Sill Height is Not Optional — Plan It or Trip Over It
Nothing makes me cringe faster than seeing a sliding door sill raised above the finished floor. It’s more than an aesthetic failure — it’s a trip hazard and a sign that detailing coordination fell apart somewhere between the architect, builder, and window company.
This issue shows up constantly in single-family construction, and it’s 100% preventable.
Architect: Must recess beams or floor structure to accommodate finished flooring thickness and sill riser height. This is especially critical on second floors where slab or beam offsets are often missed.
Builder: Can’t assume the window dealer’s size is correct — especially if the bid says “120” tall.” That’s likely what you’re getting… whether it works with your floor assembly or not.
Window Dealer: Needs to coordinate with structural and architectural plans before shell construction. Every rough opening should be laser-aligned to the finished conditions — not just guessed from the schedule.
Glazing Consultant: This is where I come in — reviewing all the above to ensure the details are aligned across trades and the GC isn’t left holding the bag. If the drawings don’t line up, I flag it early and get it corrected. Just because you can draw it doesn’t mean it works in the field.
Seamless sill integration isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about safe, clean, functional transitions. If the door sill is sticking up above your floor, it’s already too late.
