How high should the threshold be on an entry door?

Author: Dr. Davin Gerhold Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

The height of each exterior door threshold should be no more than 0.5" (1.25cm). This includes bottom rails or tracks for sliding doors and other door hardware. Low thresholds are accessible and safe for everyone. Flush is ideal, but aim for 0.5” or less if some height is necessary to keep water out.

How high should a front door threshold be?

Thresholds, if provided at doorways, should be a maximum height of 1/2 inch. Any changes in level of 1/2 inch are permitted to be 1/4 inch vertical plus 1/4 inch beveled 1:2.

Should the deck be flush with the door?

Yes, a deck should generally be level with the door to ensure smooth transition and accessibility. Here are a few reasons why this is important: Ease of Access: A level deck allows for easy movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, reducing the risk of tripping.

What is the correct position for a door threshold?

Door Threshold Installation

Slide the threshold underneath the doorstops and position the notches cut to fit around the door jambs. Tap it snugly into position using a rubber mallet. The threshold should slope slightly away from your home so that water will not pool at your doorway.

What is the maximum door threshold?

The threshold including door frame should not be more than 15mm in height overall. Of these 15mm, there should be a minimum number of upstands and slopes, with any upstands higher than 5mm chamfered. The gap between door sill and paving or timber to be a minimum of 10mm.

Home Maintenance - How To Adjust a Door Threshold.mov

How much gap should be between door and threshold?

In general, the gap beneath an interior door will be between three-quarters of an inch and half an inch. This width depends largely on the type of flooring, as door frames are generally installed when the floor is unfinished. A standard door can have varying levels of clearance over different flooring types.

Which is the maximum allowable height of a threshold that is located at a door opening?

Thresholds. The height of thresholds is limited to 1/2″ in new construction. The edge must be beveled 1:2 maximum above a height of 1/4″. A maximum height of 3/4″ is permitted for existing or altered thresholds if they have a beveled edge on each side with a slope not steeper than 1:2.

What is the standard door threshold?

The height of thresholds can vary anywhere from 1/4″ tall to 1″ or more. ADA requirements may restrict the height of the threshold to 1/2″ tall and a gradual incline no greater than 1/4″ in vertical rise. Thresholds can be supplied in widths from as small as 2″ wide up to 10″ or more.

How high should deck be relative to door?

Yes, there should be a step down to a deck from your door. Ideally, the step should measure between 2 inches and 4 inches in height.

Should hinges be flush with door?

A hinge is generally recessed back far enough so the cutouts in the hinge for the knuckles are flush with the door or jamb surface (Fig. 7). Once these measurements have been transferred to the door, you are ready to cut the recess.

Should I leave a gap between deck and house?

A proper connection would have a 1/2 to 3/4 gap between the deck construction and the house to allow rain and meltwater from snow to flush through; this prevents rot from forming in the deck timbers, and/or in the adjacent wood of the house framing.

What are the requirements for a door threshold?

Door thresholds that have a vertical height of ¼” or less are ADA compliant. Door thresholds can be modified with a transition ramp up to ¾” in vertical height. Any door threshold higher than ¾” in vertical height requires a level-landing.

How high should a doorstep be?

The choice of material influences the slab thickness, which typically ranges between 20mm and 40mm. Ensure that the slab thickness plus an additional 10mm is considered when measuring the space from the top step to the door entrance. Step Rise: Aim for a rise (height) of each step between 150mm and 170mm.

Do I need a threshold on an exterior door?

You may not feel the outside air coming in, but if you have an ill-fitting threshold with even a small gap, you may feel it each time you get your high energy bill. Exterior doors require threshold and weatherseal upgrades to keep the house clean and keep energy costs low.

How high should an exterior door threshold be?

In addition to the change in floor level between the interior floor and exterior landing discussed on page 4.11, the Guidelines specify that thresholds at these exterior doors, including sliding door tracks, shall be no higher than 3/4 inch.

Where should a door threshold be?

When positioning a threshold bar, you need to make sure that you place it directly below the door, with measurements carefully made, as you don't want to see the strip when your door is closed. The main steps to any interior door threshold placement are: Measuring the width of your doorway.

What is the ADA compliant door threshold?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires thresholds no taller than ½” with a 1:2 beveled slope. While there are plenty of ADA thresholds available that offer compliance, they're known for one major performance issue: water leaks.

How do you measure the height of a door threshold?

Measure the interior height – Measure from the floor to the top of the interior threshold, including the sliding door tracks. Measure the exterior height – Measure from the ground to the top of the exterior threshold, including the sliding door tracks.

What to put under the exterior door threshold?

In this instance, a threshold seal strip is a great solution. A threshold seal strip is typically made from metal or rubber and slots into the gap beneath your threshold. Seal strips are easily fitted by applying a bead of fixing adhesive beneath the strip before slotting the strip into place and waiting for it to set.

What is the maximum height for thresholds at doorways other than at sliding doors serving dwelling units _______________ inch?

Thresholds at doorways shall not exceed 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) in height above the finished floor or landing for sliding doors serving dwelling units or 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) above the finished floor or landing for other doors.

What is the gap between door threshold and door?

One common and effective solution for sealing gaps around door thresholds is weatherstripping. Weatherstripping materials, such as adhesive strips or door sweeps, can create a tight seal when the door is closed, preventing air, water, and pests from entering your home.

How to install an exterior door threshold?

How to Replace a Door Threshold and Sill
  1. Remove Old Threshold. The threshold usually fits below the stops and against the jambs. ...
  2. Mark the New Threshold. ...
  3. Attach and Secure Threshold. ...
  4. Remove Old Sill. ...
  5. Use Old Sill as a Template. ...
  6. Fit and Install. ...
  7. Install Sill Cover.

How to seal the threshold of a front door?

Caulk the entire perimeter of the threshold. This includes the front and rear ramp side on the threshold as well as the sides that butt against the jamb. Make sure to go slow and put an even bead across all surfaces.

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