Commercial Door Kick Plate Sizing Guide

How to Choose the Right Kick Plate Size for Commercial Doors

Determining the proper sizing of your commercial kick plates for doors will require you to consider three factors. These are the size of your door opening, the number of foot and cart traffic it has each day, and whether you need a standard-size or custom-fitting kick plate. 

The standard sizing of most commercial doorways is an 8"x30" stainless steel kick plate; however, some require larger sizes depending on how wide and busy their doorway is. JustKickPlates offers a wide selection of stainless steel kick plates with inventory in stock and at discounted bulk pricing in Canada, with free shipping.

What Size Kick Plate Does Your Door Actually Need?

The door width may be the first measurement to consider, but it isn't the only measurement to think about. A narrow office door will have different measurements from those of a wide commercial door that is wide, while the height of installation may vary according to how the door is going to be used.

The use of guesswork in determining the size will not work most of the time. A kick plate that is too small for your door will leave openings in which scuff marks and paint damage will happen. On the other hand, the standard door kick plate dimensions that are larger than needed may overhang the door and create problems with the closer.

Standard Size Kick Plates and the Advantages of Using a Kick Plate Size Chart

Using a kick plate sizing chart allows you to save time when trying to match plate size with the type of door it will be installed on because there are only a few sizes that most commercial doors come in. Checking this chart will give you only two or three possible options for kick plates within minutes.

These common sizes are:

  • 6” x 28”: for interior and office doors used infrequently
  • 8” x 30”: for a single commercial entrance door
  • 10"x34" stainless steel kick plate: heavy commercial usage and high-traffic storefront
  • 12” x 30”: wide single or double doors
  • 16” x 36”: industrial, loading docks, and warehouses

Which Kick Plate is Better: 6x28 or 8x34 for a Heavily Used Entrance?

It all depends on the door’s use when comparing a 6x28 vs. 8x34 kick plate. The 6x28 is used for less abusive interior doors, such as a staff room or back office door where there is foot traffic but not much of anything else. This kick plate provides basic protection without any visual weight being added to the smaller frame size.

The 8x34 can withstand all kinds of entrance abuse, including carts, dollies, mop buckets, and hands and feet contact all day long. Retail entrance doors, restaurant kitchens, and school hallways tend to last longer with the bigger kick plate because they cover a greater surface of the bottom of the door panel.

Guidelines for Kick Plate Size Based on Door Types

To make sure that the kick plate width-to-height guide you choose will match your door and not be chosen randomly, here is a guideline based on these dimensions.

  • For single interior doors: 6" to 8" height is generally sufficient.
  • For standard commercial entrance doors: 8" to 10" height for the full width of the door.
  • For double and wider commercial doors: use two plates or larger sizes, such as a 12"x30" stainless steel kick plate for each door leaf.
  • For industrial or loading areas: use 12" height or more to withstand repeated impacts.

Do You Require a Custom-Size Kick Plate for a Unique or Extra-Large Door?

Not all commercial doors come in sizes that fit an off-the-shelf kick plate. An old building or a custom-made door and/or an industrial extra-large door might require a custom-size kick plate to be made to the exact specifications of the door's size instead of a regular kick plate.

The ordering of a custom-size kick plate would also be important if the door had unique characteristics, such as a unique bottom rail, a small stile, or even the door's hardware. For example, a 16"x36" stainless steel kick plate is suitable for an industrial extra-large door, but an oversized or undersize door would still require a custom-made kick plate.

Practical Tips for Measuring Your Door Before Ordering

To order proper commercial kick plates for door installations, you need precise measurements, which should be made right off the door itself, and not based on memory or an old spec.

  • Measure the complete door width, not the portion in between stops.
  • Measure the height starting from the bottom of the door up to your preferred coverage point.
  • Determine the type of door, as wood, metal, and glass doors all install differently.
  • Look for any existing hardware or threshold that could affect the plate height.
  • Verify the door's swing direction so the plate is ordered for the right face.

Your Door Protection Begins With the Right Size

Deciding on the proper size is not hard once you have knowledge about the size of your door, the level of usage, and whether a standard or custom cut would work well for the space. This will ensure that you save on costs and prevent any unnecessary order mistakes.

Just KickPlates offers all sizes of stainless steel kick plates in stock and shipped across Canada, with more savings depending on the volume of your order. 

View the complete sizes available here at JustKickPlates.com.

 

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FAQ

Is it important that the kick plate be the same width as the door, or is there some margin of error allowed?

Typically, most kick plates will be cut about half an inch smaller than the door itself in order to leave a little room between the plate and the door frame and stop. Otherwise, the kick plate might end up binding with the jamb.

Is there a limit to the height of a kick plate that would be on a fire-rated door?

Usually, fire doors have limitations on the surface-mount kick plate height, and this will not usually be more than 16 inches, unless, of course, the door is designed for a bigger plate.

Is there any reason why stainless steel is better than aluminum when it comes to areas where winter salts and moisture would be involved?

If you are looking at using it during winter, stainless steel is more durable and resistant to moisture and road salts than aluminum.

Is it possible to install a kick plate to a door with an existing bottom sweep or sensor?

It is possible, although the plate height will have to be measured with regard to the existing hardware instead of being placed over it. The installer will typically cut down the plate height or get a thinner one in order for the sweep or sensor to function correctly.

How often does a commercial kick plate need to be replaced?

If installed correctly, a stainless steel plate will easily last over 10 years due to its ability to withstand the impact from people opening and closing the door. It replaces the door and takes the brunt of the impact instead.