Sealing a door threshold with Soudal Fix ALL High Tack for a strong, durable finish

The Best Door Threshold Solutions – A Simple Guide for DIY Installation

Key Takeaways:

  • A door threshold is a small upgrade with major impact on comfort, energy efficiency and aesthetics.
  • Choosing the right material and adhesive, like Soudal FixALL High Tack, makes the job easier and more durable.
  • You can DIY a proper threshold install in an afternoon, no pro required.
  • Proper installation helps with seal against drafts, sound insulation and smooth floor transitions.

Why Door Thresholds Matter

A door threshold isn’t just a decorative strip beneath your doorway. It connects the vertical sides of the door frame and seals the gap beneath the door. In modern homes, a well-chosen threshold:

  • Minimises heat loss, especially at entry points.
  • Improves acoustic insulation between rooms.
  • Provides a clean transition between different flooring types.
  • Prevents dust, water and debris migrating between spaces.
  • Supports barrier-free access with low or flush threshold options.

Whether you’re installing a new entry door or refining interior transitions, selecting the right threshold enhances comfort, safety and style.

Where to Install a Door Threshold

While not every doorway strictly requires one, there are several contexts where a threshold is strongly recommended:

  • Exterior doors: Entry doors, patio doors, garage access points benefit from thresholds that enhance weatherproofing and energy efficiency.
  • Wet areas: Thresholds between bathrooms and living spaces help contain water and protect flooring.
  • Rooms with different floor levels or materials: A threshold can help level out transitions and prevent tripping.
  • Noise-sensitive spaces: Bedrooms, offices or media rooms benefit from the sound insulation a well-placed threshold provides.For accessibility considerations (elderly residents, young children or wheelchair users), you should consider floor-level or low-profile threshold options.

Choosing the Right Door Threshold

Your threshold choice depends on several factors:

  • Material compatibility with your floor and door.
  • Exposure to moisture (especially for bathrooms and entry doors).
  • Style and colour, to match your interior design.
  • Durability and ease of maintenance.

Common threshold materials:

  • Wood (oak, beech): Warm, stylish, great for interiors but requires periodic maintenance.
  • Metal (aluminium): Modern, durable, ideal for high-traffic or wet zones.
  • Combination options: Some thresholds feature rubber or plastic seals for added insulation or water resistance.

Ensure the height and width match your door and floor type. In wet areas or exterior zones, look for waterproof or weather-resistant options.

DIY Installation: How to Install a Door Threshold Yourself

1. Gather Your Tools & Materials

You’ll need:

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Saw (for cutting threshold to size)
  • Putty knife or scraper (to remove old adhesive)
  • High-performance construction adhesive

Recommended Product:

Soudal FixALL High Tack by Soudal is a hybrid-based assembly adhesive ideal for threshold installation. Key features:

  • Extreme initial and final bond strength
  • Fast setting – no nails or screws required
  • Universal compatibility – works on concrete, wood, MDF, tile, and more
  • Odourless, paintable finish – ideal for indoor use

This adhesive also serves other home projects (skirting boards, panels, wall trims), so leftover is useful.

2. Prepare the Surface

Ensure the surface is:

  • Clean and dry
  • Free of dust, grease or old adhesive
  • Level and structurally sound

Use your scraper to remove the previous threshold and leftover glue. Measure your new threshold carefully and cut it to fit precisely.

3. Apply the Adhesive and Position the Threshold

  • Insert the adhesive cartridge into a caulking gun.
  • Apply stripes or dots of adhesive to the underside of the threshold.
  • Immediately place it into position, adjust slightly to spread the glue evenly.
  • Press down firmly to ensure full contact.

Allow the adhesive to cure for 24-48 hours before applying heavy weight or traffic.

Final Thoughts

Installing a new door threshold is a simple DIY project with big payoff: increased comfort, energy efficiency and better aesthetics. With the right materials, like Soudal FixALL High Tack) and preparation, you can complete the job in a single afternoon.

Don’t skip this essential finishing detail, choose the right threshold, use quality adhesive and follow proper installation steps for a long-lasting result.

FAQs

What’s the best adhesive to use for door thresholds?

For optimal results, use a high-performance adhesive like Soudal FixALL High Tack which provides strong bond strength across substrates such as wood, concrete, MDF and tile.

Can I install a threshold without screws or nails?

 Yes. With the right adhesive, you can skip mechanical fixings for many threshold installations, helping you keep a clean finish.

How do I choose the right material for a threshold in wet areas?

 In wet zones or exterior doors, opt for materials that resist moisture and corrosion, such as aluminium or specially sealed combination thresholds with waterproof seals.

Do I need a threshold between every door?

Not necessarily. But thresholds are highly recommended for exterior doors, rooms with different floor levels or materials, wet areas and noise-sensitive spaces.