Window sills, door thresholds and balcony parapet tops
Small pieces, but seen every day and cut to fit exactly, so careful measuring and neat edges make the difference.
Sills and thresholds are the small stone pieces that finish a home: the threshold under each door, the inside and outside sills of every window, and the top of the balcony parapet. They are often ordered at the end of a job, but they need to be planned with the floor and the windows, because they set levels and meet the aluminium frames.
Each opening is measured on its own, since door and window openings often differ slightly. We cut every piece to size, polish the visible edges, add a drip groove under outside edges so rain does not run back onto the wall, and install them.
Stones that suit this use
Granite is the practical choice for outside sills, balcony parapets and thresholds at entrance and balcony doors, where there is sun, rain and heavy foot traffic.
Marble suits inside window sills and thresholds between rooms, where it can match the floor. On outside sills choose a honed finish, because sun and rain dull polish.
What to decide
Thresholds
A threshold is cut to meet the finished floor level on both sides and covers the joint where two floors or two stones meet.
Window sills
Inside sills are cut to the depth of the wall and can overhang slightly. Outside sills should slope gently away from the window so water runs off.
Drip groove
A small groove cut under the front edge of an outside sill or parapet top makes water drip off there, instead of running back along the underside onto the wall.
Balcony parapet tops
Parapet tops are cut wider than the wall, with a drip groove under each overhanging side, and the joints between pieces kept tight and sealed.
Edges
Visible front edges are polished and usually straight, bevelled or half-round, to match the floor and the style of the home.
How the job goes
- Send a list of doors and windows, or visit the showroom
- Choose the stone and edge
- Measure each opening on site
- Agree levels with the floor and the window installer
- Cut, groove and polish each piece
- Install and seal the joints
Questions people ask
Should thresholds match the floor?
They can match exactly, or use a contrasting stone to mark the change between rooms. A darker threshold also hides wear at busy doorways.
What is a drip groove and do I need one?
It is a thin channel cut under the front edge of an outside sill or parapet top. Water drips off at the groove instead of running back onto the wall, which helps prevent dirty streaks and damp. Every outside sill should have one.
Do sills go in before or after the aluminium windows?
In most jobs the sills are fixed before the aluminium frames, so the frame can sit on the finished stone. Check the order with your window installer before we measure.
Granite or marble for balcony parapets?
Granite is the safer choice outside, because it handles sun, rain and salt air better. If you want marble to match the inside, choose a dense stone with a honed finish.
Send a photo and your measurements
Message us on WhatsApp with a photo of your kitchen, stairs or floor and the rough size. We reply with stones that suit and a clear quote.