Kickplates

Protecting your doors from everyday wear and tear starts from the ground up. Our range of kickplates makes it easy to shield busy doors from scuffs, trolleys, shoes and cleaning equipment, while maintaining a clean, professional look. Whether you are fitting out a new project or upgrading existing openings, you can buy kickplates online from John Barnes Group with confidence, knowing you are choosing durable architectural door hardware trusted across Brisbane, Queensland, New South Wales and Australia-wide.

What Are Door Kickplates?

Kickplates are protective plates fixed to the bottom section of a door, designed to take the impact of shoes, bags, carts and equipment instead of your door face. They are widely used on both internal and external doors in residential and commercial buildings, helping extend the life of timber, laminate and metal doors.

Available in a range of sizes, materials and finishes, door kickplates are a simple, low-profile upgrade that delivers big results. From a modern matte black plate on a contemporary front door to a hard-wearing stainless steel kickplate in a busy corridor, they help keep doors looking clean and professional for longer.

Why Install Kickplates on Your Doors?

Protect High-Traffic Doors from Damage

In high-traffic environments such as schools, hospitals, office buildings and retail spaces, doors are constantly bumped, kicked and scraped. A quality kickplate absorbs this impact, protecting the lower section of the door from dents, gouges and chipped paint. Over time, this can significantly reduce maintenance costs, repainting cycles and door replacement, especially on corridors and service doors that see heavy trolley or equipment use.

Maintain a Premium, Professional Appearance

First impressions matter. Scuffed and battered doors can quickly drag down the look of otherwise modern, contemporary interiors. By fitting kickplates on key front doors, lobby entries, amenities and back-of-house access points, you preserve a clean, premium appearance. Paired with stylish hardware from brands like Barben, Dormakaba, Lockwood and Zanda, kickplates help unify the look of your doors and maintain a polished presentation across your project.

Support Accessibility and Ease of Use

In many commercial and public buildings, people often use their foot or a trolley to push doors open when their hands are full. Kickplates provide a tough surface for this everyday use, making it easier and safer for staff, patients, customers and residents to move through spaces. This is particularly beneficial in healthcare, hospitality and retail environments across Queensland and New South Wales where smooth movement and accessibility are essential.

Kickplate Materials and Finishes

Durable Stainless Steel Kickplates

Stainless steel kickplates are a popular choice for busy internal and external doors, thanks to their durability and corrosion resistance. They suit commercial projects, apartment entries, plant rooms and service corridors, and integrate neatly with stainless steel door handles, lever sets and locks from brands like Dormakaba and Lockwood. A satin stainless finish offers a clean, modern look that hides marks and fingerprints well.

Matte Black, Brass and Architectural Finishes

For design-led residential and commercial projects, kickplates in architectural finishes help complete the overall hardware story. Matte black kickplates pair beautifully with Barben and Zanda matte black handles, creating a cohesive, contemporary look on front doors and internal feature doors. Brass-toned finishes can complement warm timber and classic door hardware, adding a premium touch while still protecting the door surface.

Aluminium and Specialty Options

Aluminium kickplates can provide a lightweight, economical solution for lower-risk areas, while still offering good protection for everyday impacts. Depending on your project requirements, you can select from different thicknesses and sizes to suit light residential use through to heavy-duty commercial applications. Many facilities across Brisbane and regional Queensland choose a mix of materials and finishes across their site to balance design, durability and budget.

Choosing the Right Kickplate for Your Application

Internal vs External Doors

When selecting kickplates, consider whether the door is internal or external, as well as the surrounding environment. External doors or doors exposed to moisture, weather or cleaning chemicals will typically benefit from higher-grade stainless steel. Internal doors in offices and apartments may be better suited to decorative finishes that coordinate with existing architectural door hardware.

Door Size, Coverage and Height

Kickplates are normally sized to sit within the stile and bottom rail of the door, giving a neat framed look. Common practice is to cover the lower portion of the door where damage is most likely to occur, while leaving space above for locks, levers and pull handles. When you buy kickplates online, check the width and height against your door size and consider the level of protection required – higher traffic often calls for taller plates.

Matching with Existing Door Hardware

For a cohesive result, choose kickplates that complement your handles, locks, hinges and door closers. For example, pair stainless steel kickplates with Dormakaba or Lockwood commercial hardware, or opt for matte black plates to coordinate with Zanda and Barben levers and pulls. This approach ensures your kickplates feel like a deliberate design choice, not an afterthought.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Simple, Straightforward Installation

Most kickplates are designed for straightforward installation by a qualified tradesperson, facilities team or experienced handyman. They may be fixed using screws through pre-drilled holes, or with suitable adhesives, depending on the door type and plate design. For fire-rated or specialised doors, always follow the door manufacturer’s instructions and consult with your fire door inspector or hardware specialist before modifying the leaf.

Cleaning and Ongoing Care

Kickplates are generally low-maintenance. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and suitable cleaner for the selected finish will help maintain appearance and hygiene, particularly in healthcare and food-related settings. Stainless steel kickplates in coastal or high-humidity regions of Queensland and New South Wales benefit from routine cleaning to minimise surface tea staining and keep them looking their best.

Serving Projects Across Brisbane, Queensland, NSW and Australia-Wide

From a single front door upgrade in a Brisbane home to multi-storey commercial fit-outs across Queensland and New South Wales, John Barnes Group supplies kickplates and complementary door hardware for projects of all sizes. Our online store makes it easy to buy kickplates online from anywhere in Australia, with a range of finishes and sizes to match modern, contemporary or traditional interiors.

Backed by decades of experience in architectural door hardware and access solutions, our team can support builders, facility managers, strata managers and homeowners with practical advice on selecting the right kickplates and associated hardware, including handles, door closers and locks from leading brands like Barben, Dormakaba, Lockwood and Zanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a door kickplate do?

A door kickplate protects the lower section of a door from impact and abrasion. It takes the knocks from shoes, trolleys, bags and equipment so the door face does not get chipped, dented or scratched. This helps extend the life of the door and keeps it looking tidy in both residential and commercial environments.

Where are kickplates commonly used?

Kickplates are widely used on high-traffic doors in offices, schools, hospitals, shopping centres, apartments, hotels and industrial facilities. They are also popular on front doors and internal doors in homes where extra protection is required, such as garage entry doors, mudroom doors or doors used frequently by children and pets.

What material is best for coastal or high-moisture areas?

For coastal locations or areas exposed to moisture and frequent cleaning, stainless steel kickplates are generally preferred due to their corrosion resistance and durability. Many projects across Queensland and New South Wales select stainless steel plates to withstand demanding conditions while maintaining a professional appearance.

Can kickplates be used on fire-rated doors?

Kickplates can often be fitted to fire-rated doors, but it is important to follow the door manufacturer’s guidelines and any applicable approvals. Before installing plates on a fire door, check the door certification details and consult with your fire door inspector, builder or hardware specialist to ensure the installation does not compromise fire performance.

How do I measure my door for a kickplate?

Measure the overall width of the door and decide how much of the lower section you would like to cover. Most kickplates sit within the door stiles, leaving a small clearance at each side and at the bottom. When you buy kickplates online, compare your measurements with the stated plate dimensions and choose a size that provides adequate protection without interfering with hinges or door seals.

Are kickplates suitable for residential homes?

Yes, kickplates are a smart choice for residential doors that see a lot of use or are prone to scuffing. They are ideal for front doors, garage entry doors and doors near busy living areas. With modern finishes like matte black, stainless steel and brass, you can protect your doors while complementing your Barben, Dormakaba, Lockwood or Zanda door furniture.

Do kickplates come pre-drilled?

Many kickplates are supplied pre-drilled for screw fixing, making installation quick and consistent. Others may be designed for adhesive fixing, depending on the application and door type. Always check the product details before ordering so you can match the fixing method to your project requirements.

Do you deliver kickplates Australia-wide?

Yes, John Barnes Group supplies and ships kickplates Australia-wide through our online store. Whether your project is in Brisbane, elsewhere in Queensland, across New South Wales or in another state or territory, you can order kickplates and coordinating architectural door hardware online and have them delivered to site.

Why Choose John Barnes Group?

John Barnes Group combines deep industry experience with a comprehensive range of architectural door hardware, making it easy to source quality kickplates and matching door furniture in one place. Our team supports residential and commercial projects across Brisbane, Queensland, New South Wales and Australia-wide, helping you choose practical, durable and modern solutions. When you buy kickplates online from John Barnes Group, you benefit from trusted brands, reliable service and hardware that’s built to perform in real-world conditions.