How to Pick the Right One Between Stainless Steel and Aluminum Kick Plates?

Commercial and institutional buildings often use stainless steel kick plates (also available in aluminum and other metals) to protect doors from damage. The stainless steel kick plate is long-lasting and simple to maintain. A brushed or polished surface can keep its look over the structure's life with proper care.

Some factors you have to think about when picking a kick plate are: What are the proper dimensions for the kick plate? How will the kick plate for doors be attached to the door? What is the ideal kick plate thickness? And what kind of finish would look best in my situation?

What Are the Proper Dimensions for the Kick Plate?

While ordering a magnetic door kick plate, always get 2" shorter to prevent interfering with the door jamb when shutting the door. Beyond that, the kick plate's height and exact size are a matter of personal choice or what is was required for your specific application. The more of the door you cover, the better the protection for the underlying door. Kick plates are commonly used in four main applications.

The first is an 8-inch mop plate. "To protect the door from housekeeping mops, it is high and located at the bottom of the door.

The second is a 6 to 12-inch traditional kick plate "High to protect doors from mops, boots, and shoes when users hold and kick them open.

The third option is an armor plate that may be up to 48 inches tall and covers the bottom half of the door.

The fourth and last version is a stretcher plate, which protects the door from stretchers banging against it in hospital environments. There are 6 to 12 of the "high; and are parallel to the floor at the approximate height of the handle.

How Is the Kick Plate Going to Be Attached to the Door?

Although some clients ask for magnetically installed kick plates for stairs, the basic solutions are adhesive mounted and screw-mounted. For an adhesive mounting plate, they will stand the rear of the plate using a low grit wide belt sander to create a rough surface that's excellent for mounting the kick plate to the door with adhesive.

Some customers will also use double-sided VHB tape to assist with alignment and assure a straight fit. Standard kick plate for cabinets features 3/16" diameter holes and 8" on the center for mounting. Customers will often install the item using a low-profile sheet metal screw.

What Is the Optimum Finish for My Application?

90% of the stainless steel kick plates have a factory #4 finish, which has a lovely brushed stainless steel look and is quite durable. Other stainless steel finish possibilities include dull (unfinished), manually brushed (used with a broad belt sander), and mirror-polished.

Customers usually choose between a dull finish and a mechanical brushed finish when it comes to metal. The specification or the look of the surrounding hardware is usually what drives this decision.

Other options to consider include whether you want square corners or if you prefer a radius on the corners, which is often determined by the surrounding space and hardware.

Posted June 16, 2022 02:07