Help Around the House host Henry Harrison shows how to replace a threshold between carpeting and tile flooring (
figure A). On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a two.
Tools:
portable work table
miter saw
circular saw
hammer
chisel
putty knife
pencil
flush-cut saw
caulking gun
drill
straight edge
safety glasses
oak threshold
silicone sealant
Steps:
1. It's important that the threshold fit snugly against both the hardwood and tile floor to avoid cracking. Begin by cutting a small amount off the edge of the wood floor so the tongue on the bottom of the threshold replacement piece fits into the gap.
2. Mark the floor where the cut needs to be made at several points (figure B). Connect the dots with the straight edge to create a straight line to cut by.
3. Adjust the circular saw to cut just through the top hardwood floor. Make a "plunge cut" starting at near one end then follow along the line you marked (figure C). Stop before reaching the edge. Finish the cuts on the ends with a flush-cut saw (figure D).
4. Sweep up all the dirt and dust, then position the new threshold piece in place and mark it for a 45-degree miter cut (figure E). Mark the point where the short side of the miter needs to start.
5. Cut the replacement piece and make sure it fits (figure F).
6. Run two thick beads of silicone along both sides of the tongue on the back of the threshold piece (figure G). Fit the threshold into place, and tap it firmly into position using a hammer and a scrap of wood (figure H).
7. Now fit in the original piece, carefully matching the corners. If necessary, drill a pilot hole through the piece and use a nail to hold it in place.
8. Fill any gaps between the bottom of the threshold and the floor surface with silicone to act as a cushion and prevent the threshold from cracking.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
