Hyderabadghar/Do it your self/Repairing a Slider Door

If weather causes cracking and rotting in an exposed wooden door threshold, you can buy and install a replacement (Fig. 1). Although there are several types of thresholds, the guidelines below discuss how to replace your old one with a wooden type.

Fig. 1

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Easy
Estimated Project Time: 1/2 day, not including applying finish
Start Tips: Learn about the different types of thresholds available before replacing your existing one
Safety Tips: Wear safety goggles and work gloves when chiseling wood.
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Measuring tape	Screws
Pencil and paper	Putty knife
Safety goggles	Wood plugs or wood putty
Work gloves	Shims, as needed
Backsaw	Mallet
Screwdriver	Caulking gun
Wood chisel	Waterproof caulk or flashing
Pry bar	Water-repellent finish
Wood threshold	Paintbrush

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Take measurements
Take measurements for your new wooden threshold. You'll need to know the dimensions of the old threshold, the width of the door opening, and the height of the bottom of the door to the floor.

Fig. 2

2) Cut through the middle
To remove an existing threshold without removing the door casing and trim, cut through the middle of the board using a backsaw (Fig. 2). Be sure to avoid damaging the surrounding wood trim and flooring. If there are any screws in the threshold, remove them.

Fig. 3

3) Remove the old threshold
With the threshold in two pieces, it's easier to split the shorter sections using a chisel and pry them out with a pry bar (Fig. 3). Be sure to wear safety goggles and work gloves when performing this task.

Clean the exposed area. If there is any sign of water damage, have a contractor make repairs.

Fig. 4

4) Apply waterproof caulk
To keep water from seeping in, you can install threshold flashing or use a double bead of waterproof caulk. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 5

5) Install the new threshold
Cut the new threshold to size, providing notches for the threshold extensions.

At this point you can paint or stain the wood, if desired, or you can wait until after the threshold is installed. When the finish is dry, slide the new piece in place. (Fig. 5)

Test the door and adjust the threshold with shims as needed. The threshold should slant a bit towards the outdoors for water runoff. When the position is finalized, fasten the threshold using screws that are plugged or puttied.

Apply caulk around the perimeter of the piece.

If you haven't already done so, apply a water-repellent finish to the threshold.

Replacing a Threshold