A hardware reference guide from CDF Distributors
This guide answers: What size kick plate do I need for a commercial door?
Why Door Protection Matters
Commercial doors in high-traffic environments take constant abuse from foot traffic, carts, wheelchairs, gurneys, and cleaning equipment. Without protection, the bottom of the door dents, scratches, and corrodes, leading to premature door replacement. Kick plates, mop plates, and push/pull plates protect the door surface and extend the door's service life significantly.
Types of Door Protection
Kick Plates
Kick plates mount on the push side (or both sides) of the door at the bottom. They protect against foot traffic, shoe scuffs, and impacts from wheeled equipment. Standard kick plate height is 8 to 10 inches. Width should be 2 inches less than the door width (1 inch inset from each edge).
Mop Plates
Mop plates are shorter than kick plates (typically 4 to 6 inches high) and protect the bottom of the door from wet mops, floor scrubbers, and chemical cleaning agents. They are common in hospitals, restaurants, and institutional kitchens where floors are mopped frequently.
Armor Plates
Armor plates (also called stretcher plates) extend from the bottom of the door to 30+ inches high. They protect the full lower section of the door from gurney and cart impacts. Standard in hospitals, food service, and warehouse applications.
Push/Pull Plates
Push plates and pull plates protect the door surface around the lock area where hands contact the door. They are typically 3.5 to 4 inches wide and 15 to 16 inches tall, centered at lock height.
Materials and Finishes
- Stainless steel (Type 304 or 316) — Most durable. Resists corrosion, chemicals, and impact. Standard for healthcare and food service. Type 316 for coastal or chemical environments.
- Brass — Traditional appearance, good corrosion resistance, develops patina over time. Used in architectural and hospitality applications.
- Aluminum — Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, lower cost than stainless. Available in anodized or painted finishes.
- Plastic/composite — Impact-resistant, no denting, chemical-resistant. Common in healthcare and laboratory settings.
Sizing Guide
Proper sizing prevents damage while maintaining the door's appearance:
- Width: Door width minus 2 inches (1-inch inset from each edge). For a 36-inch door, specify a 34-inch wide plate.
- Kick plate height: 8 to 10 inches for standard traffic. 12 inches for heavy cart traffic.
- Mop plate height: 4 to 6 inches.
- Armor plate height: 30 to 42 inches depending on the type of wheeled equipment.
On fire-rated doors, kick plates and armor plates must not interfere with the door's fire rating. Metal plates applied with screws (not adhesive) to the face of a fire-rated door generally do not affect the rating, but verify with the door manufacturer's installation instructions for the specific fire listing.
Installation
Kick plates and armor plates are installed using countersunk screws, concealed fasteners, or adhesive (for lightweight applications). Screw-mounted plates are the most secure and are recommended for high-traffic areas. Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent door skin damage, and use fasteners appropriate for the door construction (wood screws for wood doors, sheet metal screws for hollow metal doors).
A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies
Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Configure Your Door Assembly
CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and facility managers to configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. ProBuilder displays compatible options and provides instant pricing.
For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size kick plate do I need?
For a standard 36-inch commercial door, specify a 34-inch wide by 10-inch high kick plate (or 8-inch for light traffic). The plate should be inset 1 inch from each edge of the door. For double doors, each leaf gets its own kick plate sized to the leaf width minus 2 inches.
Do kick plates affect the fire rating?
Metal kick plates attached with screws to the face of a fire-rated door generally do not affect the fire rating. However, always verify with the door manufacturer's fire listing. Adhesive-mounted plates may not be permitted on fire-rated doors as the adhesive may fail in a fire. Fire-rated door assemblies are available with ratings of 20, 45, 60, 90, and 180 minutes.
What is the difference between a kick plate and a mop plate?
A kick plate is taller (8 to 10 inches) and protects against foot traffic and wheeled equipment impacts. A mop plate is shorter (4 to 6 inches) and specifically protects the door bottom from wet mop contact and cleaning chemicals. In applications with both foot traffic and mopping, a kick plate provides sufficient protection for both.
About CDF Distributors
CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.
