What Is a Kick Plate and Which Doors Need One?
Protect your doors from damage while adding a little convenience to your life
Highlights
Kick plates protect doors from impact damage.
Most kick plates are metal, although they can also come in plastic or vinyl.
Kick plates can be used on both interior and exterior doors.
Residential kick plates are usually 6 to 8 inches high.
Kick plates are easy to install.
In today’s busy, fast-paced world, we’re always looking for things to make life a little easier and help keep our homes in good condition. One thing that can check both those boxes is a kick plate for your door. If you’re wondering what a kick plate on a door is and how it can help with both of those things, keep reading and learn how a small piece of metal can bring you peace of mind.
What is a Kick Plate?
Most often found in commercial properties, a kick plate is a piece of metal or plastic that’s installed at the bottom of a door, usually on the “push” side. The kick plate is aptly named, as it protects the door from damage from kicking.
Door plates are gaining in popularity in homes, especially homes with young children or pets. Picture coming home from the store—you’re carrying groceries in one hand, maybe a young child in the other as you unlock the front door. It’s often easier to kick the door open than try to put everything down to free up a hand to push it, but over time, all those kicks can do some serious damage to your door. Pets can also make their mark on doors; a kick plate can protect the door from scratches or chewing (although you may need to install it on the interior of the door, since pets are usually trying to get out, not in).
Doors don’t come cheap, and repair or replacement is costly and inconvenient. A kick plate takes the brunt of all that force, saving your door from dents, dings, and other damage. As a bonus, they can give your door a polished and stylish look, adding to your home’s curb appeal.
Which Doors Need Kick Plates?
The front door and other exterior doors are obvious places to benefit from kick plates, but they’re far from the only places where one might come in handy. High-traffic doors, particularly ones where people are likely to be carrying things as they walk through, can also stand to be protected. Consider installing kick plates on:
Laundry room doors
Garage access doors
Playroom doors
Pantry doors
Interior doors can take a lot of abuse, so it’s a smart idea to protect them and help keep them looking great and in good condition for as long as possible.
Kick Plate Materials
Like other parts of a door, kick plates come in a variety of materials to suit your needs. Metal is by far the most popular material, with stainless steel, brass, and aluminum being common options. Kick plates are also available in plastic and vinyl, which come in a number of different colors to match or complement your door. Kick plates can be found in a wide range of sizes, but the most common sizes for residential use are between 6 inches and 8 inches.
| Metal Kick Plate | Plastic Kick Plate |
|---|---|
| Durable | Variety of colors |
| Elegant-looking | Easy to clean |
| Needs polishing | Less durable |
Installing a Kick Plate
Installing a kick plate is usually a very simple process; it is generally screwed right into the door, although some are affixed with adhesive or magnets. Depending on your door’s material and your comfort with installing the kick plate, you might want to call a local handyperson to ensure it’s installed correctly without damaging your door. Kick plates are durable and long-lasting, but they will eventually need to be replaced, particularly plastic or vinyl plates. Keep an eye on your kick plate and replace it when it’s showing significant signs of wear or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
A kick plate is to prevent damage to doors from feet, while a push plate is to prevent damage from hands. Kick plates are installed on the bottom of a door, and push plates are installed at handle height. Push plates are most frequently used in commercial locations to prevent door damage from many people pushing doors open, while kick plates can be found in both residential and commercial settings.
Kick plates can absolutely be installed on metal doors. Many kick plates for metal doors are magnetic to avoid needing to drill into the metal, but many door manufacturers make kick plates that can be traditionally installed on metal doors using screws. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to see which is recommended for your door model.
Kick plates are usually installed on the “push” side of a door, but there are plenty of reasons to install them on both sides. Interior kick plates can offer protection from pet scratches, doors being kicked closed, and even kids’ toys during enthusiastic play sessions. Consider what kind of use and abuse your door gets to determine which side or sides to install a kick plate on.