Commercial door thresholds, also called saddles, are the metal transition underneath a door that closes the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor, sealing out the weather. While it seems simple, choosing the correct door threshold for your needs can be a difficult decision.

To choose the right threshold, answer these questions:

Do you need a residential or commercial door threshold?

Commercial doors are made to withstand frequent use and more damage than a residential door. If you own a high-traffic business, a commercial door threshold is necessary.

What material should the door threshold be made of?

While rare, some door thresholds are made of wood (these are most commonly seen on older homes), but in newer homes and buildings, metal commercial door thresholds have replaced wood materials. Door thresholds can be made of aluminum, brass, bronze, or steel.FYP specializes in stainless steel and aluminum thresholds.

Does the commercial door threshold need to be ADA compliant?

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990, protecting individuals with disabilities and guaranteeing equal opportunity in public accommodations.

Title III “prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the activities of places of public accommodations (businesses that are generally open to the public and that fall into one of 12 categories listed in the ADA, such as restaurants, movie theaters, schools, day care facilities, recreation facilities, and doctors’ offices) and requires newly constructed or altered places of public accommodation—as well as commercial facilities (privately owned, nonresidential facilities such as factories, warehouses, or office buildings)—to comply with the ADA Standards.” (Visit ada.gov to learn more.)

What style should the threshold be?

There are a variety of commercial door threshold style types to choose from. Bumper seal, heavy duty, thermal break, and saddle thresholds, to name a few.

• Bumper seal thresholds have a seal at the top of the threshold that is made to come in contact with the door when it is closed, acting as a seal for the bottom of the door to prevent moisture or airflow under the door.
• Heavy duty commercial door thresholds are ideal if heavy loads, such as forklifts or vehicles will travel over the threshold.
• Thermal break thresholds are built with a thermal seal built into the middle to prevent heat or cold from transferring through the metal underneath the door. This can be helpful when there is a significant difference between temperatures indoors and outdoors, as they help prevent condensation, which can present a slipping hazard.
• Saddle thresholds are perhaps the most common type of residential and commercial door thresholds and are most often used at exterior door openings. The surface of saddle thresholds may be smooth or grooved, or treated with a special finish to provide extra grip.

To determine which style best suits your needs, reach out to us through this form so we can walk you through which of our options here at FYP would work best for you!

Which direction does the door swing?

Exterior commercial doors can be made to swing outward or inward. An outward swinging door is most common and typically performs better when it comes to preventing water entry into the building. The commercial door threshold must be made to suit the door, whether it is inward or outward swinging.

Do you need an adjustable width threshold?

Thresholds with an adjustable width are designed to interlock with various sized door plates to create a threshold with custom dimensions. Adjustable width thresholds are typically easier to fit than conventional or single-sized saddles and can be crafted with high gauge metal to withstand heavy commercial traffic.

Are you in the market for a commercial door threshold for your business? Contact FYP Metal Design today to learn more about the custom options we offer.