Home Improvement Ideas Doors Door Repairs & How-To Our Step-By-Step Guide to Door Threshold Replacement Don't wait for someone to trip over your rotting entry to revamp your front door. Learn how to install a door threshold and sill in just a few hours. By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on October 14, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Michael Partenio Project Overview Total Time: 3 hours Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $50 to $100 An exterior door threshold takes a lot of abuse from foot traffic and weather—and it can only withstand so much. Door threshold replacement should be done if it's damaged for safety and aesthetics. Thresholds come in wood and metal, with a rubber gasket to seal out the cold. Most exterior door thresholds also have a sill beneath them. If the threshold is rotted, the sill probably is, too. The sill is beveled on one side to drain water away from the house. It fits tightly between wall studs and under the jambs and casing, so you must cut it before removing it. You may also need a door threshold replacement on the interior because the old one is unattractive, or new flooring on one side of the doorway calls for it. An interior door threshold rests on the floor with no sill under it. Installing a new threshold and sill will take between two and three hours. Protect your floors with a drop cloth before you begin, and make sure you're comfortable with basic carpentry skills. Once you've completed a door threshold replacement, try some of our other door projects to update your home. How to Install Exterior Door Frame Molding for a Quick Update What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Hammer Block of wood Drill Hacksaw Chisel Materials Flooring adhesive 10d casing nails Exterior wood putty 12d casing nails Sill cover (optional) Instructions How to Replace a Door Threshold and Sill Remove Old Threshold The threshold usually fits below the stops and against the jambs. To remove a door threshold, use a nail set and hammer to poke the nails all the way through. Then tap the threshold out using a hammer and a block of wood. How to Fix a Squeaky Door Mark the New Threshold Use the old threshold as a template to mark for cutting the door threshold replacement. Attach and Secure Threshold Test the fit of the door threshold replacement. Apply flooring adhesive to the floor, slip the threshold into place, drill pilot holes, and drive 10d casing nails to secure it. Fill the nail holes with exterior wood putty. Editor's Tip If you're replacing a threshold with a metal one, cutting the stop moldings to fit around the threshold is usually easier. Cut the sill with a hacksaw. Use a hammer and chisel to cut through the stops. Remove Old Sill Because it's nailed under the jambs, you'll have to cut a sill into pieces before removing it. First, cut out a large middle section, then chisel or pry out the smaller sections at the sides. Use Old Sill as a Template If the old sill pieces are intact, assemble them on top of the new sill stock and use them as a template. However, measure to be sure the overall length is correct. Fit and Install Tap in the new sill to be sure it fits. Apply flooring adhesive and install the new sill with 12d casing nails. Your Guide to Troubleshooting Door Problems Install Sill Cover If desired, protect and liven up a sill with a metal sill cover, which wraps around the front of the sill. Cut it with a hacksaw. Install a cover alone, or purchase a cover and sill combination. More DIY Door Projects If more needs to be done beyond a door threshold replacement and installing a new sill, these are some how-to guides for other door projects. Add more light and outdoor access with our guides on how to install French doors or sliding patio doors. If you need to replace a door, our how-to has step-by-step instructions. Get help from our guide to doors for deciding what style of door would work in your room or entryway. We also show you which materials are best for interior or exterior doors for maximum durability and curb appeal. How to Weather-Strip a Door