M-D Building Products 78634 Threshold Kit: A Solid Option for French and Exterior Doors

The M-D Building Products 78634 threshold kit is designed for those who need a reliable transition between a door and its frame, particularly for French or exterior doors. It combines an aluminum base with a hardwood strip, finished in bronze. This isn’t a flashy product, but it serves a straightforward purpose: to bridge the gap under a door and help keep out drafts, water, and debris.

In real-world use, this threshold feels sturdy. The aluminum section provides a durable metal edge that can handle foot traffic, while the hardwood insert offers some visual warmth and can be trimmed or sanded if needed for a precise fit. The kit includes the necessary screws and a small tube of adhesive, which is helpful for installation. The bronze finish is subtle and doesn’t stand out too much, which is fine for most exterior doors.

Key features worth noting:

• The threshold measures 5-5/8 inches wide by 1-1/8 inches tall, with a 36-inch length. This size is common for standard door openings, but it’s worth measuring your door first to ensure it matches.
• It’s adjustable: the hardwood strip can be raised or lowered slightly by loosening screws underneath, allowing you to fine-tune the gap between the door bottom and the threshold. This is a practical feature for uneven floors or settling door frames.
• The aluminum base is fairly rigid, and the hardwood insert is pre-drilled for the adjustment screws, which saves time during setup.

However, there are some trade-offs. The hardwood insert is not treated for heavy moisture exposure. If your door is in a very wet or humid area, like a direct rain exposure without an overhang, the wood may eventually swell or warp. A fully aluminum or vinyl threshold might hold up better in those conditions. Also, the included screws are basic; you might want to use your own stainless steel ones if you’re in a coastal environment to avoid rust.

Compared to a one-piece aluminum threshold, this kit offers more adjustability and a slightly better look, but it’s not as weather-resistant. A solid aluminum threshold would be simpler to install and more durable in harsh weather, but it lacks the fine-tuning ability and the warmer appearance of wood. This threshold is a compromise between aesthetics and function.

Who is this suitable for? It’s a good fit for homeowners with French doors or exterior doors that have a standard gap and need a clean, adjustable seal. It works well in moderate climates where rain isn’t constant. DIYers with basic tools should be able to install it in an afternoon, as long as they can measure and cut the hardwood strip to length.

Who might want to skip it? If your door is exposed to heavy rain or snow, or if you live in a very humid region, consider a fully aluminum or composite threshold. Also, if your door gap is significantly larger than the 1-1/8 inch height, this won’t bridge the difference without additional modifications. Finally, if you prefer a minimalist look, the bronze finish and visible wood grain might not appeal to you.

In summary, the M-D Building Products 78634 is a functional, adjustable threshold that does its job without fanfare. It’s not perfect for every scenario, but for standard French doors in moderate conditions, it offers a reasonable balance of adjustability and appearance. Just be realistic about its limitations in wet environments.