"You’ve probably seen door kickplates without even realizing it. Think about the last time you walked into your dentist’s office, a restaurant, or your kid’s school. That shiny metal plate at the bottom of the door? That’s a kickplate. Simple, right? But don’t let the simplicity fool you—kick plates are one of those small upgrades that make a big difference.
What is a Kickplate?
Most commonly found in commercial spaces, kickplates are metal sheets—usually stainless steel, brass, or aluminum—that get installed at the bottom of doors to prevent damage. They’re built to take a beating from shoes, grocery bags, wagging dog tails, and anything else that might scratch or dent your doors. But here’s the thing: kickplates aren’t just for businesses. They’re incredibly handy for homeowners too—and we’re big fans of putting them on both front and back doors.
But why do you need a kickplate? What are the benefits? Here’s why you might want to consider adding a kickplate to your home.
- They Protect Against Scuffs, Scratches, and Dings
Let’s start with the obvious. Kickplates are there to take the hit—literally. Whether you’ve got your arms full of groceries, kids, or laundry, you’ve probably used your foot to nudge the door open. We all do it. But over time, that adds up to scuff marks, chipped paint, and even dents—especially if you have a wooden door or one that’s recently been painted. A kickplate gives you a little peace of mind. Go ahead, give the door a nudge. The plate’s got it covered. - They Keep Pet Damage at Bay
If you’ve got dogs or cats, you know how excited (or anxious) they can get when someone’s at the door. And that usually leads to scratching, pawing, and jumping. Some pets even use the door as a launching pad. While it’s cute the first time, over time it can really do a number on your door’s finish.
Installing a kickplate on the outside—and even on the inside, if needed—gives you a durable surface that your pet can’t scratch up. It might even stop the behavior altogether once they realize it’s no longer fun to claw at. That’s a win-win. - They’re a Great Addition to Storm Doors
Storm doors are fantastic for adding protection and letting in light, but they’re also prone to dings and scratches—especially if they’re made of lighter materials like aluminum. And let’s be honest, once they start looking rough, it kind of takes away from your home’s curb appeal.
A kickplate on your storm door not only keeps it looking clean and sharp but can also help extend its life. Whether it’s muddy shoes, rolling suitcases, or excited pets, the kickplate helps take on the wear and tear so your storm door doesn’t have to. - They Add a Touch of Style
Functionality aside, kickplates can look really good. Whether you prefer something sleek and modern like brushed stainless steel or you’re more into a traditional brass finish, there’s a kick plate style out there that can add polish to your door. You can even match it to your doorknob, hinges, or house numbers for a cohesive look.
We carry a variety of finishes and sizes, so whether you’re outfitting a bold front door or just want to give your back door a little more staying power, you’ve got options. - They’re Super Easy to Install
Good news: You don’t need to be a contractor to install a kickplate. Most can be installed with just a few screws (and some even come with adhesive backing for a no-drill option). It’s a fast and simple DIY project that gives your door an instant upgrade—and saves you from future repair work down the line.
Ready to Kick It Up a Notch?
If you’re ready to give your doors a little more durability (and a little more style), a kickplate is a smart move. Whether you're dealing with high foot traffic, curious pets, or you just want to keep that fresh coat of paint looking sharp, a kickplate is a small investment that goes a long way.
Check out our selection of door kickplates from top brands you can trust. We’ve got all the sizes, finishes, and styles to match your space—and if you need help picking the right one, we’re here for that too.
