Door Stoppers

Door stops are helpful hardware elements that can protect walls from being damaged by doors or doorknobs. These can keep paint or wallpaper looking nice for longer (especially in high traffic areas), and will also help avoid having to repair or re-plaster walls. Like most door hardware, door stoppers are often considered more functional than stylish, so it’s generally best to pick one that is the most functional for your space and doesn’t stand out too much. Check out the guide below to find the right door stop for your needs.

Different Types of Door Stoppers

Door stops come in a surprising number of styles that vary in how and where they prevent the door from causing damage. The right type for your space will largely depend on what kind of door you have and how you wish to protect your wall.

Baseboard Door Stopper

Baseboard door stops are the most common type found in homes. They consist of one peg-like piece with a rubber tip. These door stops are typically installed onto the baseboard of a wall and not the door itself, as they cannot be installed on hollow core doors.

Hinge Pin Door Stopper

Hinge pin door stops attach to the door hinge. These angled pieces have a rubber pad on either end and will not allow the door to open wide enough to hit the wall. This type of door stop works best on lightweight doors.

Floor Mounted Door Stopper

Floor mounted door stops are installed on the floor instead of the door. They are most frequently used when the stop is needed to protect items in the door’s path, rather than the wall itself. These door stops come in a few different shapes to fit different uses. For example, low-profile floor mounted door stops are used in high traffic areas to reduce tripping hazards. Some floor-mounted door stops also include a magnet to hold the door open.

Wall Bumper Door Stopper

Wall bumper door stops are common in commercial applications. They are installed on the wall at the same height as the door knob and use a rubber bumper to cushion the door knob’s impact.

Hook Door Stopper

Hook door stops, also know as hinge door stops, combine the floor mounted door stop with a hook and eyelet. The hook is attached to the door stop and the eyelet to the door, making this door stop dual-purpose. It will prevent the door from opening too far, but can also be used to keep the door open.

Kickdown Door Stopper

Kickdown door stops, also called flip down door stops, are attached to the bottom of the door and function like a kickstand on a bicycle. These actually hold a door open, rather than preventing it from opening too far or hitting a wall. Kickdown or flip down door stops are commonly used on outside doors that are opened frequently and need something to help prop them open. They are particularly convenient to use because they are attached to the door, eliminating the tripping hazard of installing something on the floor.

Wedge Door Stopper

Wedge door stops are one of the simplest forms of doorstop, consisting of a single wedge shaped piece that is tucked under the edge of a door to keep it from moving in one direction or another. These do not need to be attached to the floor or door in any way, and can be moved between different doors as needed.

Style

While most door stops don’t come in many decorative designs, they are available in a broad range of materials and finishes. So whether you want an unobtrusive addition that will coordinate with existing door hardware such as knobs and hinges, or you prefer something that stands out as a bit of an accent, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Installation

Most door stops can be installed quite simply by being screwed to the door, wall or floor that they are intended to attach to. You’ll want to make sure that your hardware is firmly attached, as doors can sometimes be opened rather forcefully. So a drywall anchor may be required for installation on some walls, and doors or moldings that are made of solid wood may require you to drill guide holes for each screw.