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How to Replace a Threshold on an Exterior Door

Replace the threshold of an exterior door when it shows signs of rot or deterioration. Rotten wooden casings and the riser may need to be replaced as well.

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Caulk Chisel Circular saw Drill Finishing nail Hammer Handsaw Nail set Paint Paintbrush Pencil Primer Pry bar Rip claw hammer Rubber mallet Square Tape measure Uv-resistant polyurethane Vapor barrier Wood filler

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How to Replace a Threshold on an Exterior Door

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" This old oak threshold is beginning to show signs of rot and needs to be replaced. Here's how to do it. Measure the old threshold and purchase a replacement threshold from a lumberyard. Often, because of a tight fit, you have to remove the casings in order to remove the threshold. The casings are the wooden trim surrounding the door. It's a good idea to purchase new wood for the casings as the bottoms are often rotten or they crack or break in the process of being replaced. To remove the casings, find the crack between the front casing and the inside casing and tap a thin pry bar into the crack. Working your way up the edge, gently pry the casing away as you go. When you reach the top, pull the casing away. Remove the finishing nail, and set it aside for now. Do the same with the other casing, slowly prying the trim away as you work your way along. Once the casings are removed, you can cut away the old threshold. Using a circular saw, cut the threshold into three pieces. First though, set the blade to a depth just under the thickness of the threshold. Work your way as close as you can to the edge of the threshold and then finished with a handsaw. Using the claw of a ripping hammer or a large chisel, split the center section into pieces. Then, using a pry bar, removed the center section and then carefully remove the threshold sections on the left and right side. In some cases, because of rot or damage, you may have to replace the riser under the threshold as well. First, carefully measure the width of the threshold space. Then turned the new threshold upside down and carefully transfer the width to the new threshold and mark the length with a square and pencil. Cut the new threshold to fit. Slide the new threshold into place and check the fit. Make sure you leave 1/8 to 3/4-inch clearance between the threshold and the door. Drill three 30-second pilot holes into the threshold. These pilot holes prevent the threshold from cracking when the finish nails are driven in place. Paint all six sides of the new threshold with the UV resistant exterior polyurethane and set it aside to dry. If there was a vapor barrier behind the riser and it was damaged, it should be replaced when you replace the riser. We're going to install the new riser first, then the new threshold, then the new casing. Because the old riser under the threshold was rotten, we've measured, cut, and painted a new board to fit in place. Fasten the riser in place with 8-penny galvanized finish nails. Then, slide the threshold into place and drive it in tight with a rubber mallet. Use 16-penny galvanized finish nails to secure the new threshold in place. Set the nails with a nail set, and then, fill the holes with filler putty. Taking measurements from the old casing, cut new casings for the door and test fit each piece for a tight fit. Next prime and get a first coat of finish paint on all six sides of the trim. When the trim is primed and painted, nail the casing in place with 8-penny finishing nail set about 12 inches apart. Set the finishing nails below the surface with a nail set and apply wood filler to hide the holes. Fill the cracks between the casings and the house with caulk so that water can't get in. Replace any molding removed at the start of the project. Apply a final finish coat of paint and the projects complete."

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