Bridge Floor Changes
Connect flooring materials or surfaces that do not meet at exactly the same height.
Interior Thresholds
Interior Doorway Planning Guide
Interior Hardwood Thresholds
Interior thresholds create a clean transition where two flooring surfaces meet beneath a doorway. Solid hardwood profiles can cover flooring gaps, accommodate modest height differences, and provide a finished detail that coordinates with nearby floors and trim.
Benefits of hardwood interior thresholds
Cover Doorway Gaps
Conceal unfinished flooring edges and create a cleaner transition beneath the door.
Customize the Finish
Unfinished hardwood can be stained, painted, or clear-coated to complement the room.
Natural Wood Transitions
Why Choose a Hardwood Threshold?
Hardwood provides a substantial, traditional transition that works especially well beside wood flooring, tile, laminate, carpet, and resilient flooring.
Unlike a prefinished metal transition, unfinished hardwood can be shaped, trimmed, and finished as part of the surrounding millwork. This gives homeowners and builders greater control over the final appearance.
- Creates a finished appearance at the doorway
- Can coordinate with flooring, casing, or base trim
- Available in profiles for level and uneven transitions
- Can be cut to fit the finished opening
Common Applications
Where Interior Thresholds Are Used
Hardwood to Carpet
A shaped wood profile can conceal the carpet edge while creating a defined transition into the adjoining hardwood floor.
Tile to Wood
Thresholds can help manage slight height differences where tile flooring meets hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate.
Room-to-Room Openings
A threshold creates a visual division between rooms while covering the flooring joint beneath a hinged or sliding door.
Uneven Floor Heights
Sloped or stepped profiles can provide a more gradual connection between flooring surfaces at different elevations.
Renovation Projects
Wider thresholds can help cover irregular cuts or larger gaps left when flooring is replaced in only one room.
Accessible Openings
Low-profile thresholds may be selected where a smoother transition is important for wheelchairs, walkers, and reduced-step access.
Choosing a Profile
Common Hardwood Threshold Styles
The correct profile depends on the size of the flooring gap, the difference in floor height, and the amount of doorway coverage needed.
Low-Profile Sloped Thresholds
A gradual slope on both sides creates a smooth transition across the doorway. This style works well where floor heights are similar and easy access is a priority.
View Red Oak ADA Thresholds
Wide Transition Thresholds
A wider profile provides more doorway coverage and can conceal a larger flooring gap. It is useful when replacing flooring or joining materials with different edge details.
View the Four-Inch-Wide Threshold
One-Sided Transition Thresholds
These profiles have a sloped transition on one side and a straight edge on the other. They are useful when one flooring surface ends against a raised or defined edge.
View Style E Thresholds
Narrow Transition Profiles
Narrow thresholds provide a compact solution where only a small flooring joint or height adjustment needs to be covered.
View Style C ThresholdsLower-Profile Transitions
ADA and Accessibility-Friendly Thresholds
A lower-profile threshold can reduce the elevation change between rooms while preserving the warmth and appearance of natural wood. These profiles are useful in homes designed for easier wheelchair, walker, and reduced-step access.
Hartford Building Products offers unfinished Red Oak ADA threshold options in several widths and lengths. Confirm the complete doorway assembly and applicable project requirements before specifying a threshold as ADA compliant.
Explore Red Oak ADA Thresholds
Low profile
Designed to minimize the rise between flooring surfaces.
Multiple widths
Select enough width to cover the flooring joint properly.
Unfinished wood
Stain, paint, or seal the threshold for the intended space.
Measuring and Selection
What to Check Before Ordering
Finished opening width
Measure between the door jambs or finished casing surfaces where the threshold will be installed.
Floor height difference
Measure the vertical change between both flooring surfaces at several points across the doorway.
Gap coverage
Choose a threshold wide enough to cover both flooring edges and provide adequate fastening space.
Door clearance
Confirm that the installed threshold will not interfere with the bottom of the door or its intended undercut.
Profile direction
Determine whether the opening needs two sloped sides, one sloped side, a stepped profile, or a narrow transition.
Final finish
Select the stain, paint, or clear coat before installation and test it on an inconspicuous area when possible.
Installation Overview
Preparing and Installing a Hardwood Threshold
- Measure and dry-fit. Cut the threshold to the finished opening and confirm that it sits correctly against both flooring surfaces.
- Adjust the profile if necessary. Carefully shape or scribe the underside where the subfloor or flooring is irregular.
- Sand and finish. Apply the selected finish to the visible surfaces, edges, ends, and underside before final installation.
- Secure it properly. Use an installation method suitable for the subfloor and avoid fasteners that may damage hidden wiring, plumbing, or radiant heat.
- Check door operation. Open and close the door to verify sufficient clearance across the full swing or sliding path.
For Homeowners
Match Function Before Color
Begin by choosing the profile that fits the flooring heights and gap. After the functional fit is correct, select a stain or paint that coordinates with the floor, doorway trim, or adjoining room.
For Builders and Remodelers
Coordinate the Threshold Early
Establish finished floor elevations, doorway width, door undercut, transition direction, and required accessibility before ordering. Early planning reduces field modification and creates a more consistent finish across multiple openings.
Related Products
Shop Solid Hardwood Interior Thresholds
Browse unfinished Red Oak thresholds in a range of profiles, widths, heights, and lengths from Hartford Building Products.