wood
To finish the threshold with wood, you can only use hard wood types, such as:
- aspen;
- Pine;
Their assortment is large: it is easy to select by texture, color, pattern. The tree is beautiful, but whimsical to care for, it requires periodic renewal of the protective coating and frequent cleaning.
Advantages:
- environmental friendliness;
- easy installation;
- compatibility with common floor coverings (laminate, linoleum);
- relatively low price;
- abrasion resistance;
- high heat and noise insulation characteristics.
Wooden planks can be made yourself from hardwood lumber. Among the disadvantages are the need to update the protective coating, periodic painting, vulnerability to moisture.
Not recommended for installation in entrance and balcony openings, as the tree is less resistant to the accumulation of dirt and dust. Due to low moisture resistance, they are not installed in rooms with high humidity. Suitable for interior doors.
Concrete
More expensive, but most durable option. Concrete thresholds are difficult to install; they are poorly suited for installation in openings with built-in doors. Installed at the entrance and balcony doors. Peculiarities:
- require exterior decoration made of wood, laminate or tiles;
- suitable for premises with high traffic;
- service life - up to 50 years;
- it is optimal to select concrete thresholds at the design stage, when the doors have not yet been installed;
- waterproofing properties;
- unprofitable for interior openings due to the high price, with the exception of bathrooms and toilets.
When chips or cracks form in the concrete base, a complete dismantling of the coating and doors is required. Ideal for finishing thresholds in private houses. It is necessary to fill the threshold with a mixture of cement and sand with the obligatory addition of a plasticizer, since it is necessary to impart plasticity. High thresholds can be constructed from bricks.
How to do it right after installing the door device?
Before installation, you need to determine the area of the future threshold. In terms of design and functionality, products differ in:
- height;
- materials;
- installation features.
Payment
The calculation is based on the design solution. For entrance doors, high thresholds with a thickness of 2 cm or more are suitable. The optimum thickness of a low aluminum threshold is 30 mm. The following quantities are involved in the calculations:
- the width of the opening between the slopes;
- the distance between the floor covering and the edge of the lower vertical bar of the box;
- the distance from the edge of the lower vertical of the box to the end of the shoulder of the nut;
- thickness of decorative elements.
The threshold can fill the entire width of the opening between the slopes. For accurate measurements, it is recommended to use a building level. When measuring the width along the slope, use 5–7 cm increments to avoid inaccuracies. If the bar is fixed in the grooves, then 2 cm is added to the width (1 cm on each edge). Calculations will help in choosing factory products or formwork.
Attention
Measurements are carried out after dismantling the old coating and installing the door frame, if the threshold is not calculated at the stage of project preparation. The surface is cleaned of coarse debris, stone or sand.
Selection of the right materials and tools
- To mount a metal or wooden profile, you will need a hacksaw for wood or metal.
- For installation - a screwdriver, hammer, nails and screws.
- For the formation of a concrete structure - formwork, primer, spatulas.
- For processing a wooden threshold, you need to choose a protective coating.
When choosing a material, the load, the type of room, and the finish of the opening are taken into account. Before deciding how to close up the opening, you need to consider the following recommendations:
- decorative dies are selected depending on the texture of the door frame or floor covering (wood, tiles);
- for rooms with high humidity, moisture-resistant materials (concrete, metal) are needed;
- it is not recommended to use plastic strips as the main profile, as they are short-lived;
- take into account the type of fastening of the bar (external or hidden), where products on the internal fastening are more aesthetic;
- in private houses at the front doors, it is better to pour a concrete sill;
- consider the load and permeability when choosing durable materials for the entrance doors.
Decorative wood planks are more whimsical to maintain, but more durable than PVC... Moisture-resistant structures must be supplemented with a cork expansion joint. Putty is required to seal the holes. If the decorative material is light enough to be glued, use tile adhesives.
To insulate a high entrance threshold, you need to prepare materials such as mineral wool and reinforcing mesh.
How to mount and cement?
- Initially, the surface is cleaned of dirt.
- A high threshold is formed from concrete or brick in 1–2 rows.
- The brick is laid on cement, periodically tapped with a hammer to compact.
- Then the masonry is framed with cement mortar.
Stages of installation of a high threshold made of concrete:
- prepare a wide formwork from plywood or timber;
- wrap the formwork with cling film or treat with grease to make it easier to lag behind the concrete;
- prop the timber along the side walls perpendicular to the slopes;
- if the height of the sill is higher than 7 cm, then install longitudinal metal beacons to level the mass;
- put a layer of mineral wool, secure with a reinforcing mesh with a cross section of no more than 50 mm;
- prime the surface in 1-2 layers;
- pour concrete into the formwork or throw it onto the current base;
- level the concrete with a rule or a wide trowel;
- leave to dry for 2-3 days, occasionally spraying with water.
After drying, the formwork is removed and the surface is decorated. For a low sill, aluminum strips are taken, which are fixed in a hidden or external way, when the caps of the self-tapping screws are visible.
Installation steps:
- install the sill, mark the perimeter;
- mark the places for the holes in the plank;
- drill holes in the floor according to the finished markings;
- hammer in the dowels;
- fix the bar with self-tapping screws, sinking the caps into the base.
With the hidden fixing method, the self-tapping screws together with the dowels are inserted into the longitudinal groove of the strip. Then the nut is fixed on the base, tapped with a hammer through a sheet of plywood or timber.
How to sheathe with laminate and other materials?
Concrete and brick structures need decoration. To refine the structure, you can use materials such as:
- composite plates;
- ceramics;
- tile;
- wood;
- metal;
- laminate;
- linoleum.
Sheathing is performed with solid slabs or in fragments. Concrete is pre-treated with concrete contact. Tile glue or cement-sand mortar are suitable for fixing.
How to sheathe the nut:
- the gaps between the floor and the box are filled with low expansion polyurethane foam;
- a thin layer of adhesive is applied to the base;
- after installing the fragments or panels, they are tapped with a hammer for reliable fixation;
- the joints of the tile are embroidered, sealed;
- the wooden sheathing is covered with a protective compound.
Before installation, the area of the base is estimated. On the plane, a markup is created with the future drawing, or a panel of a suitable size is selected. Fragments of trim are cut according to the finished markings.
The texture of the plating is selected to the pattern of the material of the door frame, slopes and platbands. When choosing a tree, it is important to consider the direction of the pattern.
The threshold at the entrance doors protects the door slopes from outside influences. Having picked up the materials, after completing the calculations, you can decorate the entrance area beautifully. Concrete and brick foundations at the entrance doors are decorated with available building materials, which opens up scope for the implementation of most design solutions.
Useful video
We suggest watching a video about installing various door sill feeds:
If the morning begins with coffee, then the evening is on the doorstep. Crossing this part of the door, we get home, where we can rest after a hard day's work. It is the threshold that meets our guests and escorts us for a walk. But no one thinks about the importance of this element of the front door and does not know how important its correct installation is.
Why do you need a threshold?
It may seem to some that the threshold only spoils the appearance of the front door and it is better to abolish this part of the structure. At the same time, the threshold creates a microclimate in the house and quietly takes care of all household members.
Door sill functions:
- Sound and noise insulation. Due to the complete sealing of the door, sound insulation is achieved. You do not hear the neighbors, and they do not hear you. This effect cannot be achieved without a threshold;
- Thermal insulation. The first sign of wear or improper installation of the entrance door threshold is a draft in the corridor;
- The threshold does not allow odors from the entrance to the apartment. Just imagine what your life would turn into if you “sensed” everything that happens outside the apartment;
- Support for the door. The threshold is a component of the door frame. The integrity of this structure ensures the durability and reliability of the front door;
- The threshold can also serve as a decorative element of the interior, if it is decorated in a non-standard way.
Externally, the threshold is a small ledge. Height varies from 2 to 10 centimeters, but cannot be less. This is to prevent the rug from protruding beyond it. Before setting the threshold, think about what material you want to make it from. It is also important to consider several types of design (yes, there can be an interesting design at the doorstep too). Next, we will tell you in more detail about all the nuances of installing an entrance door sill.
Types of door sills
Entrance metal door laths can be very different. Thresholds are distinguished not only by size, but also by the material from which they are made. Divide thresholds from:
- Concrete;
- Wood;
- Aluminum;
- Plastic (PVC);
- Stone.
More often the material is chosen according to the principle: "What the door is made of, that is the threshold." But variations are acceptable. For example, you can make stone slopes and thresholds and decorate the part of the wall adjacent to the door. A concrete threshold is acceptable as a base or finishing element of decor.
The most popular material for the threshold is wood. However, like plastic, wood is not durable. It is unstable to moisture, prone to swelling and deformation for various reasons.
The most reliable material for the manufacture of a threshold for an entrance door remains concrete. It will serve you for several decades without losing its original properties. An order of magnitude more than the usual wooden threshold.
There are two directions in design: overstatement and understatement of the threshold. The first type of design of the entrance area is also accompanied by an increase in the area of the step. As a rule, such a threshold is made of concrete. It merges with the walls and creates a kind of "niche" in the doorway. Both graphic, square design and oval shapes are allowed. In the future, the increased threshold, if desired, can be sheathed with laminate, stone or any other material that suits the overall interior design.
The lowered threshold is preferred by adherents of minimalism in design. From a practical point of view, it is less convenient to operate than the enlarged one. It is easy to stumble over it, as it is not conspicuous. The second drawback is the complexity of organizing the complete sealing of the door. It is necessary to very accurately select the size of the door leaf in order to avoid drafts. Otherwise, the lowered threshold meets all the requirements: it performs a supporting function and does not irritate the tenants of the apartment with its pretentiousness.
Preparatory work
If an old one is currently standing in the place of the future door, then it must be dismantled. When replacing only the lower part of the door frame, only the sill is removed. It is especially easy to remove the threshold if it is made of wood. For this, ordinary scrap is used. In some cases, you may need a screwdriver.
When the threshold is removed, thoroughly clean the entire surface: use a brush to remove any remaining trim and coarse debris, and then vacuum the floor with a construction vacuum cleaner to avoid dust getting into your eyes.
At this stage, pay attention to the size of the gap between the door leaf and the floor. The height of the future threshold will depend on this factor. But do not be upset if the size of the gap "prevents" you from realizing the conceived design. The gap can always be reduced with plaster and trowel. But with the lack of centimeters, you will have to fight only by completely rearranging the door and chipping the upper part of the opening with a puncher.
Check to see if your chosen threshold is the right size. Place it on the floor and try to close the door. Consider also the fact that when using glue mixtures, the threshold level can rise by 1-2 mm.
Installing a concrete threshold: step by step instructions
A concrete threshold is more suitable for private houses, as it is formed during the construction phase of concrete or stone steps. However, it does not have to be cumbersome, so a simplified version is quite suitable for an apartment. It turns out that the concrete threshold must be installed before installing the door.
The formation of a concrete threshold is impossible without a reinforcing structure. To create it, you can use an aluminum profile (it will give the threshold a shape) and any other reinforcing element for stronger adhesion of the solution inside the structure.
Of the tools, it is imperative to prepare:
- Putty knife;
- Perforator;
- Building level;
- Formwork;
- Deep penetration primer;
- Sand concrete;
- Water;
- Mixing container;
- Construction mixer.
Now let's move on to the instructions. So, how to form a concrete threshold.
Step # 1: surface preparation. Clear the place of the future threshold from debris. If the surface is deformed (cracked or chipped), treat it with concrete and level it. When the mortar is completely dry, treat the entire surface with a deep penetrating primer to achieve better adhesion.
Step # 2: forming the formwork. For this operation we need boards. Rigorously calculate the height of the future threshold. To do this, measure the door and set the level at which the door leaf will be after installing the door. At this stage, the main task is to make the correct calculation in order to achieve complete sealing of the door. Otherwise, the owner of the house will risk making friends with extraneous odors, noise and draft.
Step number 3: work with mixtures. Today, you can choose to purchase a ready-made concrete mixture or compose it yourself. For this, sand is mixed with cement of the M400 brand in a ratio of 1 to 4. Adding gypsum is permissible, but then you will need to work with the mixture very quickly. This option is only suitable for professionals. Remember: concrete doesn't like water. If there is too much water, it will separate from the solution and "float", forming a small swamp on the step. This is not catastrophic at all, but the drying time will increase significantly.
Step 4: additional surface preparation. Use a puncher to make holes in the floor at the place of the future threshold. This will provide additional fixation and improve the adhesion of the mortar to the surface.
Step # 5: fill. Pour the ready-made concrete mortar into the formwork and level the surface with a building level. It is generally accepted that at this stage it is better to use a wide spatula. However, practice has shown that the level will still have to re-level the surface after the spatula. As a result, both tools will be dirty and twice as long.
Step 6: cladding. After the surface has completely dried (it should take about a day), you can start facing the threshold. A variety of materials are suitable for this: tiles, porcelain stoneware, stone or laminate. The choice depends only on your imagination, interior design and financial capabilities. Most often, the threshold is sheathed with the same material that fits on the floor.
Installing a wooden threshold: step by step instructions
A wooden threshold is installed faster and easier than a concrete one. It is great if you do not have a large gap between the door leaf and the floor, or you do not want to spend a lot of time and money on the design of the doorway.
For the manufacture of a wooden threshold, a massive board or a narrow beam of oak, larch, beech or birch is used. A budget pine is hardly suitable for making a threshold - it is too soft and very quickly loses its original appearance and “shrinks”.
Before installing the wooden threshold, prepare the following tools:
- Board or timber;
- Saw, hammer and nails of a suitable size;
- Level or plumb line;
- Grinder or coarse sandpaper;
- Paint or varnish with which you will cover the finished threshold.
Now that all the tools are ready, you can get to work.
Step number 1: preparatory work. Prepare the surface for installation according to the standard procedure. Remove dirt and debris.
Step # 2: fit. If initially you did not manage to acquire a threshold of the strictly required size, cut off the excess. Place the board against the doorway and measure the width that is optimal to form a strong joint. Saw the board off to measure. For additional reliability, you can make cuts in the side parts of the door (important for wooden doors) and insert the board into the groove.
Step # 3: installation. Insert the board into the grooves you made earlier. Place marks on the board every 10-15 centimeters. In place of the marks, drill holes for driving in nails or insert dowels. Use a level to check if the threshold is even. Fix the threshold with nails or self-tapping screws.
Step # 4: decorate. The wooden threshold can be stained, painted or varnished. There are also special impregnations that increase the resistance of wood to moisture and burnout. This stage should be given special attention, because it depends on how long the wooden threshold will retain its original appearance.
Installation of a threshold with a platform
A threshold with a platform is nothing more than an ordinary concrete threshold, increased in size. Its width can be up to 100 centimeters. Much depends on the area of the hallway and the financial capabilities of the home owners. To install the threshold, formwork is constructed and reinforcing elements are used. After the threshold is decorated with tiles, porcelain stoneware, liquid floor or mosaic. Less popular materials such as laminate and linoleum. Spotlights can be “drowned” around the perimeter, hiding the wiring and housing under the concrete. It is not very practical, but it will cause a storm of emotions among the guests. Externally, a threshold with a platform may look like a podium. They are convenient to use and pleasant to look at. The threshold with a platform speaks of respectability and the first steps into the house impresses guests.
Non-standard types of threshold decoration
In addition to the tiles and laminate we are accustomed to, completely unexpected materials can be used in the course of decoration. For example, there have been recorded cases of decorating a threshold with pebbles, old coins and tree trunks. They do not hesitate to use commemorative broken porcelain dishes. Decorative elements can be attached both after the concrete has dried on an adhesive base, or immersed in still uncured concrete.
Not everyone will be able to decide on such a step in their home. It is especially necessary to understand that creativity requires from the performer not only a rich imagination, but also a "full" hand.
Any experiments with the interior, bold and not very much, should be successfully performed. If you are not one hundred percent sure of your competence, do not risk it. The specialists of the Guardian company will help in setting the threshold of any complexity. At the same time, you will save valuable time and get exactly the result you expected.
Why are thresholds needed? They fit snugly to the floor and protect the premises from drafts. It is not enough to reliably insulate the floor - you also need to ensure a good fit of the threshold to the door when closing, so that cold air does not enter the house. What are the thresholds? The most diverse. There are interior thresholds, which are a thin strip of plastic or metal, which neutralize the difference in the coverage of two different rooms. Carpet and linoleum are hidden under these. Sometimes they make formwork - a raised platform in front of the threshold, which is convenient to step on. There are thresholds for the front door - massive, made of durable wood or even metal, often ribbed and ensuring a tight closing of the door. Another type of entrance thresholds are thresholds included in the entrance group, which are made of concrete, brick or other materials that can withstand the load. Let's consider various options for setting the threshold.
How to make an entrance door threshold for an ordinary apartment?
The threshold can be supplied with the door and door frame (although not required). In this case, it will repeat the outlines of the door frame. In other cases, it is an ordinary bar, half of which rises above the other half. In this case, the lower half plays the role of a groove into which the door enters when closing, and the upper half acts as an obstacle that interferes with the flow of air into and out of the apartment (it simply protects against drafts).
1. If your threshold is worn out and you are going to replace it - dismantle the old one (usually they are just nailed or attached with dowels) and use it as a sample for a new one (to buy the same one in the store, or, in extreme cases, cut it out). If you do not have a sample, rely on the size of the gap between the door and the floor (the part of the threshold that is thinner should fit into this gap). The width of the threshold should be equal to the width of the doorway (you can take a longer threshold and saw off in place).
2. Clean the area of the doorway from construction debris.
3. Line the area with plaster or cement mortar. If the gap between the door and the floor is greater than the threshold, make a suitable step from the putty. If the gap between the door and the floor is less than the threshold, there are three ways out: either trim the door, or trim the thin part of the threshold, or make a depression on the surface and fix the threshold in it. Remember! When closing, the door should easily fit into the groove of the threshold, and not scratch it.
4. When the threshold has been installed (and trimmed as needed), check if it is horizontal using the building level (do not allow deviations). For convenience, you can outline it with a pencil on both sides.
5. Mark the threshold (for example, put a mark every 10 cm) and drill holes in it for dowels, nails or self-tapping screws (depending on the material to which the entrance door threshold will be attached).
6. Remove the threshold. If there is cement under the threshold, mark it in the same way as the threshold, and use a hammer drill to punch holes in the cement. If you are screwing the threshold to wood, you can simply drill holes for the self-tapping screws.
7. Drive the dowels (no self-tapping screws, only plastic bases) into the holes.
8. Place the threshold in its original place and screw it to the floor with self-tapping screws.
How to make a threshold of an entrance door with the addition of a platform in front of it?
Many people know that it is very easy to catch on the threshold, especially when it is not on the floor, but on an additional not too wide elevation. In addition, it is inconvenient to put a foot on it - you have to either step on the threshold, or step over it along with the elevation. If you want to expand the area that you need to step on before crossing the threshold, you need to do this:
1. Make the formwork. Formwork is a form that is filled with concrete. Punch it out of the planks and press it tightly to the floor where you are going to expand. The formwork is best aligned with the main step.
2. Clean the floor from debris and loose pieces of cement.
3. Treat the surface you are working with a primer for better adhesion.
4. Make the grout according to the instructions on the package and pour it over the formwork. Use non-shrinking cement. Cover the cured cement with planks or plywood.
5. Wet the concrete to prevent cracking. When the cement hardens (after a few days), remove the plywood and formwork and cover the unevenness with putty.
6. Place the resulting step with tiles on special glue (tiles are the recommended material, but any can be used if desired).
If your threshold came with a door frame, you can include it in the door frame itself. In this case, the threshold of the entrance door can be attached to it during installation. For this you need:
1. After assembling the horizontal and vertical beams of the door frame and trimming them as needed, lay the frame on a horizontal surface.
2. Drill the vertical beams at the bottom along with the threshold, and attach the threshold to the box with self-tapping screws.
3. Mark the threshold and the surface on which it will be located. If necessary, drill this surface and drive dowels into it.
3. Place the box in the opening and proceed as usual. After the door is installed, screw the threshold to the floor.
The threshold is the final element in the formation of the entrance to the premises. A large number of options not only for entrance, but also for interior thresholds suggests their different design and installation. In order to correctly select and install the necessary threshold for doors, you need to study the types of these structures, the materials of their manufacture and the installation technique.
What is it needed for?
Any thresholds are designed to perform the following functions:
- Dividing - the threshold of the front door is designed to separate the room from the street;
- Protective - prevents dust, dirt from entering the street or another room;
- Sound absorbing - contributes to sound insulation in the room. For this, products with rubber inserts are actively used, which will provide the best possible tightness;
- Decorative - beautiful and original thresholds with a door will create a unique set;
- Protective - provide additional protection against burglary. For example, there are such threshold designs in which a special system of locks is mounted;
- Retaining - thresholds can hold the floor covering (linoleum, laminate);
- Decorating - some models are installed so as to hide flaws or defects in the floor;
- Heat-saving - all thresholds keep warm in the house or apartment.
Types and device
Thresholds are of the following types:
- Input- are installed at the entrance to the house (apartment, building);
- Interroom- are mounted in the opening in the bathroom or shower room. Many do not understand what a threshold is needed inside the apartment at the entrance to the bathroom. Everything is very simple: if a water breakthrough occurs in this room, it will become a border that will not let the flow into the rest of the apartment. Some people install this limiter in order to isolate the entire apartment from excess moisture emanating from the bathroom. In addition, no one forbids installing a threshold in the hallway or near the doorway in the kitchen;
- To the balcony- is a necessary element, as it retains heat in the apartment and prevents dust from getting inside. In this case, from the outside, the threshold should be, first of all, functional, and from the inside - beautiful and matching in design with the overall design of the room.
Among the types of this design, models with an interesting and unusual name are distinguished - guillotines. They are attached to the end of the door. When the door is closed, they slide down and completely tear off the gap between the floor and the door.
Some doors are already sold complete with a sill. This is very convenient, since you do not need to waste time searching for the required copy. In the absence of such an element at the door in finished form, it can be purchased separately and installed independently.
The assortment of hardware stores is quite diverse. It is not difficult to find the necessary product. On sale you can see thresholds from both inexpensive materials and quite expensive items. Thresholds are made from the following materials:
- Wood is an inexpensive option... There are both interior and entrance wooden thresholds. Its quality depends on the type of wood. The strongest and most durable are oak, pine, hornbeam. A feature of wooden models is the need for careful maintenance and annual staining. Plus - the tree is easier to mount.
- Metal is a durable material... The paths from it are presented in various forms and types. They are particularly durable. Products made of steel and brass have the same feature. The aluminum threshold is used for fixing the floor covering.
- Plastic is a rather fragile material... Plastic thresholds are susceptible to deformation with prolonged exposure to the sun. This type of product is best used in conjunction with a plastic door.
- Stone, concrete used mainly for mounting at the entrance from the street and on the balcony. It is not recommended to install such products inside the room due to the weight of the structure itself and its volume. This type of threshold can be easily finished with laminate and other decorative elements.
- Cork- it is used when it is necessary to hide the difference between the floor level in different rooms. This material is very flexible and ductile compared to other options presented.
Installation features
It is not necessary to contact professional craftsmen in order to make a nut indoors. Installation can be done by yourself, but be sure to remember that the standard height of this product is 30 mm. There is only a slight deviation from the norm to a greater or lesser extent.
In order to start work, you need to make sure that the surface of the future threshold is even and dry. If this is not the case, you need to correct the defects so that later the finished product does not warp or deform.
It is better to make entrance options from the most durable materials. Using brick and concrete, you can make a threshold for the front door. Since concrete is a liquid substance, it is necessary to make a formwork for it (from old or unnecessary boards), which will subsequently be cemented with a composition. With this approach, it will not stand out from the general view of the room opening.
When installing a threshold made of wood, the work algorithm is somewhat different.
The procedure for mounting it is the following:
- Measurement of the length and width of the structure;
- Materials for the threshold are being prepared (they are sawn into pieces);
- Grooves are cut in the boards (the height of the boards must correspond to the height of the future step);
- The distance through which the nails will be driven in is calculated (usually it is 10 cm);
- The level of the surface is checked using a building level. It should be flat;
- The threshold is fixed on nails (screws);
- The final finishing of the threshold is being carried out.
When constructing a threshold in front of the balcony door, the same materials are used as for the front door. The work is carried out in the same way.
When installing the sill, the length of the adult's foot is taken into account so that it is convenient to use the step and the leg fits completely on it. In some cases, the design of thresholds begins with the fact that first the threshold is finished indoors, and then the rest of the step is mounted outside.
Decoration
Many owners are thinking about how to finish the threshold upon completion of the mount. If it was made of wood, then it is logical to carry out work on coating the product with varnish, paint or a special solution to protect it from moisture and dirt.
Brick or concrete products are best decorated with tiles, laminate. One of the cheapest ways today is linoleum finishing. It is inexpensive, but also not very durable.
How the threshold of an apartment or room will be finished depends on the preferences and fantasies of the owners of the house. In any case, it is necessary to carry out work on assembling the product with high quality. After all, such things are mastered for more than one year.
A correctly installed and finished threshold will not only protect the room from the cold, but also give a complete look to the entire room.
When deciding on the design of the threshold, be sure to take into account the size and material from which the box and the door of the passage are made. The threshold will fully perform its functions when the following indicators are taken into account in its design:
- Floor level. This indicator is taken into account in the first place, since the height of the nut itself depends on it. Too high will impede free movement around the room, as well as too low. The standard step should not exceed 3 cm in front of the front door. In a private house, it can be higher.
- Material. Its choice will depend on the expected degree of load and the frequency of use of the product. If this is the entry threshold, then metal is the best choice. For interior doors made of PVC, wood or plastic is best suited. To enter the balcony, buy tiles, metal and wood.
- No gaps between all components of the doorway - the threshold must clearly match the size and shape of the opening. The ideal solution to this problem would be to purchase a threshold together with a door.