A marble threshold is a narrow slab of stone set across a doorway where two floors meet. In New York and New Jersey most contractors call it a saddle, and you will also hear it called a door sill. It covers the joint between the two floors, eases a small difference in height, protects the cut edges of the tile, and at a bathroom door it forms a small lip that helps keep water in the bathroom.
What is a marble threshold, exactly?
It is a flat, rectangular piece of stone, usually 3/4 inch thick. It is cut to the length of the door opening and wide enough to cover the depth of the wall or door frame. It sits under the door, centered on the line where one floor stops and the next one starts.
Threshold, saddle and door sill all mean the same part. Threshold is the general term. Saddle is what you will hear on almost every job site around New York and New Jersey. A window sill is a different part that sits under a window, although we cut both from the same slabs in our Jersey City shop.
What does a marble saddle do?
A saddle does four jobs at once. That is why tile setters put one at nearly every bathroom door they finish.
- Covers the joint. Two floors rarely end in a clean, straight line. The saddle hides the cut edges, the gap between them, and any change of material, such as tile to hardwood.
- Eases a height difference. A tiled bathroom often finishes higher than the hallway next to it. A saddle with the right bevel turns that step into a gentle edge that is easy to walk over.
- Protects tile edges. The exposed edge of a tile is the weakest part of a tiled floor. The saddle takes the foot traffic and rolling loads instead, so those edges don’t chip.
- Helps contain water. Set a little above the bathroom floor, a saddle forms a lip that can hold back a minor spill or an overflowing tub. It is not a waterproofing system, but it buys you time to grab a towel.
Where are marble thresholds used?
The bathroom door is the most common spot by far. After that, these are the places we cut saddles for most often:
- Room transitions, such as a tiled kitchen meeting a wood floor in the dining room, or tile meeting carpet in a hallway.
- Shower entries, where a stone threshold or curb sits at the shower opening. These are often odd lengths, so see our custom shower thresholds.
- Exterior doors, under an entry, patio or balcony door. For outdoor use many installers choose granite, which is harder and absorbs less water than most marble.
- Closets and laundry rooms, anywhere the flooring changes at the door.
Which stones are thresholds made from?
Marble is the classic choice, but saddles are also cut from granite, engineered quartz and travertine. Match the stone to your tile color first, then think about wear and upkeep. These are the stones we stock, with current price ranges per piece:
| Stone | Look | Price per piece |
|---|---|---|
| White Carrara marble | Soft white with gray veining, the usual bathroom saddle | $85-220 |
| Calacatta Gold marble | Bright white with bold gold and gray veining | $140-230 |
| Statuario marble | White with strong gray veining | $150-250 |
| Bianco Dolomiti marble | White with fine gray veining | $65-285 |
| Crema Marfil marble | Warm beige | $115-195 |
| Nero Marquina marble | Black with white veining | $140-175 |
| Black Absolute granite | Solid black, very hard | $125-205 |
| Pure White quartz | Even white, engineered stone | $85-165 |
| Grey Caesarstone quartz | Even gray, engineered stone | $119-165 |
| Travertine | Warm tan with natural texture | $125-310 |
The price inside each range depends on size, finish and bevel. For a closer look at how each stone wears, read marble vs granite vs quartz thresholds.
What sizes do marble thresholds come in?
Stock saddles come in lengths of 24, 30 and 36 inches and widths of 3, 4, 5 and 6 inches, all 3/4 inch thick. Our most ordered sizes are 36 x 6, 36 x 4, 36 x 5, 30 x 4 and 30 x 6 inches.
Length should match the door opening where the saddle sits, measured between the jambs. Width should cover the full depth of the wall or frame, so neither floor’s cut edge shows. A typical interior wall framed with 2×4 studs and drywall on each face is roughly 4-1/2 inches thick, which is why 5 and 6 inch widths are so common.
Our measuring guide walks through it step by step. You can browse every stock size, and anything longer, thicker (1-1/4 inch) or an odd width is cut to order as a custom threshold. If you are unsure about thickness, read how thick a marble threshold should be.
Which bevel profile do you need?
The bevel is the shaped long edge of the saddle. Choose it by how high each floor finishes compared with the top of the stone.
| Profile | Edge shape | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bevel | Small 1/4 inch chamfer on one long edge only; the other long edge is square | The floors finish close to the top of the saddle and you only need a softened edge |
| Single Hollywood | Long, gentle slope on one long edge | One floor is lower than the other; the slope faces the lower floor |
| Double Hollywood | Long slope on both long edges | The saddle sits above the floor on each side of the door |
You can shop each profile directly: standard bevel, single Hollywood bevel and double Hollywood bevel. If the doorway has to be accessible, the bevel also matters for the 1/2 inch height limit covered in our ADA threshold guide.
Polished or honed: which finish is better?
We cut saddles in two finishes, and the choice comes down to the room.
- Polished is glossy, shows off the veining, and wipes clean easily. It suits hallways, kitchens and rooms that stay dry.
- Honed is matte, less slippery when wet, and hides scratches and water spots. It is the usual choice for bathrooms.
If your tile is polished, a polished saddle will usually look right. With matte porcelain, a honed saddle tends to blend in better.
How do you pick the right marble threshold?
- Measure the door opening length and the wall depth.
- Check the finished height of the floor on each side of the door.
- Choose a bevel that matches those heights.
- Pick a stone and finish that suit the tile and the room.
- Order a stock size if one fits, or request a quote for a custom cut.
Stock pieces ship crated by UPS Ground to the 48 continental states and DC for a flat $70 per piece, or you can pick up free at our Jersey City shop, usually the next business day.
Frequently asked questions
Is a marble saddle the same as a marble threshold?
Yes. Saddle is the name most contractors in New York and New Jersey use, threshold is the general term, and door sill is another common name. All three describe the strip of stone that sits in a doorway between two floors.
Do I need a threshold at a bathroom door?
Most tile setters install one. It covers the tile edge, handles the height difference between the bathroom and the next room, and gives a small lip that helps hold water in. Check with your contractor or local inspector about any specific requirements where you live.
Can I cut a stock threshold shorter?
Yes. Installers commonly trim the length of a stone saddle with a wet saw. Order the next stock length up and cut it to fit. If you need a longer, thicker or odd-width piece, we cut it to order.
How thick is a standard marble threshold?
The standard stock thickness is 3/4 inch. Thicker pieces, such as 1-1/4 inch, are custom work and are used where the floor heights call for it.
Can I see the stone before ordering?
Samples are available on request. Call (212) 203-7987, Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm, or email info@marble-thresholds.com.