How to Replace a Door Threshold in 5 Easy Steps

Your first order or business will be to remove the existing door threshold. The process will be a bit different for interior vs. exterior door thresholds.

To replace the threshold on an interior door:

1. Carefully slide a putty knife under the threshold to pry it up slightly. This should expose the nailheads. Be careful not to damage your flooring in the process.

2. Use your pry bar to pry out the nails.

3. Slide the threshold back until it comes loose from the doorframe.

To replace the threshold on an exterior door:

1. Use your putty knife to pop out the screw head covers. These might be absent on your threshold, so skip this step if you can already see the screw heads.

2. Unscrew the threshold.

3. Use your pry bar to pry off any trim on the inside of the threshold, if applicable. Set it aside for reinstallation later.

4. Use a putty knife to break the sealant along the inside edge of the threshold, if applicable.

5. Use a rubber mallet to tap the threshold back toward the inside of your home until you can remove it entirely.

Home improvement stores sell door thresholds in common lengths that may not match your door, so you will need to cut it to length.

1. Using your tape measure to measure the inside of the door frame. Make sure you account for any portion of the threshold that will fit underneath the door jamb trim.

2. Use a handsaw or jigsaw to cut the new threshold to the correct length. For exterior door thresholds, a single straight cut will usually suffice. For interior door thresholds, you may have to notch out for trim.

3. Carefully measure the cutouts for your interior door threshold using a tape measure. Mark your measurements on your new threshold as you go, and then make the cuts with a jigsaw.

Use your whisk broom and dust pan to sweep out any debris that might have been trapped under the old door threshold. Some contractors use construction adhesive to help keep door thresholds in place. If you see remnants of an adhesive, do your best to scrape it off with your putty knife and sweep away the debris.

It’s worth checking the area for rot or physical damage, which may require replacing the door frame or getting it repaired.

Once you have the threshold cut to the proper length and notched out for trim, if necessary, you can install it in place.

1. Slide the threshold into place to make sure it fits properly in the space. Use a rubber mallet to tap it gently into position if you need to.

2. If you’re replacing an interior door threshold, use a finish nailer or finish nails and a hammer to attach the new piece to the flooring underneath. You may want to throw down a bead of construction adhesive under the new threshold to prevent it from shifting in the future. Additionally, be careful if you use a hammer to nail it down, as you could easily damage the new threshold.

3. If you’re replacing an exterior door threshold, you’ll more likely screw it down into the flooring. Be careful not to overtighten. Place screw head covers over the screws if your threshold came with them.

If you’re replacing the threshold on an exterior door, it’s best to seal it to prevent water and outdoor air from leaking in from under the door.

1. Use your caulk gun to apply a bead of sealing caulk along the entire length of the inside of the new threshold. There are some types of weatherstripping that work in place of caulk, as well, but caulk is an affordable option that’s easy to apply.

2. Immediately reinstall your trim, if applicable. You may need to replace the trim if you damaged it when you pried it off.

3. Let the caulk dry for 24 to 48 hours before stepping on the threshold.