Floor saddles, also called thresholds, are good ways to make a smooth transition from hard floor surfaces such as wood or tile to carpet. They can also help protect your floor and keep dirt from becoming trapped in between your floor and carpet, all the while providing safe footing between the two. Thresholds have traditionally been made from materials such as metal or wood, but more people have been turning to marble for a more refined, richer look to their floors.
Marble saddles used to be reserved for more expensive ceramic or marble tile floors; however, they are commonly used now for any type of hard floor, and are becoming easier to find in any hardware/building supply store or floor specialty store. Marble comes in a variety of colors, from neutrals (creams, greys, blacks) to more vivid solids. This makes it easy to use either a neutral color that flows well with the color of your flooring, or to pick a color that compliments a particular accent in the room, or matches a color theme. Adding contrast to color is a great way to make your marble pop, making it just enough of a small detail to add great change to a room. Either way, the marble will bring about a rich and beautiful look, which can add a Romanesque touch to your decor. It is a simple touch that can give your home an updated look, and is also a brilliant addition when refinishing/remodeling.
It is important to be sure your floor saddle fits flush against the flooring and is the size you desire. Most thresholds are sold in sizes of 2-4 inches wide with a length of 30 or 36 inches. They are typically half an inch or three-quarters of an inch thick. If your threshold is being installed into a doorway and your doorway is of a different size, it is important to have the marble professionally cut, as marble requires detailed attention when being cut or shaped to prevent cracks or breaks. Incorrect cutting can cause the marble to become unstable, or may cause fractures. Once cut, marble saddles can be very easy to install, with little more than thin-set mastic, caulk, a trowel, a straight-edge, and a utility knife. It is very similar to laying tile, and requires little time and labor.
Marble thresholds can be purchased at large home improvement stores, floor and tile specialty stores, and even online.