A porch is usually called a platform in the form of a ledge or flooring, located immediately in front of the entrance to the house and, as a rule, having protection from precipitation in the form of a canopy or canopy. Depending on the height of the base, for ease of transition from the external part of the house directly into the house, one or several steps can be installed in the porch structure. At high threshold heights front door above ground level, the porch is equipped with a special ladder with one or more flights.
In any case, the main practical purpose of the porch at the front door is ease of transitions between the levels of the first floor of the house and the territory on which it is located. Another practical purpose of the design was to protect the front door from the direct impact of climatic factors (cold, heat), direct exposure to rain, snow, sun rays etc.
In addition to the utilitarian functions of protection and safe passage, a porch is often plays the role of a business card at home, an important element of the architectural design of the entire structure. As a rule, for this purpose, all kinds of decorations in the form of decorative carvings, decorations, etc. are often used in the details of the porch. A house with a regular porch, arranged in a single ideology with the entire structure, has perfect, harmonious and finished look.
Types of home porch
There are a great many types of porches. They are distinguished by design, base shape and materials of manufacture. Depending on the design, there are:
- external porch;
- inner porch.
In design outer porch steps lead to a platform located in front of the front door. An internal porch is different in that there are one or more steps at the beginning of the stairs outside the front door. The rest are located behind the front door of the house, in its internal corridor or hallway. Professionals also call attached and built-in porch structures.
Building a porch with your own hands - where to start?
As a rule, best option, when the architectural design of the house already provides a specific solution to the shape of the porch. This option is the most preferable from a constructive point of view, since the common foundation and waterproofing, other features of complex construction, guarantee against subsidence and cracks during operation, loss of the porch junction, etc. But if during the construction of the house there was no porch built, its construction should begin with a preliminary design.
It is very important that the planned construction does not spoil appearance of an existing building, didn’t look ridiculous or overly ambitious. It is important to be able to maintain proportionality of shapes and dimensions even for the simplest design, depending on its size. A porch that is larger than the modest size of the house looks ridiculous. As in the opposite situation.
When carrying out a project, you should choose the height of the porch, the number of steps or flights and their location. So the steps can be located on one side or on three sides, depending on the shape of the base. Based on the width of the door, the width of the porch is also selected. It shouldn't be any narrower. With single door, porch must have a width of at least 1.5 - 1.6 meters, i.e. more by 0.5−0.6 meters. The dimensions for a double-leaf entrance door are selected accordingly. When laying the foundation, it is important to lay its foundation correctly. Here you should take into account the existing depth of the foundation of the main structure and focus on it. An important element is the size of the steps. The optimal and convenient ratio of the width of the step to its height is 1.697 (width from 280 to 300 mm, height 165 mm).
It should be remembered that the wider and lower the step, the easier it is to climb such stairs. If the number of steps is more than three, care should be taken to install reliable railings and fences in the porch structure.
Materials for building a porch
When designing your version of the porch, you should pay attention to on the material of its manufacture. The following options are possible:
How to properly build a concrete porch?
Technology for constructing a concrete porch:
- For the accepted option for constructing a concrete porch, the start of work will be careful leveling of the site future construction.
- The foundation will be laid in the area where a pit of the appropriate shape is being prepared.
- The soil is selected to a depth up to 1.5 meters.
- A sand cushion is placed on the bottom and carefully leveled - a layer of sand with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.25 meters. Then crushed stone is laid on top in a layer of 5 centimeters.
- After careful compaction, formwork is built according to the chosen shape of the base, in accordance with the dimensions. Set up in the formwork frame made of metal reinforcement. It is necessary to ensure a reliable connection between the foundation for the porch being built and the main foundation of the house.
- Then it is poured into the prepared structure concrete mixture. For correct operation porch in the future, the height of the platform should be below the door threshold by 5-10 centimeters.
- To remove possible cavities and better compact the concrete, it is recommended to use a special construction vibrator. In places where railings and fences are installed, you should make liners from wooden blocks.
- It will take 7 to 28 days for the concrete mixture to set. During this period, the resulting monolith should be covered with film.
Making a brick extension
Common points in the construction of a brick porch and a concrete porch are the need devices reliable foundation, connected to the base of the house. It is also important to take care of waterproofing protection.
A classic roofing material laid in two layers is quite suitable here. To build steps on an established foundation, you should choose high-quality brick and cement of a grade not lower than M-400. It is important that total quantity There must be an odd number of steps.
You should start with styling the lowest level. The remaining steps are laid out according to the size of the bottom one. Construction must be carried out so that the depth of the area in front of the threshold of the front door, including the top step, is at least 1 meter. And in this case, its height should be 5-10 centimeters below the threshold. In order to save materials, it is allowed to perform combined masonry. Perimeter and external sides can be laid out of brick, and the empty middle filled with concrete mortar with a device reinforced frame. In the latter case, the setting time of the concrete should be taken into account.
How to build a wooden porch
There are many options for constructing a wooden porch. Perhaps this is the most universal and simple way to design it. But even in this case, you should take care of the foundation on which the structure will be erected. To do this, you can use the methods described above reinforced foundation made of a mixture of concrete and crushed stone.
Or you can put it in a prepared hole ready monolithic reinforced concrete slab. If the porch is not very heavy or large, even paving slabs will do. Work begins with the installation of four columns-chairs of the required height. All wooden elements, dug into the soil base of the site, are treated with hot bitumen and wrapped in roofing material to the digging depth. On chairs horizontal bars are attached, which are the basis of the future upper platform. Pre-prepared bowstrings and steps are assembled into a march.
There are also many assembly methods. You can cut ledges in the strings for the steps to be laid. You can cut the steps at their ends. This way of assembly flight of stairs counts most durable.
You should take into account the recommendations of specialists. They advise installing a middle string with ledges when the flight width is more than 1.2 meters. After assembling the flight of stairs, before installing it, the base must be two layers of waterproofing. When making a structure, it is important to make the upper ends of the chairs at the same level. After assembling the march and installing it, handrails and fences are made. The sides of the porch are covered with boards. As in the case of building a brick porch, for a wooden one you should select high quality wood. This will contribute to its long and reliable operation.
The main technological mistakes that are made during the construction of a porch
A properly constructed porch can last quite a long time. However, it will not be enough for 3 years if during the construction there were violations in the process. For example, wanting to save on materials, the owner lined the porch ceramic tiles , designed for internal use. It is clear that temperature changes and humidity will take their toll and in a couple of years the elegant garb of the porch will collapse.
Excessive haste during installation is also harmful. concrete steps. They should be poured one after another, sequentially, and not in one go. Forgetfulness of waterproofing when installing wooden base threatens him rapid rotting and destruction of the entire structure. Application of any materials low quality when building a porch it is extremely undesirable. Remember, the miser pays twice.
If the morning begins with coffee, then the evening starts right away. Crossing this part of the door, we get home, where we can relax after a hard day at work. It is the threshold that welcomes our guests and takes us for a walk. But no one thinks about the importance of this element of the front door and does not know how important its correct installation is.
Why do you need a threshold?
Some may think that the threshold only spoils the appearance of the front door and it is better to abolish this part of the structure. At the same time, the threshold creates a microclimate in the house and quietly takes care of all household members.
Door threshold functions:
- Sound and noise insulation. By completely sealing the door, sound insulation is achieved. You can't hear your neighbors, and they can't hear you. Without a threshold, this effect cannot be achieved;
- Thermal insulation. The first sign of wear or improper installation of the front door threshold is a draft in the corridor;
- The threshold does not allow odors from the entrance to enter the apartment. Just imagine what your life would turn into if you “smelled” everything that was happening outside the apartment;
- Door support. Threshold is a component door frame. The integrity of this design ensures the durability and reliability of the front door;
- The threshold can also serve as a decorative element of the interior if it is designed in a non-standard manner.
Externally, the threshold is a small protrusion. Height varies from 2 to 10 centimeters, but cannot be less. This is done so that the mat does not protrude beyond it. Before installing the threshold, think about what material you want to make it from. It is also important to consider several types of design (yes, the threshold can also have interesting design). Next, we will talk in more detail about all the nuances of installing the threshold of the front door.
Types of door thresholds
entrance threshold metal door can be very different. Thresholds are distinguished not only by size, but also by the material from which they are made. Thresholds are divided into:
- Concrete;
- Trees;
- Aluminum;
- Plastic (PVC);
- Stone.
More often, the material is selected according to the principle: “What the door is made of, the threshold is made of.” But variations are acceptable. For example, you can make slopes and thresholds from stone and decorate part of the wall adjacent to the door. A concrete threshold is acceptable as a base or finishing decorative element.
The most popular material for thresholds is wood. However, like plastic, wood is not durable. It is unstable to moisture, prone to swelling and deformation for various reasons.
Most reliable material Concrete is left to make the threshold for the front door. It will serve you for several decades without losing its original properties. An order of magnitude larger than a regular wooden threshold.
There are two directions in design: overestimation and underestimation. The first type of design of the entrance area is also accompanied by an increase in the area of the step. As a rule, such a threshold is made of concrete. It merges with the walls and creates a kind of “niche” in doorway. Both graphic, square and oval shapes are allowed. In the future, if desired, the increased threshold can be sheathed with laminate, stone or any other material that suits the overall interior design.
A lower threshold is preferred by adherents of minimalism in design. From a practical point of view, it is less convenient to use than the enlarged one. It's easy to trip over it because it's not conspicuous. The second drawback is the difficulty of organizing complete sealing of the door. You need to choose the size very accurately door leaf to avoid drafts. Otherwise, the low threshold meets all the requirements: it performs a supporting function and does not irritate the apartment residents with its pretentiousness.
Preparatory work
If there is currently an old one in place of the future door, then it needs to be dismantled. When replacing only the lower part door frame Only the threshold is removed. Removing the threshold is especially easy if it is made of wood. For this, an ordinary crowbar is used. In some cases, a screwdriver may be needed.
When the threshold is removed, thoroughly clean the entire surface: use a brush to remove any remaining trim and large debris, and then treat the floor construction vacuum cleaner to prevent dust from getting into your eyes.
At this stage, pay attention to the size of the gap between the door leaf and the floor. The height of the future threshold will depend on this factor. But don’t be upset if the size of the gap “prevents” you from realizing your intended design. The gap can always be reduced with plaster and a spatula. But the lack of centimeters will have to be dealt with only by completely rearranging the door and chipping the upper part of the opening with a hammer drill.
Check if the threshold you choose is the right size. Place it on the floor and try to close the door. Please also note that when using adhesive mixtures the threshold level may rise by 1-2 mm.
Installing a concrete threshold: step-by-step instructions
A concrete threshold is more suitable for private houses, since it is formed during the construction of concrete or stone steps. However, it does not have to be bulky, so the simplified version is quite suitable for an apartment. It turns out that the concrete threshold needs to be installed before installing the door.
The formation of a concrete threshold is impossible without a reinforcing structure. To create it you can use aluminum profile(it will give the threshold its shape) and any other reinforcing element for stronger adhesion of the solution inside the structure.
The following tools must be prepared:
- Spatula;
- Hammer;
- Construction level;
- Formwork;
- Deep penetration primer;
- Sand concrete;
- Water;
- Mixing container;
- Construction mixer.
Now let's move on to the instructions. So, how to form a concrete threshold.
Step #1: surface preparation. Clear the area of the future threshold from debris. If the surface is deformed (there are cracks or chips), treat it with concrete mortar and level it. After the solution has completely dried, treat the entire surface with a deep penetration primer to achieve better adhesion.
Step No. 2: formwork formation. For this operation we need boards. Strictly calculate the height of the future threshold. To do this, measure the door and set the level at which the door leaf will be after installing the door. At this stage, the main task is to make the correct calculations in order to achieve complete sealing of the door. Otherwise, the owner of the house will risk making friends with foreign odors, noises and drafts.
Step #3: working with mixtures. Today you can choose to purchase a ready-made concrete mixture or create it yourself. To do this, sand is mixed with M400 cement in a ratio of 1 to 4. It is possible to add gypsum, but then you will need to work with the mixture very quickly. This option is suitable only for professionals. Remember: concrete does not like water. If there is too much water, it will separate from the solution and “float”, forming a small swamp on the step. This is not at all catastrophic, but the drying time will increase significantly.
Step #4: additional surface preparation. Using a hammer drill, make holes in the floor at the site of the future threshold. This will provide additional fixation and improve the adhesion of the solution to the surface.
Step #5: Filling. Fill in the finished concrete mortar into the formwork and level the surface with a building level. It is generally accepted that at this stage it is better to use a wide spatula. However, practice has shown that you will still have to re-level the surface after the spatula with a level. As a result, both tools will be dirty and twice as much time will be wasted.
Step #6: cladding. After the surface has completely dried (about a day should pass), you can begin covering the threshold. The most suitable for this different materials: tiles, porcelain tiles, stone or laminate. The choice depends only on your imagination, interior design and financial capabilities. Most often, the threshold is sheathed with the same material that is laid on the floor.
Installing a wooden threshold: step-by-step instructions
A wooden threshold is faster and easier to install than a concrete one. It is great if you do not have a large gap between the door leaf and the floor or you do not want to spend a lot of time and money on decorating the doorway.
To make a wooden threshold use massive board or a narrow beam made of oak, larch, beech or birch. Budget pine is hardly suitable for making a threshold - it is too soft and will very quickly lose its original appearance and “shrink.”
Before installing a wooden threshold, prepare the following tools:
- Board or timber;
- Saw, hammer and nails of suitable size;
- Level or plumb line;
- Grinder or coarse sandpaper;
- Paint or varnish with which you will cover the finished threshold.
Now that all the tools are ready, you can get to work.
Step #1: preparatory work. Prepare the surface for installation according to standard scheme. Remove dirt and debris.
Step #2: customization. If initially you were unable to purchase a threshold strictly the right size, saw off the excess. Place the board against the doorway and measure the optimal width to form a strong joint. Saw the board to size. For additional reliability, you can make cuts in the side parts of the door (relevant for wooden doors) and insert the board into the groove.
Step #3: installation. Insert the board into the grooves you made earlier. Place marks on the board every 10-15 centimeters. At the marks, drill holes for driving in nails or insert dowels. Using a level, check whether the threshold lies evenly. Secure the threshold with nails or screws.
Step #4: decoration. A wooden threshold can be covered with stain, paint or varnish. There are also special impregnations that increase the resistance of wood to moisture and fading. This stage should be given special attention, because it determines how long the wooden threshold will retain its original appearance.
Installing a threshold with a platform
A threshold with a platform is nothing more than an ordinary concrete threshold increased in size. Its width can reach 100 centimeters. Much depends on the size of the hallway and the financial capabilities of the home owners. To install the threshold, formwork is constructed and reinforcing elements are used. Afterwards, the threshold is decorated with tiles, porcelain stoneware, liquid flooring or mosaics. Less popular materials are laminate and linoleum. You can “recess” spotlights along the perimeter, hiding the wiring and housing under the concrete. This is not very practical, but it will cause a storm of emotions among guests. Externally, a threshold with a platform may resemble a podium. It is convenient to use and pleasant to look at. A threshold with a platform speaks of respectability and the first steps into the house impresses guests.
Non-standard types of threshold decoration
In addition to the usual tiles and laminate, completely unexpected materials can be used during decoration. For example, there have been recorded cases of decorating a threshold with pebbles, old coins and cuts of tree trunks. They do not hesitate to use commemorative broken porcelain dishes. Decorative elements They can be attached either after the concrete has dried onto an adhesive base, or they can be immersed in still uncured concrete.
Not everyone will be able to decide to take such a step in their home. You especially need to understand that creativity requires from the performer not only a rich imagination, but also a “stuffed” hand.
Any experiments with the interior, bold and not very successful, should be performed. If you are not one hundred percent confident in your competence, do not take risks. Guardian specialists will help you set a threshold of any complexity. At the same time, you will save valuable time and get exactly the result you expected.
A living space consists of many elements that perform specific functions, both useful and decorative. This also applies to the threshold. It decorates the entrance to apartments of multi-storey buildings, as well as private country houses and dachas.
Purpose and device
The threshold at the front door is an important element in any living space. This part does a lot of things useful functions, such as: protection of the room from dirt, moisture and dust from the street, insulation from drafts, decorative component (addition to decorative design). It is worth noting that using the above design, you can increase the level of protection of an object from intruders. Also, due to the threshold, differences in the junction between the door and the floor are equalized.
Many owners are interested in the question of how you can make a threshold yourself using certain materials and tools. Experts recommend creating this element with a height of no more than three centimeters. In certain cases, the parameters can be changed, especially if it is necessary to achieve a certain decorative effect.
In the process of manufacturing the structure, you need to find a middle ground so that the threshold fulfills its main task - tightly joining the door to the floor, and also decorates the entrance and does not attract much attention to itself.
Before you begin, you should select a certain type of structure, as well as materials for its manufacture and cladding. As a rule, the material is selected taking into account the general style of the room, personal preferences and financial capabilities. Depends on the choice performance characteristics threshold and its resistance to external damage.
Some people mistakenly think that if they make the structure taller, it will look better and cope with other tasks better. However, height can be a hindrance and cause a lot of inconvenience when visiting a home.
A properly selected input threshold device should have optimal sizes. Further in the article we will talk about the criteria for choosing the type of threshold at the entrance to a house or apartment.
Rules for choosing a design
If the door frame comes with a threshold strip, then the buyer no longer has to choose a design for the threshold. In this case, it is installed when installing the door and frame. If such a component is not available, you need to independently select the materials for the threshold and the design of this element. It is worth noting that installation should be carried out only after the installation of the box is completed.
Professionals from the field of repair and decoration of premises say that When selecting design options, you must take these parameters into account:
- dimensions;
- raw materials for the manufacture of finishing;
- density of joining of the canvas to the threshold;
- product shape.
In order for the doors to fit as securely as possible against the threshold, it is equipped with special locking connections.
Remember that the threshold is almost constantly under load, and the more people live in the house, the more intense the load. If you want it to maintain its appearance for many years, it is recommended to choose the most durable and reliable material for cladding.
It's time to talk in more detail about their diversity.
Selecting the material
As with any element in each room, certain criteria have been developed for the threshold. The materials used are:
- Natural wood. Solid wood is widely used in the field of interior decoration and construction.
- Metal. This is a reliable and wear-resistant material that retains its shape and appearance for a long time.
- Brick. Strong and, importantly, affordable raw materials.
- Plastic. One of the most popular artificial materials.
- Cement. Budget option make a strong threshold.
Moreover, the color and texture of the threshold material should be in harmony with the door.
After the choice of material is made, it is necessary to select the form. Most experts agree that the most reliable design in the form of a staircase. The most common material options for the threshold are concrete, metal and wood, however, it is especially popular latest version. Perfect fit durum varieties tree.
Despite the fact that solid wood construction is not as strong and durable as concrete or metal, it is much easier to repair and dismantle if necessary.
Next we will talk in more detail about the arrangement of this type of threshold: how to make a threshold from wood. Wood has a special natural appearance, which is distinguished by aesthetics and attractiveness. In addition to oak, you can safely use birch. In order for the boards to withstand constant loads without problems, they must be pre-treated with a composition that protects them from moisture and dampness.
Required Tools
- Hammer;
- saw;
- plumb line;
- grinder(suitable for working with wood);
- nails;
- Bulgarian;
- vacuum cleaner.
The work process follows a strict sequence. First you need to remove dust and dirt from the installation site. Afterwards, boards of the required dimensions are selected. Their size should be longer than the width of the lumen.
Installation stages
Now that we have talked in general terms about the entrance threshold and its meaning, it is time to review in detail the stages of installing a wooden structure.
Leveling the base
Before proceeding directly to the installation, you need to put things in order. If there is an old threshold, it should be dismantled. The base is leveled for a durable installation. All holes, seams, cracks, etc. need to be fixed and plastered.
Measurements
After the area for the threshold has been thoroughly cleaned and freed from various types of defects, measurements should be taken. The gap between the vertical posts of the box is measured, and the master selects the width for the structure. Taking into account the selected parameters, you should buy boards of the required dimensions or prepare the material yourself.
Form
Now the plank is formed in accordance with the measurements taken earlier. To achieve a reliable connection, it is recommended to install a threshold wider than the door frame.
Installation
Using a plumb line, the bar is installed in a new location. During the installation process, you should check how the front door works together with the strip. Unimpeded opening means that the measurements were taken correctly and the threshold dimensions were chosen correctly. When the door closes bottom part must be securely connected to the threshold. The threshold itself is secured in place with nails or screws. If you are using nails, you should drill pilot holes before driving them into the board.
This is done to ensure that the array does not crack during operation.
Decor
As a rule, a wooden threshold is decorated with oil-based paint. If you want to preserve the beauty and design of the array, it is better to use transparent varnish. It will protect the wood from damage and at the same time will not obscure the beauty of the material.
How to install a metal threshold?
Metal thresholds are often used in tandem with PVC doors. Today, thresholds made of this type of material are actively used when decorating entrances to residential premises. Aluminum is suitable as a raw material, stainless steel or brass. The choice of these products is wide. Aluminum threshold for plastic door Perfect for an apartment decorated in a modern style.
It is worth noting that metal structures fit perfectly into the interior space.
Finished product can be purchased at any specialty store. After purchase, it is secured using frosts. During the work, special clamps and fasteners are used.
If necessary, the length of the threshold must be shortened in accordance with the dimensions of the door frame. As you can see, the installation process is very simple.
How to cement it yourself?
It should be noted that the process of creating such a design is not an easy task. But if the work is done correctly, such a threshold will last much longer than a solid product. In order to cement it yourself, you will need the following materials and tools:
- level;
- roulette;
- spatula;
- sand;
- cement;
- water;
- broom;
- board for formwork;
- primer;
- self-tapping screws;
- cement mixer and required container;
- screwdriver;
- hammer;
- hammer drill.
The workflow can be divided into specific operations.
Cleaning
As with wood, the area for the threshold is thoroughly cleaned. The old product is removed. If there are cracks and potholes, they are filled cement-sand mortar. The surface is primed.
Formwork
For concrete thresholds, formwork should be installed. It is made from planks or boards in accordance with the dimensions of the new structure. It is firmly fixed. The work process is carried out according to level.
To make the structure strong and reliable, it is recommended to screw long metal bolts into the base of the new threshold. Their height must correspond to the height of the structure. This element will play the role of reinforcement, strengthening the threshold. Some use mesh or wire.
Making the solution
Sand and cement, in a ratio of 1: 3, are needed to create a solution. For increased wear resistance, plasticizers are sometimes added; this element increases resistance to high temperatures. Modern market already offers ready-made mixtures, which do not need to be specially manufactured.
Fill
Once the concrete solution is ready, it is poured into wooden formwork. After this, the mixture is leveled. Make sure that the concrete is poured into all corners. Then you just have to wait until the raw material dries. While waiting, periodically moisten the surface with water, this will help get rid of minor defects and irregularities.
To learn how to set the threshold correctly, see the following video.
How to decorate the door threshold in the hallway?
Depending on the material from which the threshold is made, the appropriate finishing material is selected. The choice is also influenced by various indicators: where the threshold is set, in an apartment, a private house or on the street.
The metal threshold that comes with the box does not need to be decorated. This is a complete element. As stated above, wooden structure painted or varnished.
There is no arguing about the important role of the front door. It is both the protection of the room and the first decorative element that a person sees before entering a house or apartment.
Correctly making a threshold at the front door means properly finalizing the entrance space.
Despite all its apparent simplicity, the threshold is necessary and important element, performing a fairly wide range of functions.
It separates the room where the entrance doors are installed from the street or staircase and serves as additional protection against unauthorized entry. There are specially designed products where mortise locks. This design makes it much more difficult for attackers to break into the entrance doors.
Any correctly installed threshold should prevent dirt and dust from entering the room. It provides better sound insulation and absorbs noise. In addition, the ledge conserves heat, protects the room from cold and prevents drafts.
The structure can securely secure the floor covering laid in the room. For example, carpet or laminate. If necessary, existing coating defects can be repaired with a plank. Correctly selected threshold, harmoniously combined with entrance group, will become another attractive decorative element.
How to choose size and material
If you choose entrance door leaves of the required dimensions complete with a protrusion, the issue of purchasing it will be resolved on its own. Otherwise, you can purchase door thresholds yourself. It is important to decide which material is suitable for the room.
Wood is a high-quality and not too expensive material. The most reliable and durable will be wooden ledges made from oak, hornbeam or pine. These structures are installed both to complete the design of the front door from the inside and to divide the interior space.
You can easily install a wooden product with your own hands. Disadvantage: wood requires careful operation. It is recommended to update the appearance of the ledge annually with a new paint job.
The strongest and most durable thresholds are metal. They come in aluminum, steel, and brass. The shape of the structure is also different.
Plastic ones are mainly used only when installing metal-plastic door leaves. Rare use is explained by the fragility of the plastic and possible deformation during prolonged exposure to sunlight.
To the entrance opening from the street or for balcony doors You can install concrete or stone ledges. Decorative design may be different. For example, a laminate can be used to cover a threshold. In interior spaces the construction of such structures is undesirable. Their weight and volume are quite large.
The ductility and flexibility of cork is suitable for different levels of the floor surface in one or neighboring rooms.
The entrance opening and the door panels themselves are currently being manufactured standard sizes. However, in old houses structures of non-standard shapes and dimensions can be installed. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully take measurements before purchasing the product.
How to make an entrance door threshold in an apartment
Anyone can decorate the front door threshold. You can make a ledge with your own hands. At the same time, it is worth considering that it standard height- 3 cm.
Installation features depend on the choice of design and type of product. There are hidden and open ways installation In the second case, the head of any of the fastening means (a screw or dowel is often used) will be visible. Before installation, it is recommended to carefully level the surface on which the structure will be installed to avoid distortions and cracks.
Installation of each threshold made of different material, has its own characteristics.
Wooden
After measurements, you should prepare the components of the future product by sawing them into appropriate sections.
The boards in which the grooves will be cut are selected according to the height of the threshold. The nails or screws that will fasten the structure should be placed in 10 cm increments. After checking the evenness of the surface using a building level, you can begin fastening.
How to install a metal threshold
Metal thresholds are most often sold complete with the entrance group and, accordingly, they are installed together with the door leaf.
If the product is purchased separately, then before final fastening it is worth placing the threshold in its place and checking whether the door opens and closes freely, without obstacles. In addition, you need to pay attention to the tightness of the bottom of the door leaf. Avoid too large gaps between the threshold and the door.
Aluminum thresholds can additionally be used as a means of fastening flooring.
DIY concrete structure
Concrete thresholds are reliable, so by installing such a protrusion for the entrance opening, you can get a durable structure. After the place where the concrete product will be installed is cleared of dirt and dust, the surface should be carefully primed.
Then you need to set up the formwork. Old boards and bars are suitable as fencing. To prepare the solution, a concrete mixture with special additives and additives is used, which improves frost resistance and elasticity.
The solution is poured into the formwork and left to dry. To increase the strength of the composition, you can moisten it with water for 2-3 days. Then the formwork is removed.
Decor
Finally, decorative finishing is performed. The appearance of the threshold adds aesthetics to the opening and increases the service life of the product itself.
The coating depends on the material used to make the threshold. Wooden products coated with varnish or special means to protect wood. Sometimes they paint.
Using ceramic or laminate tiles, you can decorate a concrete threshold.
Decorating with linoleum will save on finishing, but this option is not the most reliable in terms of service life.
The threshold is considered a very important detail for the front door. This element of the house is very often simply forgotten and such a design is considered not very important. This opinion is deeply erroneous. It performs quite a few functions:
The door threshold protects the room from dust, noise and cold air.
- thermal insulation improves;
- less noise from the street enters the house;
- protects from dust;
- decorates the house, it is a decorative element.
This detail of houses helps out when there is a strong difference in floor level. In this case, it begins to perform a kind of decorative function, hiding such a defect. The question arises, how to install a front door without using the services of professionals?
Thanks to the threshold, the entrance door fits tightly and seals the doorway, helping to prevent possible break-in. In addition, with its help it is held in door block metal entrance door.
The threshold should enhance the appearance of the house. Therefore, to make a threshold, you need to select suitable material. Its service life depends on this. When a master begins to make it, he must take into account the element of safety. It cannot be made too tall. The high altitude will be a source of inconvenience for visitors to the house. Basically, the height of the threshold should not be very large, but also not very small. Its incorrect selection will result in a lack of protection for the home due to the formation of a gap between the door and the threshold. It will help thieves get into the house. In addition, the gap will become a source of disruption to the existing thermal insulation. To add elegance, you can make it in the form of a continuation of the steps of the entrance staircase.
Threshold production: nuances
For manufacturing it is necessary to select a material. Most often used:
- brick;
- wood;
- cement mortar.
After selection required material begin to create its form. The threshold that looks like a staircase is considered the most functional. Today we know a lot of the most different ways production of the entrance door threshold. The optimal option depends on the material used. You must always remember that this element of houses, in addition to its functional features, performs the task of decorating the design. The threshold must be made in such a way that the steps become one with the beginning of the floor.
Before you begin to fill in the irregularities that form during the installation of the front door, you need to carry out preparatory work. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and accumulated debris. The cleaned surface must be carefully examined to detect peeling and various cracks. Existing defects must be cleaned, very large cracks must be covered up cement mortar. All loose pieces must be removed.
The surface of the made threshold must be covered with sealant.
This is necessary because it is very strongly influenced natural conditions. It should be taken into account that its function includes the retention of dirt, which can be brought into the house by visiting guests and the owners themselves. Therefore, it is advisable to seal the resulting cracks with sealants.
Features of concrete construction
To form a concrete threshold, you must have special tools:
- formwork;
- concrete solution;
- construction plumb line;
- spatula;
- primer paint;
- perforator;
- paving slabs.
To obtain a more reliable adhesion of concrete to the screed, the surface must be treated with a primer. For a small step you need to make wooden formwork in accordance with its dimensions. The filling composition is made in strict compliance with the instructions.
There should not be a lot of water in the solution, otherwise the strength of the screed will deteriorate and bumps will form on it. To make the composition more elastic, special additives are added to it. It must be stirred until a thick dough is obtained, and the formation of lumps is unacceptable. For this type of work, special attachments for the hammer drill are used.
The prepared solution must be used within two hours, otherwise in the future it will lose all its positive qualities. Bubbles that will form during pouring are pierced with a knitting needle. Over the next 10 days, the screed must be moistened with water. This is done so that the concrete becomes stronger as it dries. To give the threshold a beautiful appearance and increased wear resistance, it is laid out outside paving slabs. The upper surface of the threshold is covered with tiles laid on a special glue. All seams are sealed with putty.
Birch or oak boards are most often used to make a wooden threshold. They are pre-coated with moisture-proof compounds. The fact is that during operation it can begin to swell greatly, and the front door will no longer close tightly.
Application of the wooden version
To make a wooden threshold, you will need to have the following types tools and materials:
- boards;
- saw;
- ordinary nails;
- hammer;
- construction plumb line;
- Bulgarian;
- sanding machine for wooden surfaces;
- vacuum cleaner;
When forming a threshold from wood, a certain sequence must be followed:
- A vacuum cleaner removes dust and dirt.
- The base is prepared for installation.
- The boards are sawn off according to its dimensions. It is better to make this size slightly longer than the width of the gap formed by the uprights of the box. For more reliable fastening, it is necessary to make cuts in the corners at the bottom of the racks so that their height is equal to the width of the threshold. After which they are inserted into the prepared grooves.
- Grooves are cut to the size of the height of the threshold.
- Marking is being carried out. Marks are inserted in 10 cm increments.
- Holes are drilled in the base for nails.
- Using a building level, the horizontalness is checked.
- The threshold is attached to the floor with screws, or you can use nails.
- The product is varnished.
The final finishing is carried out depending on the individual taste of the owner. It can be painted to match the color of the door. To create an impressive design, you can trim the threshold with linoleum or cover it with tiles. Sometimes a plinth is installed.
In conclusion, it must be said that the door threshold is a functional design. Therefore, it needs to be made durable and beautiful. Before installing it, you need to take care of it appearance, convenience and practical properties.