Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kick Plates
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General Kick Plate Questions |
Stainless Steel Kick Plates FAQs |
Other Finish-Specific Kick Plate FAQs
General Kick Plate Questions
Kick plates are a simple but effective way to protect doors from scuffs, scratches, and everyday wear. They’re commonly used in both homes and commercial spaces, and they come in a variety of materials and finishes to suit different needs. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about kick plates.
Q1. What is a kick plate, and why do I need one?
A kick plate is a protective plate fitted to the lower part of a door. Its purpose is to shield the surface from damage caused by shoes, trolleys, prams, or cleaning equipment. Kick plates help extend the life of your doors by preventing dents and scuffs, while also adding a decorative finish. They’re especially useful in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, hallways, offices, shops, and public buildings.
Q2. How do I install a kick plate on my door?
Installing a kick plate is quick and easy:
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Measure the width of your door and the position where the plate will sit.
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Place the kick plate against the door and check alignment.
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Fix it in place either by:
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Screwing (using pre-drilled holes and supplied screws), or
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Bonding (with a strong adhesive for a smooth, screw-free finish).
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Tip: Always clean and dry the surface before installation to ensure maximum adhesion and a neat fit.
Q3. Are kick plates only for commercial doors?
No — while they are very common in restaurants, hospitals, offices, and shops, kick plates are equally useful in residential properties. Homeowners use them on kitchen doors, back doors, and garage entrances to prevent everyday knocks and scratches. They also provide a decorative accent, available in finishes like stainless steel, brass, and aluminium.
Q4. How do I clean and maintain my kick plate?
Cleaning depends on the material and finish:
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Stainless steel and aluminium: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid harsh abrasives that could scratch the surface.
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Polished finishes (e.g., brass or polished stainless): Use a soft cloth with a suitable polish to keep the shine.
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Powder-coated or coloured plates: Clean with mild soapy water and avoid strong chemicals.
Regular cleaning keeps your kick plates looking new and helps maintain their durability.
Q5. Can kick plates be used on both interior and exterior doors?
Yes — kick plates are suitable for both indoor and outdoor doors. For external doors, it’s important to choose a material designed to withstand the elements:
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Stainless steel (Grade 304 or 316) for long-lasting rust resistance.
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Anodised aluminium for a lightweight, weather-resistant option.
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Powder-coated finishes for extra style and durability outdoors.
Q6. What size kick plate should I choose for my door?
Kick plates are usually between 150mm (6″) and 300mm (12″) high, and are cut to suit the width of your door. A common rule is to order the plate slightly narrower than the door — typically 50mm (2″) shorter — to avoid clashing with door frames. For example, for a 762mm (30″) wide door, a 712mm (28″) wide plate is ideal. Custom sizes are also available to ensure a perfect fit.
Stainless Steel Kick Plates FAQs
1. What is a stainless steel kick plate?
A kick plate is a protective plate fixed to the bottom of a door to prevent damage from foot traffic, trolleys, or equipment. Stainless steel kick plates are popular because they are durable, hygienic, and available in Satin or Polished finishes.
2. What is the difference between Satin and Polished stainless steel?
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Satin Stainless Steel has a brushed, matte look that hides marks and scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
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Polished Stainless Steel has a shiny, reflective finish that adds a modern, decorative touch but shows marks more easily.
3. Which stainless steel grade should I choose?
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Grade 430: Affordable and durable, best for indoor use.
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Grade 304: Hygienic, corrosion-resistant, suitable for most commercial and residential doors.
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Grade 316: Premium option, with superior resistance to saltwater and chemicals – ideal for coastal properties, hospitals, and harsh environments.
4. Are stainless steel kick plates rust-proof?
Yes — stainless steel is naturally corrosion-resistant. However, the level of resistance depends on the grade:
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Grade 304 and 316 offer higher corrosion resistance.
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Grade 316 is recommended for external or coastal use where exposure to salt and moisture is high.
5. Do kick plates come pre-drilled?
Yes — most kick plates are supplied pre-drilled with fixing screws. If you prefer, you can request plates without holes so you can bond them directly to the door using adhesive.
6. Can I use stainless steel kick plates on fire doors?
Yes — stainless steel kick plates can be fitted to fire doors without affecting their fire rating, as long as they are installed correctly with approved fixings or adhesives.
7. How do I clean and maintain stainless steel kick plates?
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Satin Finish: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent; avoid abrasive cleaners.
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Polished Finish: Use a stainless steel cleaner or polish to maintain shine.
Regular cleaning prevents dirt buildup and keeps the finish looking new.
8. Can kick plates be used on external doors?
Yes — stainless steel kick plates are suitable for external doors. For long-lasting protection in outdoor or coastal environments, we recommend Grade 316 stainless steel.
9. What sizes are available?
Kick plates are available in standard sizes (e.g., 150mm x 600mm, 200mm x 800mm) and can also be custom-made to fit your specific door dimensions.
10. How are stainless steel kick plates fixed to the door?
Kick plates can be:
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Screwed on (using pre-drilled holes).
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Bonded with adhesive (for a smooth, screw-free finish).
Other Finish-Specific Kick Plate FAQs
High Impact Polystyrene Kick plate HIPS (Plastic)
What is High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), and why is it ideal for kick plates?
HIPS is a plastic known for its impact resistance, perfect for areas where metal plates may be too costly. Though not as durable as stainless steel, it’s a lightweight, cost-effective alternative.
PVD Kick Plates
What is PVD coating, and how does it enhance durability?
PVD applies a thin metal layer to the plate surface, enhancing its scratch and corrosion resistance. The coating gives kick plates a lustrous finish and increased durability.
Black Kick Plates
What’s the advantage of black kick plates? Are they suitable for all door types?
Black kick plates offer a modern look and complement many door styles. They are versatile for both residential and commercial applications and are easy to maintain, hiding dirt and scuffs.
Powder Coated Kick Plates
What are Powder Coated Kick Plates?
Powder-coated kick plates are metal plates with a durable, scratch-resistant finish, available in various colours for a stylish, long-lasting solution.
Anodised Aluminium Kick Plates
What is anodised aluminium, and how does it differ from regular aluminium?
Anodised aluminium has a protective oxide layer, enhancing durability and corrosion resistance. It’s more resistant to wear and fading than regular aluminium.
Brass Kick Plates
How do brass kick plates compare to other materials? Will brass tarnish?
Brass provides a classic, luxurious look but is prone to tarnishing over time, adding to its vintage appeal. Regular polishing is needed to maintain its shine.
Satin Anodised Aluminium Kick Plates
How is satin anodised aluminium different from regular anodised aluminium?
Satin anodised aluminium has a smooth, matte finish, giving it a more subtle and elegant look compared to the shinier finish of regular anodised aluminium.
Aluminium Checker Plate (Tread Plate)
What is Aluminium Checker Plate (Tread Plate), and how does it benefit my door?
Aluminium Checker Plate is lightweight with a raised pattern, offering slip resistance and durability, perfect for high-traffic areas. Its industrial look adds to both safety and protection.