How to make a threshold in the bathroom yourself?

Do you need a threshold in the bathroom or not?

If, as a result of repairs, the floor level in the bathroom is equal to the floor level in the next room, it is possible that the BTI will not approve such changes. You don’t have to worry about official permission for such redevelopment, only if the apartment is not for sale.

Circumstances in life change, and you may want to sell this apartment and buy a new one. Therefore, it is better to do the repairs according to all the rules that are prescribed in the regulatory documents, then there will be no problems with the registration of redevelopment of the apartment.

bathroom door with or without threshold

If a leak suddenly occurs, the threshold will be able to stop or at least delay the flow of water and prevent the entire apartment from flooding. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether thresholds are needed in the bathroom and toilet is obvious (about

Ways to raise a bathtub


bathroom floor levelIt is worth considering each method in detail and choosing the appropriate one, depending on the possibility of independent execution.
Suggested options:

How to properly slope the floor in a bathhouse

  1. Lengthen the legs;
  2. Build a stand;
  3. Mount a metal/wooden frame;
  4. Place the font on a makeshift pedestal.

It is worth considering each method in detail and choosing the appropriate one, depending on the possibility of independent execution, the material of the bathtub, and the area of ​​the room.

Extending the legs of the font


how to raise the floor in the bathroomThe size of the legs does not always suit users, so you can purchase new supports.
The set of standard bathtubs also includes standard supports that are directly attached to the font. The size of the legs does not always suit users, so you can purchase new supports, the length of which will be longer or shorter. The process is simple:

  1. Assemble one leg;
  2. Bring it to the store;
  3. Choose a base that repeats the fastening method, but of the required length;
  4. At home, screw the leg into the base.

The quality of the studs matters; they must withstand serious masses. The method is simple, but allows you to minimize costs and labor.

Installing the bathtub on a solid support


The floor in the bathroom is higher than in the hallwayThe base is made of solid materials: brick, wood, paving slabs.
This is the second option for raising a bathtub in an apartment. The base is made of solid materials: brick, wood, paving slabs. Steel plates will be required to place them under the supports, since none of this material can withstand a point load of 350-400 kg. The thickness of the plates is at least 0.3 cm, the area is from 100 cm2.

The wooden stand must be impregnated with a water-repellent compound to prevent rotting. Waterproofing is required for all types of material, and for tiles and bricks, a bonding solution is useful. It is better to take bricks and tiles in one piece, without chips. The installation of the structure should prevent the required slope for drainage, so it is worth raising one edge by 20 mm, but only if the font structure is not equipped with a slope.

Installation of the frame for raising the bathtub


Is there a need for a bathroom floor slope?This is a labor-intensive process that involves the production of a metal (less often wooden) frame.
This is a labor-intensive process that involves the production of a metal (less often wood) frame. To work with metal you will need welding equipment, an angle grinder, a steel angle and pipes. The cross-section of the steel elements must be sufficient to support the mass of the font, and the frame itself must be strong and stable.

The frame is made in such a size that the bathtub bowl rests on it with all its edges, but does not fall inside. To strengthen the fastening, as well as minimize heat loss, it is worth using polyurethane foam, filling all the gaps between the frame and the font bowl with it. When installing the frame, you should also not forget about the slope for draining water. The structure is decorated with any convenient material: tiles, panels and looks quite aesthetically pleasing.

Important! Installation of the structure allows you to raise the font to a height of up to 20 cm, while it is necessary to arrange steps, as well as lining them with non-slip materials.

Bath pedestal


bathroom floor slopeAs a rule, a pedestal is needed in large rooms.
As a rule, a pedestal is needed in large rooms, but beautiful fonts are placed on it, the shapes and curves of which you don’t want to hide. By the way, manufacturers often equip just such bowls with short legs. Bribing long bases, as well as making a stand or frame, will ruin all the beauty, so if it is not possible to raise the bathtub, it is worth raising the entire floor under it.

Checking the floor level using a level

The task is difficult, but doable. And the result will delight the inhabitants of the house with its unusualness, while the difference between heights is decorated with a step, a staircase - it all depends on the area of ​​​​the room. Of course, an accurate calculation is needed, especially if you live in a high-rise building - the weight of the podium is quite large, and you need to make sure that the bathtub along with the floor does not collapse on the neighbors’ heads.

The frame design will help lighten the weight. For example, you can take a wooden frame, but reinforce it with racks. To make a frame from plywood and bars you will need:

  • Jigsaw;
  • Screwdriver/drill;
  • Hammer;
  • Plywood sheets, bars;
  • Self-tapping screws and other hardware;
  • Level;
  • Sheets of polyethylene film of sufficient density.

Having determined the location of the podium (near the wall or in the middle of the room), you need to carefully waterproof the base with a suitable material. The thickness of the waterproofing is at least 20 mm. Cork covers well. Now a sheet of plywood is laid on the base. It is secured with dowels and a strong timber frame is assembled, which is also covered with 20 mm plywood sheets. A corner will help hold the parts together, and metal supports will allow you to withstand any weight of the font. And don't forget about the slope for drainage! Otherwise, it won’t be a bathtub, but a pool that will have to be scooped out.

Of course, such a pedestal can be made of brick and cement or foam blocks. But it is unlikely that it will be possible to lift a cast-iron font onto the podium; it is better to use this method with acrylic bowls.

Material selection

The materials for making the threshold can be very different, for example:

  • Steel is the most durable material. It will be very difficult to spoil or break the threshold from it. Steel thresholds can have, in addition to the metal color, absolutely any color.
  • Stainless steel . Such thresholds do not occur often. Stainless steel has a beautiful silver coating, so it is most often used for finishing walls or furniture.
  • Bronze . This material has a very high cost, so such thresholds are made only to order. It can be replaced with an aluminum threshold painted “bronze”. Their price is much lower, and their appearance is almost the same.
  • Brass . The price of this material is also quite high, but it looks very beautiful. The thresholds are very durable and have a long service life.
  • Aluminum . Thresholds made from this material are lightweight and inexpensive. They have a wide range of colors.
  • Wood . Most often, thresholds are made of wood, since it is easier to match the color to a wooden door. Wood is a natural material, and a beautiful one at that. It’s not difficult to make such a threshold yourself. It is better to use oak or pine, because these types of wood are the hardest and most wear-resistant.
  • Plastic . The most accessible material of all. Thresholds are available in various sizes and colors. They are inexpensive and look great. However, there is one significant drawback: the service life is short. Such thresholds must be changed after a short period of time.
  • Concrete . The threshold will be solid, which in the event of a flood will be a reliable obstacle to the water. You can make such a threshold yourself. You can lay tiles or laminate on top of the concrete.

Metal thresholds - pros and cons

The strength of the metal threshold in the bathroom is not satisfactory. Such structures can serve for many years, are not subject to cracking, and do not change shape. One significant drawback of metal thresholds is the formation of rust, which gradually corrodes the metal and renders the threshold completely unusable.


Metal threshold Advice! Aluminum thresholds installed in a bathroom or toilet are not exposed to rust and are durable and have a long service life. These thresholds are most suitable for aluminum doors.

Why is a smart threshold not suitable for a bath?

The mechanism of operation of such a threshold is simple, and at the same time unique. When the door closes, the threshold begins to smoothly fall out of the door. Once completely lowered, the threshold hides the gap between the floor and the door. When you open the door, the smart threshold begins to rise silently. It should be noted that the smart threshold has the following advantages:

  1. It has the unique properties of automatic leveling on uneven floors.
  2. It facilitates simple and unhindered movement of all residents.
  3. Also contributes to sound and thermal insulation.
  4. When the doors are closed there will never be drafts.
  5. The mechanism is very convenient and safe to use.

If this type of threshold has so many advantages, why can’t it be used for the bathroom? The thing is that the smart threshold is not static. That is, he is a threshold, in the usual sense of the word, and arises from the door.

beautiful threshold

Beautiful threshold in the bathroom

If suddenly there is a flood in your bathroom, when the door is closed, the water will not get out of the bathroom, but as soon as you open the doors, the water will immediately rush into the corridor, because nothing will hold it back anymore.

That is why experienced developers advise making a cement threshold lined with porcelain stoneware between the bathroom and the corridor. We really hope that our article will help you create a comfortable and functional threshold in the bathroom. This task is not at all difficult, but during actual work you will have to take into account a lot of nuances. Therefore, be careful and do all the work efficiently, so that the result can please you for a very, very long time.

Self-installation of thresholds for the bathroom

The SNiP requirements indicate that when renovating a bathroom, the height of the threshold must be at least 15 mm. It is not worth making it higher than 20 mm, since it creates a large difference. Based on the height, the length of the step is selected: it cannot be less. It is better to organize a margin of a few millimeters to minimize the likelihood of injury. Builders advise not to make the fit of the door to the threshold too tight - a small gap is necessary for ventilation of the room. If you can’t create a gap, you will need gratings.

The concrete threshold will turn out to be of high quality only if it is strictly calculated and the mixture recipe is followed. If you lack the skills, it is recommended to turn to professionals.

What should be the proper transition from their bathtub to the hallway?

In addition to its protective functions, I would like the threshold to also serve a decorative role. Everyone tries to step on it, so you need to make it out of durable material. There are several practical options:

  • Steel - such a threshold can easily withstand any load;
  • Wooden is the usual option, but wood cannot tolerate moisture and begins to rot;
  • Aluminum is a popular type of threshold, practical and durable;
  • Made of stainless steel - if an ordinary steel threshold can become covered with rust, then in the case of stainless steel this will not happen. True, you will have to pay more;
  • Plastic is a common choice, but is only durable for a few years.

Preparing to create

Before you start creating a threshold between the bathroom and the hallway, you need to do a lot of preparation. So, first of all, you need to take care of the availability of protective equipment. In order to protect himself during the process, the construction worker must have:

  • special glasses that will help prevent dust from getting into your eyes;
  • gloves for working with cement and other materials;
  • clothes that will reliably cover all areas of your body;
  • shoes and hats, which you cannot do without during construction:

After you yourself prepare for the future event, you will need to prepare a place for the threshold. For these purposes, the old door frame, and accordingly the old threshold, must certainly be dismantled. If the above-mentioned elements have already been dismantled, you need to thoroughly clean the surface of the future working area. It is also very important to ensure that you have all the necessary tools in advance. You will need:

  • a tank where you will prepare the adhesive mass;
  • a device specifically designed for leveling cement screed;
  • building level, which will be used to check the evenness of surfaces;
  • three spatulas: regular, rubber and serrated;
  • grinder, which has a special attachment for cutting tiles and porcelain stoneware;
  • a puncher, with which you can remove all unnecessary fragments;

Don’t forget that you also need to prepare the finishing material. This can be done by taking measurements, after which they are transferred to porcelain tiles. It is for this purpose that you will need a previously prepared grinder.

grinder threshold

A grinder will be needed to install the threshold in the bathroom

The adhesive substance should also be prepared in advance. If you are going to make a threshold from porcelain stoneware, you will need a special mixture that will help fix the facing material quite reliably and at the same time very high quality. This seven is sold in almost all hardware stores. It must be prepared in accordance with the instructions, which must be in the packaging container (or on it). According to the instructions, the composition must be mixed with water. This must be done in a special tank that you prepared earlier. The glue must be poured into the water in small portions, while stirring, this will help make the adhesive of better quality (without lumps).

Before starting to build the threshold, check the working surface again. It must be cleaned of dirt and dust, and, of course, covered with a primer composition. This will ensure a high degree of adhesion for all building materials used.

Construction of a concrete threshold

Before starting work, you need to prepare the necessary tools and materials:

  • building level;
  • spatulas – standard, rubber and with teeth;
  • perforator;
  • roulette;
  • rule;
  • glue container;
  • grinder, diamond wheel and attachment for cutting porcelain stoneware;
  • crowbar, hammer and hacksaw;
  • work gloves, protective mask or goggles;
  • old clothes.

Removing the old threshold

Using a hacksaw, the lower parts of the door frame are filed, after which the main part is carefully broken out. Remains of the product can be removed using a hammer and crowbar. Care must be taken not to destroy the door frame (unless it is also planned to be replaced).

Afterwards, the freed surface is cleaned of construction debris, then covered with a primer.

Removing a concrete threshold in the bathroom using a hammer and chisel

When you start working, you will almost immediately understand that knocking down a threshold in a concrete bathroom with a hammer and chisel is not so easy. Here you will encounter fairly strong concrete mixed with fine gravel. I’ll say right away that you will be beating the threshold in this way for more than one hour. Moreover, such work refers to noisy work, and in order not to disturb the neighbors, it is better to warn them about this in advance (see the article Noisy work):

floor thresholds

Removing a concrete threshold in the bathroom using a hammer drill

If you have a hammer drill in your house, then the procedure for removing the threshold will not be quieter, but it will be faster, that’s for sure.

Here you can combine hammer drill attachments. These can be blades with different blade widths and a Pobedit drill bit for concrete. A good option is to first drill the threshold in many places with a drill to weaken its integral structure, and then, having secured the blades, beat off pieces of the threshold. The only thing you need to pay attention to is that you should never use your impact drill for these purposes. You will cause serious wear to the tool. This should only be done with a hammer drill. Also, you should not beat the threshold with a cheap, low-quality hammer drill, as it may burn out.

Preparatory work for installing a threshold in the bathroom

Preparation consists of arranging the necessary tools and materials

It is important to know what you will need for work

You will also need tools:

  1. Building level. Helps to choose a horizontal position for the structure;
  2. Putty knife. Several types are better, including rubber and teeth;
  3. Grinder and hammer drill;
  4. A container where it will be convenient to mix the adhesive composition and prepare it for work;
  5. Rule to correctly align the screed.

After preparing the tools, you should dismantle the old threshold and wood box

Be careful not to damage the latter. Afterwards the surface is cleaned of dust and dirt

The surface is covered with a layer of primer.

How to make the right transition between a bathroom and a hallway
Removing the old threshold.

Installation of a wooden threshold

You should choose oak or pine as a material for a wooden threshold - they are strong, hard and durable.

Preparation

Before you begin installing a wooden threshold, it is worth inspecting the old one, if you have one. How badly is it damaged? It may be easier to restore it than to make a new one from scratch.

If the old one does not have large cracks, traces of dents and signs of mold damage to the wood, it should be thoroughly sanded, then covered with protective agents (antiseptic, water-repellent and fire retardant), and then paint or varnish applied in the color of the door and door frame.

Dismantling

If the damage to the old product is significant, it must be removed. A crowbar is driven under the bottom of the wooden block, and then, gently pressing, it is lifted. If the threshold is fixed with fasteners, the screws are unscrewed and then knocked out with a hammer. You can also simply cut the wood into several pieces to make this easier.

The surface on which the threshold will be located is cleaned of debris and construction dust and wiped with a damp cloth.

You can purchase a ready-made wooden product at the construction market or in a store - it will already be sanded and painted, that is, almost completely ready for installation, all that remains is to adjust the dimensions of the part to the doorway. If this option does not suit you, you will have to make it yourself. In this case, it will take more time to level the surface, carefully sand it and paint it.

Installation

It is recommended to make the threshold slightly longer than the width of the doorway in order to install it in special grooves - this method will ensure reliable fixation.

The place for the future threshold is cleaned of dirt and dust and primed. Grooves are made in the lower parts of the side elements of the door frame, placing them at the height of the threshold. The wooden blank is inserted into the prepared grooves using a hammer.

2 or 3 holes are drilled in the tree, placing them along the entire length. The threshold is removed, and dowels are installed on the floor at the marks made by the drill. Place the wooden piece back in place and fix it to the floor surface using self-tapping screws.

Next, the surfaces are coated with paint or wood varnish.

If there is a gap between the installed threshold and the floor surface, it should be filled with silicone sealant to prevent moisture or steam from entering the structure.

By learning how to make a threshold in the bathroom, you can save a lot - doing most of the work yourself will not be difficult.

Types of thresholds

Different types of materials are used for construction

The advantages and disadvantages of each will need to be analyzed before use.

Wood

Wood looks laconic in any interior and is considered a classic material.

However, the array will have to be abandoned due to disadvantages:

  • Wood loses key properties with constant contact with moisture.
  • Increased risk of mold and mildew formation.
  • During operation, cracks may appear on the threshold and it will swell greatly.

A special feature of wooden models is the need for careful care and annual painting
A special feature of wooden models is the need for careful care and annual painting

Metal

The material is chosen due to its high strength and wear resistance.

The shape will remain the same even after 10 years of active use.

Cracks cannot appear on the metal. However, when exposed to moisture, the surface becomes rusty. The situation is dangerous and can make the structure unsuitable for further use.

Experts advise choosing aluminum. It has the required level of strength and will last a long time. The material goes well with any type of wood.

The presence of a metal threshold is completely inappropriate, since exposure to moisture will negatively affect its appearance
The presence of a metal threshold is completely inappropriate, since exposure to moisture will negatively affect its appearance

Plastic

Often, owners install plastic doors in the bathroom. The material does not suffer from moisture and does not require the purchase of special care products.

Plastic is not considered durable

It is not able to withstand significant loads and can easily be damaged. Plastic ages quickly and begins to crumble. The process is also accompanied by a change in color. Against this background, the owner will observe dissonance in the interior design. With plastic parts it will not be possible to maintain a single style for a long time.

Plastic is a short-lived material, it easily cracks, bursts, and chips
Plastic is a short-lived material, it easily cracks, bursts, and chips

Concrete

The option is considered optimal for the bathroom. Any type of floor tile can be used to decorate it. Concrete will not be damaged even with intensive use. It is quite durable and wear-resistant.

Concrete allows you to quickly form a protrusion of the required geometric shape.

Steam and moisture do not have a destructive effect on the structure, so the threshold remains intact. Finishing is also done using natural stone. It is important to choose an option that fits perfectly into the decor of the room.

The concrete threshold in the bathroom will last more than ten years
The concrete threshold in the bathroom will last more than ten years

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