Kick Plates For Patios: All You Need To Know

When you have invested in a screened-in patio, you are understandably hesitant to allow it to get damaged. Damage is common at the bottom of the screened-in patio or porch and is frequently the result of children or pets accidentally running into it.

Damage also occurs when people walk through the screen and accidentally step on it, causing damage to the aluminum frame. Luckily, this type of damage is easily preventable with a kick plate.

What Is A Patio Kick Plate?

A kick plate is a sturdy strip of aluminum that is attached to the bottom of a screened-in patio or porch for protection.

A kick plate is put around the bottom of the screen of the enclosed patio or porch circumference for protection and normally has an eight to sixteen-inch height.

Kick plates are used for both protection of the lower patio screens, as well as providing a sturdy surface to step on when moving outside.

Kick plates are an inexpensive way to protect your lower patio screen. If not installed, damage can easily occur when people step or push something against it like a BBQ, thus tearing the fabric of the lower part of the screen.

Patio kick plates are made from heavy-duty aluminum and come in a variety of shapes and styles. The designs range from modern to natural and can be an attractive addition to your porch or patio, instead of taking away from its appearance.

Read More: [Surprising] The Cheapest Way To Build a Patio

Why Install A Kick Plate?

The most common causes of screen damage are kicks, pets, children, and weather.

Children

When there are children around a patio or porch, it is likely that the children have toys that can cause damage to the bottom screen.

A stroller, trucks, cars, and other wheeled toys, a walker, all of these things can damage the bottom of a screened-in patio. Because children aren’t always aware of the danger, it’s easier to stop a child who is hurling himself across the floor with the addition of a kick plate than it is to make a one-year-old understand.

Pets

Pets can also cause damage if they are prone to scratching, playing with each other, and leaning, scratching, or resting against the screening’s side.

Mowing the lawn or landscape maintenance on the other side of the screened-in patio or lanai can cause small rocks, grass, and other debris to fall through the screen. A kick plate keeps this debris from damaging or tearing the screen.

Wind And Rain

Leaves and other debris can be blown up against a screened-in patio or lanai by the wind and damage or tear your screen.

A kick plate prevents mud or water from entering the patio and creating a sloppy mess.

When a homeowner invests in screening or rescreening a lanai or patio, adding a kick plate for protection makes a lot of sense. Kick plates are visually appealing, long-lasting, inexpensive, and practical.

These factors make a kick plate well worth the extra investment in your patio, porch, or lanai.

We Found Some Great Kick Plates Here

Cost Of Installing A Kick Plate

The average cost of installing a kick plate on a screened-in porch or patio is between $300-2000$ depending on the size and style.

How To Install Screen Enclosure Kick Plate

Patio kick plates, screen enclosure kick plates, and other odd-shaped exterior trim pieces are best installed with a regular pneumatic stapler.

I have used it for installing shoe molding, patio kick plates, etc. In this video, I will show how to install a patio kick plate.

What Is A Kick Plate On A Storm Door?

The goal of a kick plate is to safeguard the door, as its name implies: it protects the area where you or someone else may kick or push it with their feet.

A kick plate is a sturdy, tough piece of material attached to the bottom of your door that is both durable and scratch-resistant.

This ensures that repeated contact with shoes, boots, and feet will not wear the door down.

You can use either wood or metal for your kick plate; however, you should take into consideration what material matches well with the exterior of your house.