For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. When using our articles for information and advice, please note that is your own responsibility to determine your capabilities when undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete. Installing a kick plate is easier with the door removed and placed flat on the floor, but mark the position of the plate on the closed door first so you know it will clear the jambs, threshold and any weatherstripping. Drill pilot holes through the kick plate's guide holes. Thus, doors with a lot of foot traffic often have kick plates installed to keep them clean. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Remove the masking tape and the protective plastic on the kick plate itself. Install the remainder of the screws, working out toward either edge of the plate. On a heavy-duty steel door with a solid core, it may be necessary to continue drilling with a masonry bit to create a sufficiently deep hole for the kick plate screws. If your kick plate has a protective film covering it, dont forget to peel it off. Pull off the tape and remove the kick plate. In this case, the natural reaction is to push it open with a foot, but over time this can scuff and mark the bottom of the door. Once youve installed the kick plate, you can hang the door back into place and test that the kick plate is in the perfect position by opening and closing the door. This is the most important step. If you order a kickplate with the exact width of your entrance door, it wont close properly, so you will need to choose a kick plate which has at least a 2-inch width difference from your door width. Door kick plates are not only highly functional and improve the durability of your entrance door, but can also be a decorative element for your front door. In terms of the height of the kick plate, we would recommend leaving 1 inch at the bottom as well, however, the overall height of the kick plate depends on personal preference. You can mark the drill bit with a piece of tape so that you don't accidentally drill through the door. Sometimes doors don't open smoothlyeither a person is carrying too much or the door sticks. Squeeze the drill trigger lightly at first so the bit doesn't skate on the steel as you start the hole, then slowly increase drilling speed. We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY you have completed. At Ironmongery Experts we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. Mounting Height for a Handicap Door Opener, How to Remove a Yale Door Knob in a Bedroom, How to Remove an LG Tromm Laundry Detergent Dispenser, Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Lifestyle, All Rights Reserved. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate. Secure the kickplate to the door with masking tape to ensure it is in place, and you can start screwing it to the door. Pilot holes will prevent the wood from splitting and make it easier to screw the kick plate into place. Before starting a DIY task, we strongly recommend that you educate yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. We try our best to provide clear and correct instructions within our articles, so you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. Measure the depth of the door and place a bit of masking tape on your drill bit. Nowadays, door kick plates are becoming more and more popular amongst residential buildings as well. Then, maybe you should install kick plates on your entrance door. This will let you know when to stop drilling to make sure that you wont drill through the door. Hit the punch with a hammer to create a depression at the hole location. Line up the two center marks and tape the kick plate to the wall. We believe it is in your best interest to complete further research and/or contact the necessary professional body should you have any further concerns. He is a Northeastern University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Kick plates come in a variety of finishes to complement your door or to add that pop of colour or colour contrast your door needs. You can choose to install your kick plate with the door attached but we would recommend removing the door as it will make the overall installation an easier process. Have you had your hands full of grocery bags and unconsciously kicked the door open? Typically, kick plates are 2 inches smaller than the door, so that there is a 1-inch margin on either side. Whether you're looking to provide robust protection from damage or make an architectural statement, there's a door kick plate manufactured to fit your needs. A remodeling and repair specialist with over 20 years experience, he is also a Certified Pool Operator and holds an EPA Universal refrigerant certification. When this happens and peoples hands are occupied, its easy to kick the bottom of the door to open it. Some people prefer a long kick plate, others a smaller one. Make sure that the kick plate is sized to the door and that it matches the decor. Use the nearest door panels to line it up evenly. Use the screwdriver and the hardware included with the kick plate. Mark the locations of the holes in the kick plate on the door by drawing through the holes with a pencil or pen. Close the door. Drill the holes you marked and place the kickplates screw holes in line with the holes youve just drilled. Grahame Turner has worked as a freelance writer since 2009 and a freelance reporter since 2010 for Wellesley Patch and Jamaica Plain Patch in Massachusetts. Place the tip of the drill bit in the indentation left by the center punch. If you have any questions regarding any of our products, feel free to contact us on 01376 557 561 or email our team at info@ironmongeryexperts.co.uk. Measure the center of the door along the bottom and mark it with the masking tape. Secure the kick plate to the wall with screws. Place the kick plate on the bottom of the door. Measure the distance between the sides of the kick plate and the edges of the door to make sure that it's still even. Use masking tape to maintain the plate in this position. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The following guide will help you install a kick plate on your front door effortlessly, plus it will explain how to choose the right kick plate for your door. Call today 01376 557 561/ Mon - Fri / 8.30am - 5pm. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Steve Hamilton has been writing professionally since 1983. In addition to protection, kick plates also add a nice aesthetic value to a front door. Line-up the kick plate with these measurements and mark the screw holes to ensure your drill holes will be in the correct position. // Leaf Group. Stop drilling once you have completely penetrated the steel skin of the door. Make sure that the kick plate is sized to the door and that it matches the decor. Hold the kick plate in the desired position against the door. No more dents or scuff marks. The mark should go the entire width of the kick plate so that you can line it up. Generally, center the plate between the sides of the door and leave 1 inch of clearance above the threshold. Measure the kick plate and mark the middle with masking tape. Don't use a level to adjust the kick plate, because the door itself may be askew and the kick plate will be obviously skewed. How to Replace a Deadbolt in a Security Screen Door, How to Install a Deadbolt Lock on a Door Without Cutouts, Direct Door Hardware: Ordering and Installing a Kickplate, Popular Mechanics: How to Work With Sheet Metal, Danny Lipford: Curb Appeal Starts at Your Front Door, These peel and stick floor tiles will give your kitchen an affordable new look. Chuck the bit into a variable speed power drill. Use a tape measure to ensure you have 1-inch on either side and bottom and mark these measurements with a pencil. He also works part-time as a bookseller at the Northeastern University bookstore. Place the mark at the height of the kick plate itself, and place another at the bottom. Typically, kick plates are 2 inches smaller than the door, so that there is a 1-inch margin on either side. Firstly, youll have to measure your door to ensure you purchase the correct kick plate for your door. With the right tools and technique, it's no harder to install kick plates on steel doors than on those made of wood. You can mark the drill bit with a piece of tape so that you don't accidentally drill through the door. Hold a center punch firmly against the door at one of the hole marks. Step back to make sure it looks right. Hold the kick plate in position and insert screws into the top and bottom holes at the center of the plate. His credits include novels under the Dell imprint and for Harlequin Worldwide. Wear eye protection when using power tools. If kick plates are installed on the door, people can kick the door open without damaging the door. If you are still looking for a door kick plate, we would recommend some of our best-selling ones, including the 800x150mm satin stainless kicking plates, 710x150mm satin stainless kicking plates and 820x150mm satin stainless kicking plates. They are available in many different materials and sizes. Blu Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel Hardware, Introducing Alexander & Wilks Ironmongery, Uplift your home with a knurled door handle. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects. This will make sure that you will have 1 inch of clearance on either side of the door. Door kick plates are most commonly found on business buildings or commercial buildings, such as restaurants and coffee shops, where there is a high amount of traffic coming in and out of doors with packages and other items. Peel off the protective plastic film covering the kick plate. If theft won't be a problem, there are magnetic kick plates that install on a steel door without drilling holes. Repeat the process for each of the holes. Although the most common kick plates are the flashy brass variety adorning wooden entry doors, the extra protection will help a steel door look better and last longer as well. This procedure helps prevent warping of the plate so that it will install flat against the door. For instance, our satin stainless kick plates would be ideal for dark coloured doors, such as navy-blue doors, whilst our black kick plates would look perfect on a red coloured door which had other black door furniture. Tighten the screws securely. Select a sharp, high-speed bit appropriately sized, to drill pilot holes for the kick plate screws.