Old Door Threshold Worn or Rotted? How to Replace It

A worn wood sill can often be capped with a bronze saddle threshold. A rotted sill needs the rot repaired first; a threshold won't fix soft wood.

Worn but solid

Cap it. A low bronze saddle threshold covers the worn area and protects the wood. On an exterior door, pair it with a sweep or door bottom to seal.

Drafty or wet

Use an interlocking bronze threshold with a J-hook on the door. Threshold height changes the door's bottom clearance, so choose the threshold and the door bottom together. How much clearance you need.

Rotted

Probe it with a screwdriver. If it goes in easily, the sill needs repair or replacement before a new threshold goes on.

What to measure

• Opening width at the sill, jamb to jamb.
• Sill depth.
• Gap under the closed door.
• Inswing or outswing.
• Photos of the sill and door bottom.

Thresholds are cut to length; cut slightly long, then file to a snug fit and notch around the jambs. Full install guide · Shop bronze thresholds

Common questions

Can I put a new threshold over a worn wood sill?

Yes, if the wood is solid. A low bronze saddle threshold caps the worn area. A rotted sill must be repaired first.

What should I measure to replace a door threshold?

The opening width at the sill jamb to jamb, the sill depth, the gap under the closed door, the swing direction, and photos of the sill and door bottom.

Want it done for you?

Classic Door installs weatherstripping and bronze thresholds on historic doors across New England. Anywhere else, send photos of the full opening, the door edge and the sill and we will tell you what you have and what to order. Not sure you picked the right part? Write "verify my order" in the order notes and we will check it before it ships.