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The door sill, or threshold, is the bottom portion of your exterior door frame. It helps to keep the elements out and provides a seal, as well as a place to step as you enter the home. These thresholds wear out over time, because of foot traffic and exposure to the weather. Replace them as needed to help keep your home's exterior in good condition.
Steps
Some door sills are made of brass or other cast metal that is screwed into place.
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Measure the existing door threshold for length and width.
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Purchase a metal sill of the same size and shape.Advertisement
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Use a variable speed drill fitted with a screwdriver bit to remove the screws anchoring the threshold into place. [1] X Research source
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Use a utility knife to cut through any caulk on the front and back edges of the sill.
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Place the end of a pry bar beneath the threshold and pull up on the bar to pull the old threshold away from the door frame. [2] X Research source
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Lay the new threshold out on a flat surface and place the old one on top of it. [3] X Research source
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Use a pencil to trace the shape of the ends of the old threshold onto the new one. Most metal thresholds are cut to fit around the door jamb. Because each door jamb can be different in size, the threshold must be cut on site to fit. [4] X Research source
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Remove the old threshold and screw the new threshold down onto a work table to keep it from moving. [5] X Research source
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Use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the door jambs from the ends of the new threshold. [6] X Research source
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Test the fit of the new threshold beneath the door and make sure the door closes over it.
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Screw the new threshold into place.
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Run a bead of waterproof caulk along the front and back edges of the threshold to help seal it into place. [7] X Research source
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Other than metal thresholds, the most commonly used material for a door sill is a hardwood like oak. Wooden thresholds often come in standard lengths that can be trimmed to size on site.
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Remove the door casings on either side of the doorway.
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Insert the end of a pry bar behind the casings and gently tug them free. Set them aside for later. [8] X Research source
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Use a circular saw to cut the threshold into three pieces. Cut nearly to the bottom of the threshold, but do not cut all the way through to avoid cutting the toe kick. [9] X Research source
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Cut the rest of the way through the threshold with a handsaw for control.
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Insert a pry bar beneath each section of the threshold and pull it free. If any section is not coming free easily, use a hammer and chisel to break it into pieces before prying it up. [10] X Research source
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Measure the length of the door sill and ensure that the new threshold is of equal size. Cut the new threshold to fit with a circular saw if necessary.
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Slide the new threshold into place to ensure that it fits.
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Paint the new threshold with a water and UV proof stain to help protect it from the elements. Allow it to dry.
- Alternatively, coat the new sill with 2 coats of clear polyurethane to seal the wood.
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Slide the new threshold back into place.
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Drill pilot holes into the threshold that are slightly smaller than the finish nails that will hold it in place. This will prevent the threshold from cracking as you drive in the new nails. [11] X Research source
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Hammer in the finish nails to hold the threshold in place.
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Fill the nail holes with wood putty.
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Reattach the casings on either side of the doorway.
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Hammer the finish nails back into place to reinstall the casings.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI have a double metal door into a utility room in the basement of my home. The threshold base is a piece of wood which is badly rotted. There is a plastic strip attached to the wood base which is in a channel cut into the cement floor, about and inch and one half deep. How do I repair it?Community AnswerCut it all out and then replace the plastic and wood combination with a piece of plastic baseboard. You could also just cleanout the floor channel and fill it in with cement, keeping it flush with the floor or mounding it up to the doors. You can easily hand mound a drier cement mix, or you can even sort of stamp a rectangular shape with a homemade wood mold that you force down and squeeze out any excess cement.
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QuestionHow do you know how to measure for a door sill pan?Community AnswerA tape measure should work very well for most doors. For other situations, you can use 2 sticks or wood scraps. Push the sticks or scraps tight to the jambs where you'll be cutting the old sill out, and then just draw a line across both sticks or scraps. Then, take the sticks to a tape measure with the line re-aligned for a perfect and exact measurement.
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QuestionI have a double metal door sill to replace, can I do it the same as a single door?Community AnswerYes, if the doors just sweep on top of the threshold or both doors clamp on the same side of the threshold. No, if the doors open oppositely to each other and therefore clamp to different sides, you'll have to conversely ramp or round the sides appropriately and individually.
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Tips
- Make sure you inspect the toe kick and casings as you replace the threshold. If they are rotting, purchase new ones cut to the same measurements as the sill and install them at the same time.Thanks
- Beneath some thresholds is a portion of the door frame known as the sub sill. Check the sub sill as well as you install the sill above it to ensure that it is in good condition.Thanks
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Warnings
- Always make sure you replace the sill with one of the same size and shape, including thickness. Sills come in all shapes and sizes; your door may not close properly if you use a different sort.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Variable speed drill with screwdriver attachment
- Utility knife
- Pencil
- Jigsaw
- Waterproof caulk
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Circular saw
- Handsaw
- Stain
- Paintbrush
- Finishing nails
- Wood putty
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about replacing a door sill, check out our in-depth interview with Ryaan Tuttle .
References
- ↑ https://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2012/10/12/repairing-rotten-door-entry/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/door/door-repair/how-to-replace-a-door-sill-and-threshold/
- ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-replace-threshold
- ↑ https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/replace-a-wooden-sill
- ↑ https://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/how-to-replace-door-sill-rot.html
- ↑ https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/replace-a-wooden-sill
- ↑ https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/replace-a-wooden-sill
- ↑ https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/replace-a-wooden-sill
- ↑ https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/replace-a-wooden-sill
About This Article
Article Summary
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To replace a metal door sill, you'll first need to measure the length and width of your current sill so that you can purchase a new one at your local home improvement store. Then, use a variable speed screwdriver to unscrew the old door sill. Use a utility knife to remove the old caulking and a pry bar to pull up the old sill. After the old sill is out, use it as a sizing guide if you need to cut your new sill. Make sure to measure the sill before you screw and caulk it in place. To learn how to replace a wooden door sill, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I've done a lot of home and renovation carpentry over the years. l'm usually right in my thinking things through, but it's great to have someplace else to brain-pick and make a more thorough working plan, just to be sure of myself." ..." more
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"I've done a lot of home and renovation carpentry over the years. l'm usually right in my thinking things through, but it's great to have someplace else to brain-pick and make a more thorough working plan, just to be sure of myself."
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"Easy to understand step-by-step instructions! Pictures are very clear and helpful from start to finish!"
"The reminder to look at and inspect toe kick and be careful not to set the saw too deep."
