How to Install a Door Threshold

Featured Pro: Eric Stromer
Category: Home Improvement
Time: 2:38


ERIC STROMER: Hey, I’m Eric Stromer. Here’s your GMC Trade Secret.

Now, sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. And in this case, this threshold has seen its finer days. It’s all dented and dinged and can really stand to be replaced. It’s very simple to do, and I’m going to show you how.

First and foremost, all you have to do is remove these screws. Now, generally, these thresholds are going to be caulked or grouted into place. In our case, there’s a bead of caulk running along the back and the front of the threshold, so I’m going to go ahead and score it with a utility knife.

Next up is to go and pry it out. You can use a pry bar or a screwdriver, whatever works for you. Now, you want to take good care to have this come out in one piece so that you can use this entire threshold as a template to cut your next piece. Okay, great. We got that out in one piece. Let’s go ahead and use this as our template and move on to the next step.

The next step is to cut the threshold. Now, if you want every project to run as smooth as this Sierra here, you’ve got to have the right equipment. So to cut this metal threshold, you can either use a jigsaw or a hacksaw. I’m going to use a jigsaw.

Be sure to pick a new threshold that is at least as long or longer than the original. Mark the threshold and cut it to size. Use a metal file to smooth the edges. I’ve got my newly cut threshold cut to size, utilizing the old piece for the template. Let’s see if it works. Why, yes, it does – perfect.

Now all that’s left to do is go ahead and screw this down in three different places, run a bead of caulk on the front and the back of the threshold, and then put the weather-stripping gasket in place.

It’s a good idea to make sure that your door does, in fact, clear the threshold. Ours does, obviously. So it’s time to put this in. Yes, perfect. The gasket fits. The threshold is complete. Don’t be afraid to replace this threshold.

I’m Eric Stromer. That’s your GMC Trade Secret.