homebuildy.com A kickplate is a protective metal or plastic plate installed at the bottom of a door to prevent damage from foot traffic, often used in high-traffic areas. A push plate is a flat plate mounted at hand height to provide a clean, easy surface for pushing a door open without using the handle. Both serve to protect door surfaces, but kickplates focus on foot-level protection, while push plates are designed for hand interaction.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Kickplate | Push Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protects door's lower area from shoe scuffs and damage | Prevents door surface wear from hand contact |
| Placement | Bottom section of the door, typically 8-16 inches high | Mid to upper section, where hands push the door |
| Material | Usually metal (stainless steel, aluminum) or durable plastic | Metal, plastic, or composite materials designed for grip |
| Functionality | Absorbs impact and prevents door damage from feet or equipment | Provides a clean, durable surface to push the door open |
| Common Usage | Commercial buildings, public facilities, high-traffic doors | Offices, hospitals, retail stores, and any push-operated doors |
| Installation | Mounted with screws or adhesive at door bottom section | Mounted with screws or adhesive at mid-door height |
| Price Range | $10 - $50 depending on material and size | $8 - $40 depending on design and material |
Kickplate vs Push Plate: Key Differences
Kickplates protect doors from damage caused by foot traffic, typically installed at the bottom portion of the door, while push plates are mounted at chest height to provide a clean surface for pushing the door open without damaging the door's finish. Kickplates are usually made from durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum for impact resistance, whereas push plates often prioritize ergonomic design and ease of use. Understanding these functional and positional differences helps determine the best hardware for maintaining door integrity and user convenience in high-traffic areas.
Material Choices for Kickplates and Push Plates
Kickplates are typically made from durable materials such as stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and vinyl to withstand frequent impact and protect doors from damage. Push plates often use the same robust materials but emphasize smooth finishes and textures to facilitate hand contact without wear, with options like brushed stainless steel or anodized aluminum enhancing both durability and aesthetics. Material selection for kickplates prioritizes impact resistance and scratch-proof surfaces, while push plates focus on ergonomic design and antimicrobial coatings for high-touch areas.
Installation Methods: Kickplate vs Push Plate
Kickplates are typically installed at the bottom of a door using screws or adhesive backing to protect against damage from foot traffic and equipment, requiring precise alignment for durability. Push plates are mounted at hand height with screws or adhesives, designed to distribute force when pushing a door open and often incorporate a smooth surface for easy cleaning. Both installation methods demand surface compatibility and measurement accuracy to ensure secure attachment and optimal functionality.
Durability Comparison: Kickplate and Push Plate
Kickplates and push plates both protect door surfaces from wear and tear, but kickplates offer superior durability due to their thicker gauge metal construction designed to withstand repeated foot impact. Push plates typically experience less intensive use, making them thinner and less resilient over time compared to heavy-duty steel or aluminum kickplates. Choosing a kickplate ensures long-lasting protection in high-traffic areas where doors endure frequent kicking or forceful contact.
Cost Analysis: Kickplates vs Push Plates
Kickplates generally offer a more cost-effective solution compared to push plates, with prices averaging between $15 and $40 depending on materials such as stainless steel or aluminum. Push plates tend to be slightly more expensive, ranging from $30 to $70, due to added functionality and design features that protect door surfaces from hand contact. Installation costs remain similar for both, but kickplates provide a budget-friendly option for heavy foot traffic areas requiring durable door protection.
Aesthetic Impact: Kickplate vs Push Plate
Kickplates offer a streamlined and subtle aesthetic appeal by blending seamlessly with door designs, enhancing durability without overwhelming visual elements. Push plates, often more prominent, provide a distinct visual cue for door operation but can disrupt minimalist or refined decor styles. Selecting between a kickplate and a push plate depends on balancing functional protection with the desired aesthetic impact in interior or exterior architectural settings.
Application Scenarios: When to Use Each Plate
Kickplates are ideal for protecting door bottoms in high-traffic areas such as commercial buildings and hospitals, where foot contact is frequent and durability is essential. Push plates are best suited for areas requiring hand operation without damaging the door surface, commonly found in kitchens, offices, and public restrooms. Selecting the appropriate plate depends on the type of contact--foot versus hand--and the specific traffic pattern of the environment.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Kickplate vs Push Plate
Kickplates typically require less maintenance than push plates because they are made of durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum that resist scratches and dents from frequent foot contact. Cleaning kickplates involves simple wiping with non-abrasive cleaners to maintain their appearance, whereas push plates may accumulate more visible fingerprints and smudges due to constant hand contact, necessitating more frequent cleaning. Both hardware types benefit from regular inspection to ensure fasteners remain secure and surfaces are free from damage that could compromise door protection.
ADA Compliance: Kickplate and Push Plate Standards
Kickplates and push plates both play critical roles in enhancing door durability and accessibility, with specific ADA compliance considerations. The ADA mandates that kickplates should be installed at least 10 inches above the finished floor to protect the door while facilitating wheelchair access, whereas push plates must be mounted between 34 and 48 inches from the floor to accommodate user reach. Ensuring the correct placement and size of kickplates and push plates is essential for meeting ADA standards and providing safe, accessible entryways.
Which to Choose: Kickplate or Push Plate for Your Door?
Kickplates are designed to protect the lower part of a door from damage caused by foot traffic, making them ideal for high-usage areas where people frequently kick the door open. Push plates serve a dual function by providing both protection and a designated area to push the door, preventing wear and maintaining hygiene. Choosing between a kickplate and a push plate depends on the specific usage patterns of your door, with kickplates preferred for durability and push plates for user-friendly operation.
Kickplate vs push plate Infographic
