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We are now offering Free Downloadable books on our website to provide educational resources regarding different types of hardware for around the home.

Here is an excerpt of our downloadable book, Exterior Door Thresholds for the Homeowner.  If you wish to read the entire handbook, feel free to click here.

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Chapter 4: The Main Types of Exterior Thresholds

Homeowners do not need to know every technical term, but it helps to understand the main categories.

Adjustable thresholds

These are common on residential exterior doors. They have a top section that can be raised or lowered slightly to improve the seal under the door.

Why they are popular:

• helpful for reducing drafts
• useful when a house settles slightly
• easier to fine-tune over time

Saddle thresholds

These are straightforward, durable thresholds with a raised top surface.

Often chosen because they are:

• simple
• sturdy
• widely available

Bumper thresholds

These are shaped to work with certain in-swing doors and door bottoms. They are designed to create better contact with the sealing surface.

Low-profile thresholds

These are easier to step over or roll across.

Helpful for:

• strollers
• rolling carts
• walkers
• wheelchairs
• reducing trip risk

Interlocking thresholds

These work with specially matched door bottoms. They can create a tight seal but need compatible parts and careful setup.

Homeowner Tip

If your main goal is solving a draft, an adjustable threshold is often worth looking at first.

Chapter 5: Common Threshold Materials and What to Expect

The most common threshold materials each have strengths and weaknesses.

Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most common choices.

What homeowners like about it:

• durable
• practical
• widely available
• often used in adjustable designs

Possible drawbacks:

• may scratch or show wear
• appearance can feel more basic or utilitarian

Wood

Wood thresholds are common in older homes, traditional homes, and some custom entries.

What homeowners like about it:

• warm, natural appearance
• pairs well with wood doors

Possible drawbacks:

• can swell or rot if exposed to moisture
• usually needs more maintenance

Composite or engineered materials

These are designed to resist moisture better than natural wood.

Benefits:

• lower rot risk
• often more stable than wood
• useful in damp conditions

Watch for:

• quality differences between products
• appearance that may not match real wood exactly

Stainless steel and specialty metals

These are less common in everyday homes but may be used in high-durability situations.

Benefits:

• very durable
• good for demanding conditions

Drawbacks:

• often more expensive
• not always the look homeowners want

Choosing by Lifestyle

If the doorway gets a lot of traffic, moisture, muddy shoes, pets, or kids running in and out, durability usually matters more than appearance alone.