Screw-on, adhesive, or magnetic mount
ANSI/BHMA A156.6 · NFPA 80 · ADA 404.2.10
Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia
A door kick plate is a flat metal or polymer panel fixed to the bottom of a door. It takes the hits that would otherwise dent, scratch or scuff the door face. Most plates are 8 to 12 inches tall and run nearly the full width of the door. They are common on push-side doors in hospitals, schools, hotels and offices. A good plate helps meet the ADA rule for a smooth surface near the floor. The right plate can add years to a door.
Absorbs daily kicks, cart bumps and wheelchair footrests so the door face stays smooth and intact.
Cuts repainting, refinishing and early door replacement costs by taking the wear in one easy-to-clean spot.
Keeps entries looking sharp with finishes like satin stainless, brass or bronze that match your hardware.
King Locksmith And Doors Inc. installs and services commercial door hardware across Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We fit kick plates, armor plates and mop plates on wood, hollow metal and aluminum doors. Our technicians measure each opening, check fire labels and match finishes to your existing trim. We work with small businesses, government agencies, hospitals, hotels and enterprises. We show up on time, work cleanly and leave every door working as it should.
The best kick plate depends on the door, the traffic it sees and the rules it must meet. Use these five checks to narrow your options before you order plates or book a professional install.
Stainless steel is the top choice for most commercial doors. It resists dents, cleans easily and stands up to harsh disinfectants. That makes it a natural fit for hospitals, clinics and kitchens.
Brass and bronze suit hotel lobbies and historic buildings where looks matter. Aluminum is light and low cost for doors with moderate traffic. Polymer plates shrug off scuffs and chemicals and come in many colors. Match the finish to your other door hardware.
Most kick plates are 8 or 10 inches tall. A 10-inch plate is common because the ADA calls for a smooth surface within 10 inches of the floor on the push side. Cart traffic may need taller plates.
On single doors, plates usually run about 2 inches narrower than the door on the push side and 1 inch narrower on the pull side. This keeps them clear of the frame. We measure before we order.
Fire doors have strict limits. Under NFPA 80, a plate whose top edge sits 16 inches or less above the door bottom may be added in the field. Anything taller must be labeled and listed for that door.
Holes and fasteners also matter. The wrong screws can void a door’s rating, so follow the door maker’s instructions. Our team checks the label first, then picks a plate and mount that keep your opening code compliant.
Screw-on plates are the most secure option. Countersunk screws sit flush and hold up to heavy abuse. They work on wood, hollow metal and most aluminum doors in busy buildings.
Double-sided adhesive tape mounts leave no holes and install fast. They suit veneer or prefinished doors where drilling is a concern. Magnetic plates snap onto steel doors and come off for cleaning. We help you weigh strength, look and code needs before you choose one.
Hospitals and clinics need plates that survive carts, beds and daily cleaning. Stainless steel or seamless polymer works best there. Schools and government buildings favor thick stainless plates that resist dents and vandalism.
Hotels and restaurants often want brass or bronze to match lobby hardware. Offices and retail stores do well with satin stainless for a clean, modern look. Tell us how the door is used, and we will recommend the right plate and finish.
Kick plates and armor plates both protect the lower door, but they suit different jobs. This table shows where a kick plate is the smarter, simpler choice for most openings.
Consideration
Door Kick Plates
Armor Plates
Lower material and installation cost per door
Taller plates cost more to buy and fit
Field install allowed up to 16 inches
Over 16 inches needs labeled, listed plates
Quick install with standard screws or tape
Larger size takes longer to fit square
Low profile keeps the door looking open
Covers much of the door face
Covers the zone feet and wheelchairs hit
Extra height is wasted on light traffic
Even tough kick plates can fail when they are the wrong size or poorly installed. Watch for these warning signs early, since a failing plate can damage the door behind it.
We measure, supply and install kick plates on wood, hollow metal and aluminum doors, fitted perfectly flush.
We remove dented, peeling or loose plates, repair the door surface underneath and install a new plate.
We confirm plates meet NFPA 80 limits and the door's label, then correct anything that falls short.
We fit stainless or seamless polymer plates that handle bed and cart traffic and daily hospital-grade disinfectants.
We match kick plates to your hinges, closers and pulls in stainless, brass, bronze or custom finishes.
We plan and install kick plates across buildings or campuses, scheduled around your hours to limit disruption.
Tell us about your doors. We’ll recommend, supply and install kick plates that last, with free quotes across the DMV.
