Door stoppers are small but essential accessories that play a significant role in maintaining the functionality and safety of doors. They are simple devices designed to prevent doors from closing or opening too far, protecting walls, furniture, and other objects from damage, while also providing added security and convenience.
Door stoppers come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, offering versatility in their application. The most common types of door stoppers include:
Wall-mounted door stoppers: These are typically installed on the baseboard or wall behind the door. They feature a projecting element, such as a rubber tip or a metal bumper, that prevents the door from hitting the wall and leaving marks or dents. Wall-mounted door stoppers are ideal for protecting walls and baseboards in high-traffic areas or where doors swing open with force.
Floor-mounted door stoppers: These are installed on the floor, usually near the bottom edge of the door. They can be either mounted to the floor or recessed into the floor, and they act as a barrier, preventing the door from hitting the wall or furniture when opened too forcefully. Floor-mounted door stoppers are commonly used in commercial buildings, hotels, and homes with heavy doors.
Magnetic door stoppers: These are attached to the door and floor or wall using magnets, allowing for easy installation and removal. They are discreet and do not require any drilling or permanent fixtures, making them a popular choice for residential settings where aesthetics are a concern.
Door stoppers provide several benefits beyond protecting walls and furniture. They also enhance safety by preventing doors from slamming shut and accidentally trapping fingers, especially in homes with children or pets. Door stoppers can also improve accessibility by holding doors open for people with mobility issues or for moving furniture or other large objects through doorways.
In conclusion, door stoppers are small yet practical devices that are essential for maintaining the functionality, safety, and convenience of doors. They come in various types and designs to suit different applications and preferences. Whether it’s preventing damage to walls, enhancing safety, or improving accessibility, door stoppers play a crucial role in everyday door operation and are an indispensable part of any well-designed and functional space.
Which door stop should I choose and where should I install it?
Wall mounted door stops can be installed on your skirting board or on the back of the door. So when should you install on the back of the door or on the skirting board and how?
Wall mounted door stoppers
When it comes to mounting door stops, the general recommendation is to install them on the skirting board whenever feasible. This placement keeps them out of the way, as the area behind doors is typically not where people walk, making them less obtrusive.
The height at which you should install the door stop largely depends on how you plan to clean underneath it. If you regularly mop or vacuum clean below the door stop, it’s important to ensure that there is enough clearance to avoid hitting the door stop. However, if this is not possible, it’s not a major concern, but rather a small consideration to make daily life a bit more convenient.
In cases where you have tiled walls, such as in bathrooms or toilets, installing the door stop on the wall can be a simpler solution compared to installing it on the tile itself. This prevents the risk of piercing the waterproof layer or cracking a tile, which can be a potential issue when installing the door stop directly on the tile.
When installing door stops, it’s essential to carefully consider the location and height to ensure that they are convenient and functional without causing any damage or obstruction. Following recommended guidelines and considering the specific requirements of your space can help ensure a successful installation that enhances the functionality of your doors without compromising other aspects of your space.
Floor mounted door stops
Floor mounted door stops are commonly used in situations where the door does not stop against a wall, such as with large front doors or in older homes where doors were installed in the middle of bedroom walls. They are also suitable for heavier doors that may require additional support to prevent damage to walls or floors.
It is important to be cautious when installing floor mounted door stops to avoid creating a tripping hazard. Carefully position the door stop in a location where it does not obstruct the path of foot traffic when the door is closed, ensuring that it does not protrude too far into the room.
In wet areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens, special consideration must be given to protect the waterproof layer below the tiles. One common method used by installers is to apply silicone around the screw hole at the base of the door stop to prevent water penetration and maintain the integrity of the waterproofing.
Before proceeding with the installation of a floor mounted door stop, it is advisable to carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This may include recommendations on positioning, screw size and depth, and any additional steps required for proper installation.
By taking these precautions and following recommended installation practices, you can ensure that your floor mounted door stop functions effectively without creating any safety hazards or compromising the integrity of the surrounding surfaces in wet areas.
Magnetic Door Stops
When installing magnetic door stops, it’s important to note that there is a key difference in the floor mounted option compared to standard floor mounted door stops. Magnetic door stops are typically taller and may be weaker, making them more susceptible to being knocked over by heavy doors. Therefore, extra care must be taken during installation to ensure proper stability and durability.
Magnetic door stops are a popular choice when you want to keep a door open without it slamming shut, especially in situations where gusts of wind or drafts may be common, such as in homes located in windy areas. They provide a convenient and effective way to hold doors in place, preventing accidental closing and potential damage.
When installing magnetic door stops, it’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper positioning, screw size and depth, and other installation requirements. This may involve securing the door stop to the floor, wall, or baseboard, depending on the design and location.
Additionally, it’s crucial to choose a magnetic door stop that is of high quality and designed to withstand the weight and force of the doors it will be used with. Lower quality or poorly installed magnetic door stops may not provide adequate support, leading to potential damage to doors, floors, or walls.
By considering the specific characteristics and installation requirements of magnetic door stops, you can effectively choose and install the right option for your needs, ensuring that your doors remain securely held open without the risk of slamming shut due to external factors like wind gusts.
