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A guide to Door Stops

By 2 August 2023August 15th, 2023No Comments

DOOR STOPS

A simple door stop may seem like an insignificant accessory…but its importance cannot be understated!  The best reason for installing door stops on the door is to protect the wall behind the door from damage caused by continuous opening and closing of the door due to wind or accidental force. Furthermore, it protects the door’s hardware such as levers, knobs, or door handles from damage. You can now buy door stops online and in-store from a great range of door stops, including wall-mounted, floor-mounted, and magnetic door stops. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various types of door stops, factors to consider when purchasing one, and answer common questions like ‘Which is the perfect door stop for your home?’

What type of door-stops is best suited for your home

Types of Door Stops

  • Floor Mount Door Stops
  • Wall Mount Door Stops
  • Magnetic Wall / Door Mount Door Stops
  • Overhead Hinge Mounted Door Stops
  • Hook Door Stops
  • Foot stoppers / Kick-down Door Stops
  • Concealed Door Stops / Underfloor Mounted Door Stops 

Floor Mount Doorstops

These are installed on the floor behind the door, these door stops are a more permanent solution and come in various designs and materials.  A floor-mounted door stop allows it to withstand frequent impacts from use. Aside from that, these tend to have a lower profile that is obtainable to minimise any swinging hazards in busy areas.

Wall Mount Door Stops:

These door stops have a rubber bumper that can be squared or rounded, which is fastened to a metal mounting body and plate mounted to the wall. These stops are simple to install and do not take up any room on the floor. These offer solid defense against wall damage and safeguarding for your door and door hardware.

Magnetic Wall / Door Mount Door stops:

These door stops utilise magnets to hold the door in an open position, providing a discreet and elegant solution.  These door stops are common, adaptable, and can be mounted on either the wall or floor and on any door.  Made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, zinc alloy, or brass are appropriate for most door-stop installations.  Most magnetic door stops are appropriate for interior or external swinging doors to prevent the door hardware (door handle, lever, or knob) from making contact with the wall, provided the clearance area is sufficient. The magnetic catch can allow the door to stay open without the door slamming shut or damaging the wall or door.

Overhead Hinge Mounted Door stops:

The overhead door stop is attached to the top door frame or jamb. This ideal solution is for situations when the door opening is constrained, or it is just not feasible to install a normal door stop to the floor or skirting. The opening angle can be altered from 70 degrees to 120 degrees depending on where the overhead hinge mounted door stop is placed.  These are used in areas such as bathrooms, showers, toilets, or garages. These are easy to install and unlike door stops that are installed on the floor or a door, the overhead doorstop is totally out of the way which may help to prevent accidents and trip hazards.

Hook Door Stops:

These Hook Door stops serve as a “Hold Open” when the hook is manually engaged.  These are intended to hold doors open in busy areas, and they frequently constitute a component of a protective door stop. Hook Door stops typically take the form of a hook and latch.  These work best to increase handiness in crowded areas while protecting against damage to walls, doors, or door hardware.

Operated Foot Stops/Kick-down Door Stop:

Operated Foot Stops are also known as kick-down door stops that are pushed down with your foot while the rubber tip grips the floor.  Using a foot-operated door stop, the door may be held open in any desired position.  To prevent damage from the door slamming shut, these may be pushed down to keep open and will firmly hold your door in place.

Concealed Door Stops / Under Floor Mounted Door Stops:

Concealed door stops are also known as underfloor mounted door stops. This innovative, underfloor mounted door stops that hold doors open can be hidden when not in use. These door stops are integrated into the flooring to reduce trip hazards, save space, and implement a tried-and-true design.  The use of a plastic floor socket containing a steel bolt rod magnetises to the magnetic inside under the door for an ingenious design.

Factors to Consider

Now that we know some of the types of door stops available, let’s explore the key factors you should consider when choosing the right one for your needs:

1. Functionality: Determine the primary purpose of the door stop – is it to prevent slamming, hold the door open, or protect your walls and floors?

2. Floor Type: Consider the type of flooring in your home. Different door stops work better on specific surfaces, such as carpet, hardwood, tile, or concrete.

3. Durability: Look for door stops made from sturdy materials like rubber, stainless steel, or high-quality materials to ensure they can sustain repeated application without losing effectiveness.

4. Door Weight: If you have heavy doors, opt for a door stop with sufficient strength to hold them securely in place.

5. Installation: Decide whether you prefer a simple, portable door stop or a more permanent floor-mounted option. Some door stops may require drilling or adhesives, while others can be easily placed without any installation.

6. Safety Features: If you have children or pets, choose a door stop that prioritises safety, preventing doors from closing suddenly and causing injuries.

7. Design and Aesthetics: Consider the appearance of the door stop. Some designs can offer different finishes/colours to complement your decor seamlessly while others may stand out or provide a decorative touch.

8. Versatility: If you need the door stop to work on either domestic or commercial doors or for different purposes, opt for one that works best for the application.

Common Questions and Answers

1. What type of door stop do I need? The type of door stop you need depends on your specific requirements. Floor mounted door stops or magnetic door stops are the most popular choices.

2. Will this door stop work on my type of floor? Different door stops are designed to work on various types of flooring. Check the product specifications to ensure compatibility with your floor type.

3. How durable is the door stop? Will it withstand frequent use? Choose a door stop made from durable materials like rubber or metal to ensure it lasts through regular use.

4. Can this door stop holding heavy doors securely? Look for door stops with a heavy-duty weight-bearing capacity if you have heavy doors.

5. Is the door stop easy to install? Do I need any special tools? However, floor-mounted door stops may require basic tools for proper installation.

6. Can I use this door stop for both indoor and outdoor doors? Some door stops are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Check the product details to confirm its suitability for your specific needs.

7. Will this door stop leave marks or damage my doors or floors? Choose door stops with non-marking materials to avoid damage to your doors and floors.

8. How effective is the door stop in preventing doors from slamming shut? Read customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the door stop’s effectiveness in preventing door slams.

9. Are there any safety features to consider, especially if I have children or pets? Certain door stops come with safety features like soft-closing mechanisms or childproof designs to prevent accidents.

10. Are there different colours to suit my decor? Some door stops have wonderful finishes you may pick from to match your decor, either to help draw attention to certain fixtures or to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

11. What materials is the door stop made of, and are they environmentally friendly? Check the door stop’s materials to ensure they are eco-friendly, especially if environmental impact is a concern for you.

Conclusion

Choose door stop that gives flexibility in its use if you need it to work on variety of doors or for different applications, such as spaces for residential or commercial use.  Choosing the right door stop may seem like a small decision, but it can significantly enhance the functionality and safety of your living spaces. By considering the factors above in this guide and asking the right questions, you can find the perfect door stop that complements your home decor, fits your needs, and brings convenience and peace of mind to your everyday life. So, go ahead and invest in a door stop that will protect your doors, floors, and loved ones for years to come.

Where to buy door stops:  herveybaydoorware.com.au

  • EMRO Matt Black Square Magnetic Door Stop

    $35.95
  • EMRO SATIN Square Magnetic Door Stop

    $35.95
  • ZANDA Half Moon Door Stops – Various Finishes

    $8.80$21.89
  • ZANDA Heavy Duty Magnetic Door Stop 316SS

    $108.88
  • ZANDA SKIRTING DOOR STOP – Satin Brass

    $36.51
  • ZANDA Various finishes Magnetic Door Stops – Various Finishes

    $33.10$42.20
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