Thresholds are sometimes imperceptible. Not all doors have them and the ones that do don’t always stand out. Thresholds can be a nice addition to a door, though, especially if the floor on either side is distinctly different from your neighbor’s and needs a separation barrier instead of meeting abruptly.
They can also be good at stopping drafts or preventing air, whether hot or cold, from escaping or entering.
But what kind of maintenance do interior thresholds need?
There are several things to consider, such as staining, urethane sealing, or painting. Each one is a possibility but the final decision is up to you. The truth is that a threshold needs some type of coating to prevent it from getting dirty, marked or damaged.
If you have hardwood floors you could stain the threshold:
1. Lightly sand the threshold leveling it on all sides.
2. Prepare the stain.
3. If you want to match the color of the hardwood floor, apply the stain slowly in layers.
4. Once finished, apply a sealer giving it multiple coats for extra protection.
If you want to paint the threshold:
1. Lightly sand the threshold leveling it on all sides.
2. Prepare the paint. It should be oil-based for best shine and longest wear.
3. Apply at least two coats, letting it dry in between.
4. Once finished, apply a sealer giving it multiple coats for extra protection.
If you like the color of the wood in the threshold, you can leave it in its natural state. In that case, you should still give it a varnish to protect it from foot traffic.
1. Lightly sand the threshold leveling it on all sides.
2. Prepare oil-based varnish.
3. Apply at least two coats, letting it dry in between.
Finally, add some caulking around the edges of the sill to prevent dirt from getting caught in the open spaces. After all, the threshold will be crossed by plenty of feet carrying all manner of gook that may stay if given the chance.