How to Fix a Loose Wooden Door Threshold

15% Off Selected iFixit Tools<\/a> \u2014 Limited Time<br\/>\nFree Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+<\/p>","createdAt":"2026-06-15T16:37:24.835Z","updatedAt":"2026-06-16T07:34:16.264Z","publishedAt":"2026-06-16T07:34:16.302Z","locale":"en","documentId":"s1gcjvoe15hdc1os0ndw1ggb"}}">

15% Off Selected iFixit Tools — Limited Time
Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

Introduction

A loose door threshold can make it difficult to close the door fully, cause people to trip, and make unwanted noises. It can also lead to water seepage and pest entry. To prevent these issues, it's important to fix the loose threshold as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Before starting this guide, make sure you have the required tools and materials ready by your side. It’s important to note that this guide focuses on repairing a loose wooden door threshold, not thresholds made of materials such as metal or vinyl.

This guide demonstrates how to fix a loose wooden door threshold. For best results, follow each step in order, and for safety, wear work gloves to protect your hands.

What you need

Step 1 How to Fix a Loose Wooden Door Threshold

How to Fix a Loose Wooden Door Threshold, How to Fix a Loose Wooden Door Threshold: step 1, image 1 of 3

How to Fix a Loose Wooden Door Threshold, How to Fix a Loose Wooden Door Threshold: step 1, image 2 of 3

How to Fix a Loose Wooden Door Threshold, How to Fix a Loose Wooden Door Threshold: step 1, image 3 of 3

Use your hands to remove the door threshold.
Start lifting it from one of the two ends.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 2

How to Fix a Loose Wooden Door Threshold: step 2, image 3 of 3

Use a paint scraper to remove the old wood glue and dirt that remains under the threshold.
Use a cloth to clean the area once you're done scraping off any leftover glue residue.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 3

Before applying the glue, make sure you have some decently heavy objects, like books, that you can use for Step 5.
Make sure you have enough wood glue to cover the entire mounting surface from end to end.
Apply the wood glue on the mounting surface from one endpoint to the other.
Immediately go to the next step after applying the glue as it will dry off fast.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 4

How to Fix a Loose Wooden Door Threshold: step 4, image 3 of 3

Place the threshold back in its original position.
Press down along the threshold for a few minutes to ensure it is secure.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 5

Place heavy books across the length of the threshold to keep the downward pressure while the wood glue dries.
Keep the heavy objects on the threshold for at least 6 hours to allow it to dry completely.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 6

Using a paper towel or a cloth, clean the excess glue around the threshold.
You can lift the books one at a time to check for any excess glue and clean it.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Conclusion

After a few hours, remove the heavy books or other objects covering the threshold and check its stability. If it still feels wobbly, reapply or add glue to the loose area.

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.