homebuildy.com A door kickplate is installed at the bottom of a door to protect it from scuffs and damage caused by foot traffic, while a door push plate is mounted at hand level to prevent wear and tear from pushing. Kickplates are typically made of durable materials like metal or heavy-duty plastic, designed to absorb impact from kicks or carts. Push plates focus more on hygiene and comfort, offering a smooth surface to push the door open without damaging the door's finish.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Door Kickplate | Door Push Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Protects door bottom from impact damage | Provides surface for pushing door open |
| Material | Typically stainless steel, aluminum, or brass | Usually metal or plastic |
| Installation Location | Lower part of door (bottom) | Mid to upper part of door |
| Durability | High resistance to dents and scratches | Moderate, designed for frequent contact |
| Purpose | Prevents door damage from foot or object impact | Facilitates door operation without handle use |
| Common Use | High-traffic entrances, commercial doors | Public buildings, hospitals, and clean environments |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean, resists corrosion | Simple cleaning, may show wear over time |
| Aesthetic | Blends with door, subtle protection | Visible pushing area, often contrasting |
Door Kickplate vs Door Push Plate: Key Differences
Door kickplates protect the lower section of doors from scuffs and damage caused by foot traffic, while door push plates provide a designated area for pushing doors open without touching the main surface. Kickplates are typically installed at the bottom of the door and made from durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum, offering heavy-duty protection. Push plates are positioned at hand height and designed to enhance hygiene and reduce wear on door finishes by minimizing direct contact with hands.
What Is a Door Kickplate?
A door kickplate is a protective strip, typically made of metal or durable plastic, installed at the bottom of a door to prevent damage from foot traffic and equipment. Unlike a door push plate designed for hand contact to push the door open, kickplates withstand impact where users habitually kick or push the door with their feet. Common materials include stainless steel and aluminum, chosen for their strength and corrosion resistance in high-traffic commercial settings.
What Is a Door Push Plate?
A door push plate is a protective metal or plastic panel installed on the push side of a door to prevent damage from hands, elbows, or objects. Unlike a door kickplate, which is positioned at the bottom to protect against foot or shoe scuffs, the push plate is placed at arm height for easy pushing without direct contact with the door surface. Door push plates are commonly used in high-traffic commercial buildings to extend door longevity and maintain a clean, damage-free appearance.
Installation Locations: Kickplate vs Push Plate
Door kickplates are typically installed at the bottom of doors to protect against scuffs and damage from foot traffic, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Door push plates are mounted at hand height, facilitating easy push access while preventing wear on door surfaces from frequent hand contact. Choosing between a kickplate and push plate depends on the specific location and type of usage, with kickplates suited for foot-level impact and push plates designed for hand-level interaction.
Material Options: Kickplates and Push Plates
Door kickplates are commonly made from durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and brass to withstand frequent impact and protect the lower part of doors. Door push plates often use similar metals but may also incorporate plastic or composite materials for added grip and reduced weight. Both kickplates and push plates offer corrosion-resistant options tailored to high-traffic environments, ensuring longevity and maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Protective Functions Compared
Door kickplates provide robust protection to the lower door area, preventing damage from foot traffic, carts, and other impacts, while door push plates primarily safeguard the door surface from wear caused by hand contact. Kickplates, usually made from durable materials such as stainless steel or aluminum, absorb heavy impacts and reduce scuff marks, extending door lifespan. Push plates focus on maintaining door appearance and hygiene by minimizing fingerprints and surface scratches in high-touch zones.
Aesthetic Considerations: Kickplates vs Push Plates
Door kickplates offer a subtle aesthetic appeal by blending seamlessly with door design, often crafted from metals like brass or stainless steel to match hardware finishes. Push plates prioritize functionality with wider, flat surfaces designed for hand contact, typically found in commercial settings where durability and ease of cleaning are crucial. Choosing between kickplates and push plates depends on balancing visual integration and intended usage, with kickplates enhancing elegance and push plates emphasizing practicality.
Durability and Maintenance
Door kickplates are typically made from durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum, offering superior resistance to impact and wear compared to door push plates, which are often designed for lighter contact and aesthetic purposes. Kickplates require minimal maintenance due to their robust construction and corrosion-resistant finishes, whereas push plates may need more frequent cleaning or replacement as they endure constant finger and hand pressure. The durability of kickplates makes them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas, reducing long-term maintenance costs and extending door lifespan.
Cost Comparison: Kickplate vs Push Plate
Door kickplates generally cost less than door push plates due to simpler installation and materials, often priced between $15 and $50 compared to $30 to $80 for push plates. Kickplates require minimal maintenance and typically last longer in high-traffic areas, providing better long-term value despite a similar upfront investment. Budget-conscious projects often favor kickplates for cost efficiency and durability in protecting door surfaces from foot impact.
Choosing the Right Plate for Your Door
Selecting the right door protection involves understanding the distinct functions of door kickplates and door push plates. Door kickplates are designed to shield the lower part of a door from scuffs and damage caused by foot traffic, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or doors frequently opened with feet. Door push plates protect the surface at hand height from wear due to pushing, ensuring durability and maintaining door aesthetics in busy environments.
Door kickplate vs Door push plate Infographic
