Commercial Door Thresholds: How to Choose the Right One for Your Opening
When selecting hardware for a commercial door, it is important to consider the components that help the opening function properly.
One important component is the commercial door threshold, which is a piece of hardware installed at the bottom of a doorway to help seal gaps, reduce air and moisture infiltration, and provide a transition between flooring surfaces.
With different materials, sizes, and designs available, choosing the right threshold depends on the specific needs of your opening.
For more information about the different designs available, read our guide on 5 Types of Door Thresholds.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Commercial Door Threshold?
Not every commercial door opening requires the same type of threshold. Before selecting one, there are several important factors to consider.
1. Interior vs. Exterior Openings
One of the first things to determine is whether the threshold will be installed at an interior or exterior door.
Exterior openings are exposed to changing temperatures, rain, wind, and other weather conditions. These openings may require thresholds that work with door sweeps or seals to help prevent air and moisture from entering the building.
Interior openings may require a smooth transition between flooring materials. A saddle threshold is a common option for these applications because of its simple, versatile design.
For more information about exterior applications, read our guide on Exterior Door Threshold Types: What You Need to Know.
2. Traffic and Durability
Consider how frequently the door will be used and what type of traffic will pass through the opening.
For example, an office doorway with regular foot traffic may have different requirements than a warehouse opening where carts, equipment, or forklifts frequently travel across the threshold.
A heavy-duty saddle threshold may be appropriate for high-traffic openings, provided its profile and load rating suit the equipment crossing it.
Commercial thresholds are also available in different materials:
- Aluminum: A common and cost-effective option for many standard commercial openings.
- Bronze: A durable material that can withstand demanding foot traffic.
- Stainless Steel: Offers strength and corrosion resistance for more demanding environments.
3. Door Undercut and Threshold Height
The space between the bottom of the door and the finished floor, known as the door undercut, is an important measurement when selecting a threshold.
If a threshold is too tall, it may interfere with the door's operation. If the threshold and door bottom are not properly matched, they may leave gaps that reduce sealing effectiveness.
A low-profile saddle threshold may be a good option for openings with limited clearance, while a raised threshold with a compatible door bottom seal may be suitable where additional sealing is needed and sufficient clearance is available.
When selecting a threshold, consider:
- The clearance between the bottom of the door and the finished floor.
- The height and profile of the threshold.
- Whether a door sweep or additional gasketing will be installed.
Taking these measurements into account can help ensure the threshold works with the door and surrounding hardware.
4. Accessibility Requirements
Accessibility is another important factor when selecting a commercial door threshold.
Thresholds at accessible doorways generally cannot exceed 1/2 inch in height, and changes in level must meet applicable accessibility requirements.
A low-profile, beveled saddle threshold is often a good option for accessible entrances because it can provide a smoother transition for wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices.
Always verify that the threshold's dimensions, bevel, and installation meet applicable ADA accessibility requirements and local building codes.
5. Flooring Conditions
The type of flooring surrounding the opening can also influence which threshold is needed.
Some thresholds are designed to accommodate differences in floor height, while others provide a transition between materials such as carpet, tile, concrete, or vinyl.
A carpet divider threshold may be appropriate when transitioning between carpet and another flooring surface.
For openings with differences in finished floor height, a reducer or offset threshold may help create a smoother transition between the two surfaces.
The threshold's width, height, and profile should match the flooring conditions.
6. Weather Sealing and Energy Efficiency
For exterior commercial doors, limiting air and moisture infiltration is often an important consideration.
Some thresholds are designed to work with door sweeps or other gasketing to create a more effective seal at the bottom of the door.
A bumper seal threshold uses a raised seal that contacts the face of the closed door to help reduce air and moisture infiltration. A saddle threshold paired with a compatible door sweep is another common option.
For openings where reducing heat transfer is a priority, a thermal break threshold may be beneficial because it is designed to limit heat transfer through the threshold itself.
The best option depends on the door design, weather exposure, and sealing requirements.
How Do You Know Which Threshold Is Right for Your Opening?
The right commercial door threshold depends on the specific conditions and requirements of the opening.
Here are a few common applications and the threshold features that may be worth considering:
These are general recommendations. The final selection should account for the door, frame, flooring, traffic conditions, and applicable building requirements.
Choosing the Right Commercial Door Threshold
Although thresholds may seem like a small part of a commercial door opening, selecting the right one can make a difference in the door's performance, durability, and accessibility.
By considering factors such as location, traffic, door clearance, flooring, and weather exposure, you can narrow down the available options and choose a threshold that works for your application.
At Beacon Commercial Door & Lock, we offer commercial door thresholds and hardware for a variety of applications. Whether you're selecting a threshold for a new opening or replacing an existing one, our team can help you explore the available options.
Not sure which threshold is right for your opening? Contact our team to learn more about the options available for your project.