Decorative floor thresholds are an opportunity to hide the gaps that are formed near the doorways when laying the flooring, where the installation of the skirting board is impossible. Gaps are mandatory, they compensate for the thermal expansion of the material.
What are floor sills
Before choosing and buying sills, you need to figure out which models you need. Depending on the design, the sills differ:
- sills for the floor are single-level. Designed to protect and decorate the joint of floor coverings of equal height, for example, when laying two strips of linoleum. It can be straight or t-shaped sills;
- sills are multi-level. Make a joint between strips of material located at different heights. For example, at the linoleum / laminate border, where the height difference can reach 4 mm;
- corner sills. The product is mounted on the edge of the steps so that the coating does not tear and does not get dirty on the cut.
Material for the manufacture of sills
- aluminum thresholds for the floor. Strong and durable product. Aluminum door sills can be used in high traffic areas;
- plastic threshold. Inexpensive and practical model, resistant to moisture. This is a good threshold for the bathroom - it will not rust over time.
Ways of fastening the thresholds
- sills with hidden fastening. Self-tapping screws or countersunk screws are not visible on the surface. The threshold remains smooth and looks more aesthetically pleasing;
- sills with open fastening. The product is easy to install and remove anywhere in the apartment, but the heads of the screws will be visible;
- sills with fastening on glue. They are used in places with low traffic intensity. As a rule, plastic
After the completion of the repair and laying of coatings on the floor, in most cases, gaps in the interroom connections cannot be avoided. For example, when a tile is joined to a laminate or carpet. Often there are also multi-level connections. To eliminate such a functional defect, special thresholds for the floor are used. Various materials are used for their manufacture. But metal products have won the greatest popularity. In particular, brass and aluminum options are in special demand.
What is a threshold? This is a plastic or metal overlay, with which you can hide the joints between floor coverings of different textures. Interior thresholds are the most important element at the final stage of repair. This is a separate part of the design solution, which can emphasize the aesthetics of the finish.
Application area
This finishing detail performs a rather important function. The main goal is to protect the floor material, preventing particles of debris, dust or moisture from getting under it. Especially important is the use of thresholds for parquet and laminate. After all, wood products react sharply to all kinds of external stimuli.
Aluminum and brass products are ideal for hiding all sorts of floor irregularities and installation defects. Yes, and bare joints look unpresentable. Covering the edge of the laminate, the threshold eliminates the risk of injury from the sharp edges of the board. In addition, such a finish of the joints looks aesthetically pleasing with any design. This gives a sense of integrity and completeness of the repair, providing a smooth passage between the individual rooms. Metal profiles are a beautiful appearance, strength, wear resistance. The main area of application is the joints of parquet, laminate and tiles.
On sale there are also plastic, rigid and flexible thresholds and profiles, which are intended for finishing apartments, offices, warehouses and shops. The scope is quite wide, from sealing expansion joints to hiding the joints of different floor coverings, which can be with a height difference. The profile has different shapes - flat, angular, t-shaped.
Profile Features
Thresholds are made in a variety of colors and sizes. Various materials can be used as a basis. But the fastening of different models can be both hidden and open. Each of the methods has its pros and cons. The open mount is easier to mount, and the threshold design is more reliable and simple. Closed fasteners are more difficult to install, but this is a completely different appearance.
The price of this product is based on the cost of the material. Aluminum and brass interior thresholds will be more expensive than plastic ones. The cost of wooden samples for parquet depends on the type of wood. But, no matter what threshold you have installed, it needs care, otherwise the expensive part will become unusable very quickly.
Threshold types
As mentioned above, the thresholds are made of various materials, and according to these criteria are divided into separate types.
- Metal (brass, aluminum) - the most popular models. Coated on top with a special protective compound, they are most suitable for parquet, as they have a spectacular appearance. This material is durable and reliable, withstands significant loads at a relatively low price.
- Rubber is, first of all, safety. As a rule, they are used in places with a significant difference at the entrance to the room. Differ in ease of installation. And once installed, they last a long time and are easy to replace.
- Wooden. They are much less common due to their short lifespan. Made from natural material, they differ greatly in price, but having a magnificent appearance, they enjoy a certain popularity. They are mainly used to hide parquet joints.
- Cork thresholds unusually flexible, which allows them to be used, making out the corner interior connections.
- Plastic products they do not differ in a long period of operation, but due to their low cost and many colors they are popular. The plastic threshold is flexible, easy to change and has shaped configurations in the form of patterns and notches.
Advantages and disadvantages of thresholds
The main advantage of overhead thresholds is the protective function. Metal products most effectively cope with this task. Corner plastic models are especially popular. A huge selection, various types and materials also play an important role. Plus to this:
- Easy to install;
- Reliable design, not subject to changes in temperature and humidity;
- Huge selection of textures and patterns;
- Environmentally friendly material;
- fireproof characteristics.
The disadvantages include the not very high quality of manufacturing of individual models and the need for additional installation work.
How to choose the right threshold?
First you need to decide on the number of joints and the overall design of the interior. All this is done to ensure a harmonious appearance. Of course, you need to pre-select the desired profile, material, design and determine the cost, preferably proportional to the quality. Also, it is necessary to have some knowledge about the various models, their functions and forms.
- Straight models are usually used for finishing joints that are located on the same level. It can be a cork floor, joints of parquet and laminate;
- Transitional models. They are used in the case when there are joints of different levels (height difference from 3 to 15 mm). Scope - transition between tiles and laminate, or carpet and parquet flooring;
- Final option– closes the edge of the cover without moving to another room. It is used to decorate the exit to the balcony, loggia or entrance. These species do an excellent job with height differences;
- Shaped corner options made of rubber or plastic. The main task is to fix the coating on the edges of the steps;
- T-shaped molding used for finishing joints of coatings of different structure. For example, the combination of laminate and parquet. Moreover, the shelves can be of different thicknesses and are selected depending on the material of the flooring.
Installation methods
Setting thresholds is a process available not only to professionals. Each model has its own secrets, but you can install the overlay at the junction of the coatings with your own hands. Each kit comes with an installation manual that describes the entire process in detail. Installation is carried out in two ways - closed and open.
With an open installation method, you first need to decide on the length, and then cut off or purchase the required threshold size. After that, we mark the attachment points by applying the threshold bar in place. Next, we make holes for the dowels, into which we fasten the product using self-tapping screws. Attachment points are closed with decorative overlays. The approximate fastening distance is 30 - 50 cm.
Flush mounting is the most popular type of installation. In this case, it is not necessary to drill holes and hammer in dowels. Fasteners are carried out on a special rail, which is mounted on the base in a special slot using silicone sealant. Then, a threshold is inserted directly into the rail either on latches or on liquid nails. Thresholds are mounted on a cork floor and laminate with this method, since in this material it is possible to make a groove for the rail.
Quite rarely, a mixed installation method is used. This mainly concerns the design of curved surfaces or parquet flooring. Plastic models are used here, they fit well into the design of offices, offices or large halls.
A gap between floor coverings is not an indication of careless installation. Usually they are left to relieve possible stress in the material in the event of a change in the microclimate. For example, laminate flooring reacts to changes in temperature and humidity, and this can cause the material to expand or contract. And these are the places that are designed to protect aluminum or brass thresholds.
It is especially necessary to install thresholds in doorways. Here, the joint of the coatings is most often made, and therefore this place is most often subjected to mechanical stress. Corner thresholds are designed to protect flights of stairs, on which any coating is laid, from premature wear. These products have an embossed profile on the surface, which performs the function of anti-slip.
Choice of color solution
To achieve harmony in the design of flooring, it is worth choosing the color of the thresholds, which would correspond to the materials used in the work and the interior features. To do this, you should adhere to some principles:
- Classic - thresholds are selected to match the color of the floor plinth. In this finish, they are combined with the overall style and allow you to get a complete picture of the overall interior. Such a solution is an opportunity to achieve a harmonious color combination in the design of the room;
- Selection of threshold, the color of which will correspond to the color of the doorway in this place. In this case, a door with clearly defined contours is obtained, where each element contributes to the harmonization of the overall look. This design technique allows you to visually separate adjacent rooms;
- Thresholds in the color of the flooring are by far the most popular. Thanks to this solution, the interroom transition will be invisible. Usually installed under a cork floor or parquet flooring;
- The fastening of the thresholds should, if possible, be the same.
The photo shows some samples.
All thresholds are made either in fixed dimensions (metal) or rolled material (plastic and rubber) and are completed with a set of screws for fastening.
Thresholds must be looked after to ensure their service life, despite their unpretentiousness. These design elements are not afraid of moisture and damage, so almost any chemical agent can be used to clean them.
First of all, the threshold is the face of your house, the guests who come to your house and every day you yourself step over it. It is very important which thresholds, overlays and profiles will be used in your house or apartment. Not only the appearance of your interior depends on this, but also how much they will interfere under your feet, whether you will stumble on them.
Nowadays, when renovating their home, most builders, during installation, suggest that the owners of the house lay the flooring without a single joint. This method of laying is laborious, but the interior of the floor looks like one single canvas, interior thresholds do not catch the eye and do not get in the way underfoot. Laying flooring without a single joint is safe if you use linoleum, ceramic tiles or carpet as a covering material, but if you are laying a laminate or parquet board, then leaving a technological gap between rooms is a must. The thing is that wood coatings have the ability to expand from changes in humidity and temperature. Therefore, if you do not make a technological gap between the rooms, then there is a possibility that with strong air humidity, your floor will swell in one big bubble. And this bubble, like a sore on the body, will constantly remind of itself, swell and disappear. Do not tempt fate, make technological gaps between rooms in case of using wood coatings.
Types and types of interior floor thresholds
FLOOR SURFACES
Basically, all the thresholds that are applied to the floor are overhead. With rare exceptions, craftsmen use tile thresholds that are embedded in tile adhesive. Most often, the overhead threshold is a plate, corner or T-shaped profile made of metal: aluminum, brass, bronze, stainless steel, titanium, copper or plastic. Such profiles perform the function of joint-overlapping thresholds, that is, they close the gap, for example: between ceramic tiles and laminate, linoleum and carpet, and so on. A false threshold is called for the fact that it is superimposed on the junction of floor coverings in order to hide an ugly seam.
SINGLE-LEVEL or FLAT THRESHOLDS
Usually they have the shape of a plate, but there are "Z" and "T" - shaped, such profiles are used exclusively with tiled coatings. Thresholds are designed to overlap the joints of floor coverings at the same level and, as a rule, a difference of one or more millimeters is critical for them. Therefore, before buying a threshold, it is important to make sure that the coatings are located strictly on one. If there is a vertical difference in height, at the junction of one and the other coating of one millimeter or more, then you need a multi-level threshold.
TRANSITIONAL OR MULTI-LEVEL THRESHOLDS
Any flat thresholds can be safely attributed to transitional thresholds, because they connect one floor covering to another, for example, they serve to transition from tiles to laminate. But most often, the word transitional threshold means a profile that serves to hide the junction between floor coverings located at different levels. That is, the threshold is designed to hide the height difference. Such sills hide a slight difference from 3 to 15 millimeters. In shape, they are semicircular or have the form of a developed angle.
CORNERS FOR WALLS OR THRESHOLDS ON STEPS L-SHAPED
For many who have ever encountered finishing steps, the question arose of how and with what to finish the outer corner of the step. Nowadays, there are different profiles for such purposes, but the most reliable and time-tested is the aluminum overhead threshold. Firstly, it comes in different sizes, the smallest is 10x10 mm, and the largest is 50x50 mm. Secondly, the edges of such corners can be of different widths, for example, 10x25 or 15x35. Thirdly, the corners on the steps can have any color, from classic anodized, silver, gold and bronze, to imitation of any wood color. Wood-like metal thresholds come in two types, laminated and painted, we will talk about them later. Such a variety of colors allows you to choose a threshold to match the steps or, on the contrary, highlight it. Most step corners have a corrugated or, as it is also called, perforated surface, which provides anti-slip properties. The embossed surface of the thresholds gives better grip on the sole of the shoe, and therefore better stability, especially in damp rooms or on wet steps. For wet rooms, such as: a bathroom, a swimming pool or on a street threshold, where ice on the steps can lead to slipping, thresholds with a rubber insert are used. The rubber has good anti-slip properties, which ensures high stability even when walking barefoot. Stair thresholds are made of a durable alloy of aluminum, brass, bronze, less often plastic. They are resistant to heavy shoes, heels, sand, temperature differences and are absolutely not afraid of exposure to snow and water.
Threshold with anti-slip notches
These are floor profiles made of metal or plastic, but having small risks, grooves or relief on their surface. Such recesses on the threshold are made as anti-slip for the stability of a person if he steps on it, less often for decorative purposes. On profiles intended for steps, perforation is obligatory in order not to slip.
METAL THRESHOLDS
The most common material from which floor thresholds are made is metal. As raw materials, for manufacturing use: aluminum, brass, steel, stainless steel, less often bronze. The metal for the thresholds was chosen for a reason, because the threshold, as well as the entire floor, is subject to a very high load, and given that it protrudes several millimeters above the floor level, it is more susceptible to mechanical stress than the entire surface of the floor covering. Thresholds are also located between rooms that delimit two zones, for example, a room and a corridor, a profile for connecting coatings is called “interior thresholds”, such places are more passable, which means they are more prone to deformation. Metal as a material for the manufacture of thresholds is the most versatile.
All metals used as profiles for thresholds or steps can be used not only indoors, but also outdoors. Aluminum, brass, bronze are resistant metals, both to mechanical and natural stresses. These are materials that are difficult to oxidize, which means that they will not rust and fall apart underfoot.
- Aluminum thresholds
Aluminum sills are not made from pure aluminium, they are a durable alloy of various metals, in which aluminum is present in large quantities. Powders from such material are very light and durable. The shape of the profile that can be given to aluminum can be any. Such profiles are more often found on sale than others, because their price is low, and their service life is unlimited.
- Brass thresholds
These are solid metal thresholds of bright gold color. Brass is an expensive, valuable, non-ferrous metal, but many times cheaper than gold. A beautiful bright yellow metallic sheen is often used for interior decoration, because it imitates gold well. Today, brass materials are used everywhere, many building materials are made from it, for example, terminals for electrical wires, plumbing products, since this metal is difficult to oxidize and resistant to water, for the manufacture of stair railings and for others.
Gold has always been a luxury item, people made expensive items from this metal, which over the years became antiques. Gold has always been an inaccessible, expensive material from which jewelry has been made and continues to be made. Only kings and leaders could afford to use gold as frames for mirrors, paintings were decorated with chandeliers, railings and stairs. Now, as an alternative to gold, brass is used for interior decoration. This metal exactly copies gold, but is much cheaper in price.
- Steel thresholds
These are metal thresholds resistant to any mechanical influences. It is impossible to meet them in their pure form on sale, they are always covered with paint or anodized. The advantages of a steel profile are its stability and strength, the disadvantages are that they rust.
- Bronze thresholds
Such sills are not found in free sale, and not everyone can afford them, because they are made to order, since bronze is an expensive metal. But you can easily buy bronze thresholds, however, they themselves will be made of aluminum.
- Stainless steel thresholds
The stainless steel thresholds are available in silver with a matt or glossy finish. Their thickness is very different from aluminum or brass, it is thinner, and this is quite justified, because stainless steel is much stronger than aluminum or brass. Stainless steel profiles can be used for floors, furniture or walls. If you have a warehouse where you need to use only durable materials, then stainless steel profiles will be the ideal solution for you. Also, I would like to note that these thresholds can be used in rooms, even where there is strong humidity, they do not rust, do not oxidize, and do not peel off even with constant humidity. Their use is ideal for such premises as: bathroom, bath, shower room, swimming pool, damp basement and in others where there is a lot of water or humid air. Such thresholds do not require maintenance, they do not need to be rubbed to make them shine, their radiance and metallic sheen will be preserved throughout the entire service life. The only disadvantage of these profiles is that they are produced only in silver.
Coating of metal thresholds
Thresholds made of metal are always covered, there are exceptions when the customer requires raw thresholds, that is, their surface has not been processed in any way. Uncovered by any profile, they look like ordinary shiny silver metal. Basically, only two types of metal profiles are covered, made of steel and aluminum, it is very rare to find brass sills anodized in silver, shining like a mirror. Brass thresholds are usually not covered with anything, because the natural color of brass, gold, they already look beautiful, and there is absolutely no point in covering them.
Surface treatment of profiles can be done in several ways, the most popular one being anodizing, then laminating and rarely painted thresholds, and very rarely polished or polished.
- Anodized
This is a complex way of painting by passing an electric current through water with the smallest particles of the coloring matter, in which the threshold is located. Thresholds are most often anodized in three colors, gold, bronze and silver.
- Laminated
The laminated profile is also based on aluminum or other metal, only it is covered with a durable self-adhesive film that can imitate natural wood, stone or other natural materials.
- Painted
Painted thresholds can be based on an aluminum or steel profile, which is coated with a plain paint or imitation wood.
- Sanded
This processing method is usually used for stainless steel profiles, less often for aluminum. After such processing, the profile acquires a matte surface, because it has many small serifs similar to scratches, which gives it an attractive look.
- Polished
This processing method is applied to any metal, therefore, polished thresholds made of brass, stainless steel, bronze, aluminum and so on are on sale. The surface of the polished profile is absolutely smooth, and the appearance, with its bright sheen, resembles a mirror.
- Chrome plated
Many metals are chrome plated, but in cases with thresholds, only brass is coated with such a coating. The chrome-plated coating of the profiles is very scratch-resistant and highly resistant to corrosion. The coating is polished to such a state that one could see one's own reflection in its mirror surface.
Often, starting the search for thresholds for the floor, people cannot figure out which threshold is needed and run to the store for detailed advice. This is the right decision, but modern technology allows you to solve this issue without leaving your home. Why spend so much time looking for a part that costs a penny compared to the total cost of repair, because there is a Pro-Click online store that will tell and explain what you need. The specialists of our company know everything about the most modern profiles and thresholds, we specialize in this and constantly improve our skills in this area. If you have studied the entire site and still do not understand what you need, call or email and ask your questions, we will answer them! You should not spend a lot of time running around the shops looking for the right profile, here you will find any solution for home, office, shop, warehouse, and so on.
THRESHOLDS FOR LAMINATE
With the advent of a variety of floor coverings, it became necessary to hide the joints between them, and thresholds help us out in this. So that the joint looks neat, does not stand out against the background of the general floor, it is worth taking seriously the choice of the desired profile. To create a barely visible joint, consider purchasing the required threshold well in advance of purchasing the flooring, as most of us face this problem after the flooring is completed.
Thresholds for laminate or transition to other coatings, single-level, multi-level, and in the case of finishing stairs, corner ones are used. In order for the profile to be maximally disguised in the color of the coating, use laminated or painted thresholds. Their coating exactly imitates wood or stone, which will allow you to choose a profile exactly in the color of the laminate. Using a profile that repeats the pattern of the laminate, you are guaranteed to make an absolutely invisible joint.
Interior threshold - an element of the door frame. This design masks the joint between floor coverings or sharp differences between the floor level in adjacent rooms. Some people lay a profile with anti-slip properties directly on the stairs. How to properly install this element so that it lasts a long time? Choosing interior doors with a threshold, this issue should be approached competently.
Installing an interior door threshold: the pros and cons
This part has a lot of significant advantages:
- a properly selected element cuts off extraneous sounds;
- dust and dirt from the corridor does not enter the room;
- if you are in the bathroom, they will not allow water to spread throughout the apartment in the event of a flood;
- in the process of cooking, burning and smoke from the kitchen will not get into other rooms.
Attention! However, doors with this element also have disadvantages. The classic door sill protrudes slightly above the floor covering and can cause a fall, so its fastening must be correct. Some floor coverings do not look very attractive in combination with this design.
What materials are interior elements made of?
This product is made of various materials, so be guided by your own wishes and preferences.
Metal elements are most often found on sale. Such structures are installed even outside the premises, as they are reliably protected from negative factors. The metal does not rust or oxidize, so this threshold is durable.
Steel models are durable. In the assortment of stores you can find painted elements that are not afraid of mechanical stress. Installing such an element is a simple task that you can handle with your own hands.
Much less often, buyers opt for a stainless steel construction. Such elements are used more often to decorate the surfaces of walls and furniture, and installation is carried out by drilling.
Bronze products are made to order, as this material is expensive, and its characteristics are peculiar. An alternative is multi-level thresholds made of aluminum “bronze look”, which look no less attractive.
Brass is a material that is used to create durable models that resemble gold in color. Installing interior doors with such thresholds makes the room luxurious.
Aluminum products are characterized by low weight and high level of reliability. They will last a long time, and the cost will pleasantly surprise every buyer. You can also choose a “smart” threshold for interior doors, which will allow you to achieve comfort of use.
Wood details for the floor are also a common option. Usually oak is used for their manufacture. Such designs require regular maintenance in the form of staining or varnishing, because otherwise they will not last long.
Plastic floor decor looks neat and attractive. The range of shades is wide, so you can easily choose the right option. However, the element is capable of bursting due to excessive loads on it, so replacement may be needed at any time.
Laminate, which is also used in the process of creating thresholds, will complement the corresponding flooring. This material deforms over time if it is exposed to increased levels of humidity.
When exiting to the balcony, models made of durable concrete are used. Components are added to the material that increase the strength and ductility. When choosing which option to give preference to, consider all the details to get what you want.
Varieties of interior thresholds
To hide unevenness between floor coverings, transitional thresholds are used.
Corner structures are designed to finish the outer corners of the steps. You can choose any length, width and shade, adjusting to the individual characteristics of a particular design. The surface of such elements is perforated, so a person will not slip on the steps, which minimizes the risk of injury.
Flat models are plates made of plastic or metal of various shapes. This element is designed to mask the gaps formed between certain types of flooring. They attach the structure from above, which is why it got its name.
Flexible products cover the joints or mask those irregularities that turned out during the repair process. The material has improved characteristics, so the element will last a long time. Often models are used to decorate niches, wrap around various designs.
The width and color of the T-shaped thresholds can also be different. The increased flexibility allows you to create attractive transitions that will decorate your interior. This material is smooth, so you don't feel it under your feet.
Metal sills with an open mount imply the presence of special holes in the design. You attach such an element to the floor without the help of professionals, this is done easily.
Attention! Open-mounted thresholds have special holes for screws. If the level of difference does not exceed 15 millimeters, the fastening system will automatically adjust to it.
The modern option is considered to be an anti-threshold made of aluminum (“guillotine”). Such structures provide an increased level of sound insulation and thermal insulation. The element does not interfere with free movement, so you will not get injured. It automatically lowers when the door closes and rises when the door is opened.
How to remove the old threshold?
Before you install a new interior element, you need to get rid of the old element. You will need a hacksaw or crowbar. Saw off the edges of the old threshold and carefully knock out the central part. You must do this so as not to damage the canvas.
Loosen what is left of the old element with a crowbar. If necessary, drive the crowbar deep into the threshold using a hammer. From under the door frame, remove the remaining pieces to complete the dismantling process.
How to set the threshold without outside help?
Installation of the selected threshold of the interior door is carried out by various methods. However, you will definitely need to measure the length of the joint that you will cover. Mark this on the surface of the threshold to be installed in order to cut off excess pieces with the appropriate tools.
If you need to install an element with an open mount, then you will not encounter problems. You will need profiles that already have holes located at the same distance. The threshold is applied to the floor to mark where the screws will be screwed. After that, holes are drilled to attach the element using screws.
Thresholds with a hidden fastening system look attractive. This is a special profile, consisting of two parts, or a bar with pre-prepared holes.
To fix the bar, mark the floor surface and drill holes directly into it. After that, plastic dowels are inserted. Self-tapping screws are strung into the holes obtained, and then the bar is turned over, making sure that all the fasteners are in the dowels. The bar is fixed by gently pressing on it or by tapping on the surface with a hammer.
To attach the T-profile, drill as many holes in the floor as needed. After that, dowels are inserted into these holes. The plank is fixed with self-tapping screws. The decorative profile snaps into place with ease, so there will be no problems here.
If you decide to install, then purchase items designed for mounting on a tile. Thanks to such elements, moisture will not penetrate into other rooms. The best option is to install a special guillotine threshold that effectively performs such functions.
If you need to install a threshold on a concrete floor, then use a hammer drill to drill holes. Mark the floor covering, and then complete the installation by tightening the element with self-tapping screws.
Interior thresholds carry a functional load. The floor covering with them looks complete and attractive. In addition, this detail prevents moisture from entering the gap between the coatings. Your linoleum will not bend and fray.
When wondering how to set the appropriate threshold for an interior door, pay attention to the algorithm of actions. With their help, the work will be easy and fast.
Rarely where you can find floor coverings without a threshold connection. Such a device has a small area. It is based on the technical features of the finish.
In order to decorate the floor with high quality and in one style, thresholds are required. The color palette, size range and allow you to dock any floor coverings. Consider what they are for, what options exist and how to install them.
There are three main areas of use:
- Application in design. New styles, technologies, materials sometimes form unique interiors, where several floor coverings can be combined on the area of \u200b\u200bone room. It is the sills that allow you to carefully close the border between them.
- Joints between rooms. Such places are most vulnerable to mechanical impact. Especially if materials are joined on them or the difference in floor height between rooms is blocked. In addition, flooring manufacturers set a limit on the laying area without a threshold. This is due to the technical features. Any material can change its linear dimensions under temperature differences. In such cases, thresholds are needed.
- Anti-slip corner profiles. Used for stairs lined with tiles or natural stone.
The sills perform the following functions:
- Aesthetics. Close technical gaps and boundaries between materials.
- Security. If the joint is not closed with a protective strip, then over time the edges of the material will bend. They can trip and fall, resulting in serious injury. Security is also ensured by corner anti-slip profiles. Their use on marble or tiled stairs is more than justified.
- Fixation. With the help of thresholds, the edges of the floor coverings are firmly fixed and hidden, which ensures their long service life.
Considering the scope and functions that sills carry, it is impossible to overestimate their importance for high-quality floor finishing.
Varieties
There are several classifications. The first of them according to the material of manufacture:
- Wooden. Depending on the mounting method, they can be equipped with a special mounting profile.
- metal. In turn, they differ in the method of applying the decorative layer: anodized, laminated, painted, polished, chrome-plated.
- Aluminum. It can be attributed to metal or allocated to a separate group. They have a natural design or with imitation for any kind of natural finish. The most popular and demanded type.
- Elastic plastic or rubber. This type is the most flexible.
- Plastic. Found their application in the docking of the laminate. The quality of such compounds is considered weak.
- Cork. Such products are distinguished by a shock-absorbing property. Over time, they may fade.
By design, several more types can be distinguished:
- Direct. Used for fastening in an open way, when docking occurs at the same level.
- corner. Used on steps, high sills. Can be used as a finishing profile when joining high floor level differences.
- Leveling. Used on sloped surfaces. In such a profile, one side lies in a straight line, the second is located at an angle relative to the first.
- Curvilinear. They have good plasticity, which allows you to make a unique design with a combination of different materials.
There is another classification according to the profile section: T-shaped, U-shaped, L-shaped, C-shaped, Z-shaped. The abundance of the assortment allows you to give an aesthetic look to any combination of floor coverings.
Dimensions and other characteristics
As for the dimensions in which the sills are presented, the width lies in the range from 20 to 150 mm. Length - from 900 to 2700 mm.
Another important factor is the method of attachment. There are two in total:
- Open. Such panels have prepared technical holes for fastening. Dowels are included.
- Closed. This method is carried out by gluing the nut or fixing it on the dowels through a special profile. It can be removable or integral with the main decorative part. There are some nuances during installation, but the result is worth the time spent.
Therefore, when choosing thresholds, a number of conditions should be foreseen. First of all, for joining what materials they will be used.
What coatings are suitable?
Each floor finish requires its own type of threshold:
- Linoleum. For him, a regular straight profile made of metal, wood, plastic, cork is suitable.
- Laminate, parquet board. The whole range of thresholds from straight to angular is used. There are no restrictions on the material either - metal, plastic, cork, wood, rubber. When choosing, you should pay attention to how organically it fits into the design.
- Tile. Usually combined with other types of coatings. The most successful will be the use of a rubber nut. It will hide the border between surfaces. The design is selected according to the type of connection.
When buying, it is important to pay attention to several points. This will help to avoid difficulties during further installation.
How to make the right choice?
Before starting the selection, a number of questions should be determined:
- Lenght and width. For non-standard sizes, you may need to order a bar. The width of the threshold should overlap both sides of the joint material.
- The profile and design are selected depending on the type of joint and coating. For example, with strong differences in the floor, you can use a corner bar, and with an even coating, a T-shaped straight sill.
- Material. The most popular type is metal profiles with a laminated surface for natural fibers. The versatility of this fastener and the range allow it to be used with any type of coating.
- Colour. There may be several options here. The classic choice is the color of the baseboard, door or flooring. But there are other options that are tied to the stylistic design. For example, a chrome profile will organically fit into a high-tech style. And if you want to emphasize the transition from one material to another, you can play on the contrast and choose a darker or lighter shade.
The choice of the nut also depends on the technical requirements, design, budget.
Mounting methods
Installing the thresholds is not particularly difficult, but has its own characteristics.
The length is measured and cut at the installation site. The line along which the fixation will be made is determined in the middle of the joint. And the width of the bar should overlap the edges of the material on both sides so that no gap is visually visible.
There are the following installation options:
- open way. The cut profile is applied to the place of fixation. With a construction pencil, the drilling points for dowels are marked through the factory holes on the bar. The threshold is removed, holes are drilled, plastic parts of the fastener are inserted. The bar is re-applied so that the holes coincide with the dowels, the screws are inserted and tightened.
- Closed way. Fastening with glue is a thing of the past. The following fixing methods are considered popular:
- Through the plank. A threshold is taken, the required number of self-tapping screws is inserted into a special guide. In the middle of the joint between the floor coverings mark the dowel points. Drill, install the plastic parts of the fasteners. The plank is taken. The location of the screws is adjusted to the dowels, inserted. They press on the threshold, fix it. Finishing is carried out with a hammer. It is important to place a block or magazine on the panel so as not to scratch it.
- Through a profile. This method is typical for T-shaped thresholds. Mounting guide is installed and fixed with dowels. The front profile is inserted and carefully knocked out through a bar or other material so as not to scratch the outer part.
- Installation of a flexible profile. Used to connect tiles with other types of coatings. When working with floor cladding, leave a technical gap for installing the fixing profile. It is fixed to the floor in accordance with the boundary line. Before installation, the front part must be held in warm waterto soften. Then insert into the mounting profile.
You can clearly see the installation procedure for various types of profiles in the following video:
The nut is a simple fastener, but it is he who completes any design. Properly selected material and high-quality installation is a guarantee of the durability of the floor covering.
