At
Elegant Wood we make about 100 custom wood transitions and thresholds a year. Now I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it is enough for us to know that there is a market out there for custom transitions. The big box stores only sell a few one size fits all transition strips. Usually made of plastic coated wood. They may work for some of your needs but we have found that they don't work for every situation.
Most folks need a transition in one of the above shapes. So when you call us to make one for you please tell us which shape will work for you. The flat bottom one is for going between two surfaces that are the same level. The "T" shaped one is for when there is a gap between the two different rooms. The step shaped one is for transitioning rooms of different elevations. These three basic shapes can be modified to meet your specific needs.
You should also consider which wood to use. Red oak is the most common. Maple is used a lot because of it's hardness. White oak is used for outside applications. But transitions can be made of most hardwoods, but almost never of poplar or soft pines. You also need to keep in mind that the slope of the transition should not be so steep as to be a trip hazard. The thickness is also determined by whether or not there is a door that will swing above it.
We have made transitions and threshold in a wide variety of shapes. Most simple ones cost about $35 to $45 dollars but that all depends on the difficulty and the amount and type of wood that is used. We strongly recommend that you don't try to make these yourself because it is real dangerous. Our craftsmen have 25+ years of experience and they still have all of their fingers.
