What Is a 24 x 36 Stainless Steel Kick Plate? Benefits, Uses & Buying Guide

The stainless steel kick plate is a metal plate installed at the bottom of the door to protect it from marks and scratches. It is a tiny item that will keep your entrance looking like new for years to come. The 24 x 36  stainless steel kick plate is one of the most popular sizes for commercial doors of a greater height since it is universal enough but doesn’t require any customization. 

Before you try to shop all sizes offered, it is useful to find out more about the purpose of this product, its installation location, and other details. We at JustKickPlates are known for selling this size regularly as it fits many doors.

What Is a 24 x 36 Stainless Steel Kick Plate?

A kick plate of this size is 24 inches by 36 inches. It is normally installed at the bottom of the door, push side, where the highest impact is received from the feet of people or any other moving cart. Due to the increased size, such a plate is normally used for wide doors or doors that get many visitors.

The majority of kick plates come in grade 304 stainless steel material, making them resistant to corrosion both indoors and outdoor. Normally, a 24" x 36" kick plate has either a polished or satin finish to allow for installation in different places.

Why Do Doors Require a Kick Plate?

Doors endure abuse that people usually do not consider until it happens. The shoes, dollies, mopping bucket, and wheelchairs will beat the bottom part of a door many times each day, and after months of this contact, paint chips and damage are left on a door that should be in good condition.

The kick plate serves as a protective layer between the door and the abuse it receives each day. A new plate is installed rather than having to repair or refinish the whole door.

What Are the Advantages of a 24” X 36” Stainless Steel Kick Plate?

• Does not corrode, rust or stain in damp conditions
• Is tough enough to withstand impact from carts and equipment without becoming dented
• Has an appearance that works well in office buildings and retail spaces
• Needs minimal maintenance; just needs to be wiped off once in a while
• Protects the door against wear and tear

Where Can Such Kick Plates Be Found?

Owing to their size, such plates are usually found in places where doors are larger in dimensions compared to normal, and there is traffic all the time.

• Hospitals or clinics where trolleys or beds keep on coming through
• Institutes of higher learning where many students walk in and out of their doorways
• Facilities or warehouses with heavy forklift or pallet jack activity
• Office or retail complexes with a steady flow of pedestrians
• Apartments or condominiums with access doors

How Do I Determine the Right Kick Plate Dimensions?

Dimensions depend on choosing the right kick plate dimensions relative to the door. In case a door is large or excessively tall, then the kick plate should be proportional to cover the entire door from exposure to damage. Measurement of the dimensions of the door and the intended height coverage helps eliminate many future hassles.

In case of larger doors, kick plates such as the 28" x 40" stainless steel kick plate or even the 28 x 46 stainless steel kick plate are often selected as replacements for the 24 x 36 because the latter does not provide adequate coverage. All these plates can be found and are in stock due to high demand for larger commercial doors.

What Is the Life Expectancy of Stainless Steel Kick Plates?

When installed properly, high-quality stainless steel plates on the doors will last many years even in highly frequented commercial establishments. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and will not deteriorate like wood or painted metal. Therefore, the longevity of such a part depends mainly on its thickness and the wear and tear that occurs every day.

The doors that are often used will develop some small scratches, but the performance of the door will not be affected. Property owners notice that stainless steel plates will withstand many repainting cycles of a door or will outlast multiple door renovations and replacements.

Things to Consider When Purchasing 24 x 36 Door Kick Plate

Getting a 24 x 36 door kick plate is simple; however, a few considerations ensure that you get a quality product that will last longer instead of having to change it after a few months.

• Gauge: choose gauges that are thick for durability and withstand impacts.
• Conclusion: Satin finish is more effective at resisting fingerprints than mirror polish.
• Installation method: plates with self-adhesive backings are easier to install, while screw-fixed plates provide greater longevity.
• Drilled holes: help save time and look professionally installed.
• Bulk orders: may be considered in case of ordering many plates for one building.

Not sure about the gauge and finish to choose? Contact us, and we will guide you in making the right decision.

Is It Hard To Install This Type Of Kick Plate?

A plate of this size is easy to install, and it does not take any special equipment, nor do you need an expert contractor. Pre-drilled plates can be screwed on in less than half an hour, while those with adhesive backing can be installed very quickly, assuming that the door surface is clean and dry prior to installation.

The only important thing is to make sure that the installation is properly aligned since it will be obvious if the plate is crooked. Spending a few additional minutes on measurements and marking will help to avoid problems later.

Does the Size of a Kick Plate Impact Its Cost?

Clearly, bigger plates require more materials, so the size does make an impact on the cost, but not as significant as one might think. It will be quite reasonable to say that going for the standard size plate and moving to the commercial one means paying a little extra instead of doubling the total cost.

The cost increase caused by the size of the plate can also be levelled out by the discount which can be achieved through buying plates in bigger quantities. The comparison of different prices per unit in different order quantities is probably more relevant to property managers than the size comparison.

Which Finish Choices Do You Have for These Kick Plates?

There are a few options available in finishes when choosing kick plates made from stainless steel, including the polished and satin finishes, which are commonly chosen by most people. The satin finish is a brushed, dull finish which effectively masks fingerprints and any minor scratches, thus making it one of the best choices for entrances receiving heavy traffic and frequent handling.

On the other hand, the polished finish offers a reflective and bright finish which is best used in lobbies and retail stores. However, note that the polished finish is likely to show fingerprints more than the satin finish.

Can This Type of Kick Plate Be Used Outside?

The good thing about stainless steel is that it can withstand the conditions outside because of its durability, hence making it suitable for outdoor use on entry doors. The weather outside does not have the same effects on the kick plates as it would have on other metals and wood that have been painted.

However, one should always ensure that a slightly higher gauge of metal is used for entry doors located outside since there will be more dirt that may end up affecting the door.

Maximizing Your Kick Plate Purchase

It is important to select the appropriate size and finish initially to avoid unnecessary expense and headaches in the future. The appropriate kick plate helps maintain the door and entrance, keeping it presentable while reducing unnecessary service calls that a busy property manager simply does not have time for. Whether protecting one door or multiple entryways at once, selecting the appropriate kick plate is where the value lies.

Just Kick Plates stocks a wide selection of kick plates, along with volume pricing on larger orders, so purchasing for several entrances does not have to mean months of waiting for inventory to arrive.  Time to protect those doors? Visit our entire selection now!