Saddles/ Thresholds

8 years ago

Contractor installed granite saddles for laundry room and main bathroom. Are the saddles suppose to be set flush with adjoining floors? I just read if saddles aren't set flush then the edges should've been beveled? Since saddles are already set what can be done as to not make this a tripping hazard?

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Sonsoles de Lacalle

8 years ago

Well, first of all, what is the purpose? If both floors are at the same level, I see no need for a saddle, talk about old fashioned construction techniques! Just make a nice junction with carefully applied sealant or an embedded border. Tons of samples in houzz pics and elsewhere.
If there are 2 floor levels to connect, then by all means, use a transition. But transitions should be a smooth move from one environment to the other, and this instances it looks jarring and yes, a toe disaster bound to happen.
Finally, if you are going to use a “saddle”, at least use the same material as on one of the floors, to provide a more unitarian, smooth look. Adding a piece of granite just because it has been use for the counters is a very cheap approach (even though it may be pricey).
My 2 cents!

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Comments (17)

Sonsoles de Lacalle
8 years ago
do those even match with the floor? They look like an unusual choice. I don’t see much choice than remove and reinstall appropriate pieces.
tma531 thanked Sonsoles de Lacalle
tma531
Original Author
8 years ago
What would be appropriate pieces to use?
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et phonehome
8 years ago
Is this granite on the counters in one of these rooms? That would explain the choice
tma531 thanked et phonehome
tma531
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes, granite matches bathroom vanity and seat in shower. Is saddle supposed to be raised like that?
et phonehome
8 years ago
I'm not an expert in saddles but the ones I've noticed that were slightly elevated were beveled. Whether this "must" be I don't know. Just Googled and found this site http://www.windowsills.com/threshholds/ada-requirements-for-marble-thresholds-and-why-theyre-important/ According to them the ADA advises that saddles be beveled. I don't know if it's worth making your contractor redo it or not though
tma531 thanked et phonehome
acm
8 years ago
I've seen beveled and not. I think a "saddle" is always raised. You might be surprised to find you never trip on these things -- it must be something about entering a doorway that you basically don't step on (or drag your feet toward) the threshold itself.
tma531 thanked acm
PRO
Skippack Tile & Stone
8 years ago
Your installer should have gotten a "hollywood" bevel threshold; one side is squared off and the other side slopes down to meet the different heights. As it is, that will be a tripping hazard.
tma531 thanked Skippack Tile & Stone
tatts
8 years ago
The ENTIRE point of a threshold is to ease the transition from one floor to another--including any change in level. The point of a threshold is NOT to introduce an entire new level to the transition! Good god, has he never been in a house before?

Fortunately, it's an easy fix. It looks as though the saddle ends at the door frame (doesn't go under it). So the only wood on top of it is the small stop piece. The stone is probably just tacked in with some caulk, so removing it is simple. Pop the stops off and lever the stone out.

Then do it right!
tma531 thanked tatts
tma531
Original Author
8 years ago
I really appreciate your advice, thank you!
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
8 years ago
They need to removed and a transition of one or the other of the flooring installed this looks ridiculous
tma531 thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Julie B
8 years ago
I would remove the saddle and use the wood flooring to create a threshold, assuming the floors are the same level. Otherwise, I would replace the saddle with a beveled marble that goes better with the tile. The granite is an odd choice.
tma531 thanked Julie B
felizlady
8 years ago
If someone in your home tends to scuff or drag their feet while walking, it may be a trip hazard. If a guest scuffs or drags their feet, it may be a trip hazard. If you are carrying the roast beef or a birthday cake from the kitchen to the dining room or living room, oops!! Since granite is a solid material, maybe (just maybe) it could be beveled in place with a fine grinder. Removing these saddles may be a bigger project, but I would still require it. The result of tripping (for an elderly person or anyone) can be a bad injury.
I would require the thresholds to be beveled.
tma531 thanked felizlady
Sonsoles de Lacalle
8 years ago
@ tma531, If you look in this discussion: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/hardwood-tile-issue-when-remodeling-help-dsvw-vd~4923313 the last commenter has posted a variety of transitions that may give you some ideas. None of them have a saddle!
tma531 thanked Sonsoles de Lacalle
Judy Mishkin
8 years ago
even if it werent for tripping, i'd worry that hauling a vacuum cleaner over it would cause the edge to chip. this set up isnt working for me.
tma531 thanked Judy Mishkin
User
8 years ago
tripping hazard or shock hazard if one looks at it.
tma531 thanked User
michaelreading
4 years ago
This was probably done as protection against flooding in those rooms. It would prevent the water from leaving the room and damaging your wood floor.