The Basics

Push plates are small plates made from solid brass, bronze or iron that are screwed onto doors to protect the door from wear and tear. Push plates are typically installed at arm height or at the base of the door depending on if it will be used to protect where people push the door open with their hand or if it is more likely to be kicked open with a person’s foot. Some push plates can also have a door handle installed on top of them so that the most used part of the door (where the handle is) is protected.

Location, Location, Location

Push plates are most commonly used on doors that lead from the outside to the inside, kitchen and laundry room doors. This is the most likely location because these doors are often used when a person has their hands full and will use their foot to open a door or push up against the door to open it. Historically, push plates were originally used on kitchen a door which was attached by hinges that allowed the door to swing open and close from both directions, so that servants could easily get in and out of the kitchen while carrying many plates and trays.

The Beauty

Push plates are also used as a way dress up a door. A push plate can work as an accessory to help the door fit the style and décor of the entire room.  Styles include rustic, modern and many more. Another way to incorporate a style with a door by using push plates would be to purchase a push plate whose finish is fitting with the room the door is in. Different finishes include bronze, brass, nickel, chrome, satin nickel and pewter.

Putting Things Together

Most push plates will come with a template to ensure accurate installation. Installation is relatively straight forward:

• Mark where the template shows that the screws which will hold in the push plate will go (use a level to ensure that the push plate is being installed correctly)
• Drill holes where the marks are from the template
• Screw in the push plate