How to choose your threshold bars and stair nosing strips?

Installing a threshold bar presents several advantages as it:

• Creates a transition between any two separate floor coverings, making for an even tighter seal when it comes time to install a door;

• Avoids the premature wear of floor coverings (tiles, hardwood floors, PVC flooring) at their joints;

• Minimizes the risk of accidents, as the threshold bar creates a smooth surface free of any obstacles (raised tiles, different level floors, etc.);

• Reduces heat loss when the threshold bar is used as a door sill, fixed to the floor right underneat the front door.  

Threshold bars are available in different models, each with their own specific characteristics:

• End threshold bar, commonly used with French windows;

• T-Bar threshold, which forms the ideal link between two floor coverings of equal height;

• Reducer threshold bar, designed to eliminate any height differencebetween two different surfaces.

Different factors should be taken into consideration at the time of purchase.

The dimensions

Be sure to choose a threshold bar with dimensions that match your door frame so that it can be easily attached. Threshold bars will have dimensions that correspond to the doorway, either 73, 83, 93, or 103 cm. Some models offer longer lengths such as 3 m or 4 m, which can be custom cut.

Their width is variable and is normally chosen in accordance with their intended purpose.

Installation type

Threaded threshold bar

Equipped with screws, these are meant to be installed on a perfectly flat surface. This type of threshold bar has one primary advantage, it has the possibility of being reused even the flooring was ever to change.

Peel and place threshold bar 

These bars are adhesive, offering a good level of resistance if placed on a clean surface. They can applied on floors, linoleum, tiles or even vinyl floors. Before installing this model, be sure to clean and degrease the surface on which it will be placed.

Invisible-mounted threshold bar

These threshold bars are equippedn with a system of clips that locks the bar into place between two different types of flooring. It will allow for a successful installation on tiles and vinyl floors, but will not be suitable on carpets or linoleum.

Materials

Threshold bars can be composed of different materials:

• Aluminum, generally used for for front door sills;

• Stainless steel, for threshold bars in wet rooms such as bathrooms;Brass to give a older, classic hardwood floor  style;

• Flexible plastic, for bridging the same type of material;

• Wood, for a clean, quality floor finish.

Definition

Stair nosing strips are basically threshold bars that have been specificallydesigned and for parts of the house that are only accessible through steps (raised parts that may have one or two steps).

Characteristics

Just like for threshold bars, stair nosing strips are available in different lengths and widths. Materials such as aluminum, brass, stainless steel, plastic and wood are also put to work and they can be either screwed in or glued.

Home improvement is a never ending challenge, but it's worth it at the end of the day! For some more ideas follow the links below for accessories, advice from our editors and more helpful guides

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• How to choose your indoor floor tiles?

• How to install floating flooring?

• How to install floating flooring in your bathroom?

• How to choose your front door?

• How to choose your indoor lighting?

• How to choose your sealing products for walls and floors?

• How to choose your household cleaning and maintenance products?

• How to choose your glue, mastic and resin?

• How to choose your painting tools?

• How to choose your electrician's tools?

• How to choose your finishing tools?

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• How to choose your wood working tools?