Things to Consider When Deciding to Add a Kick Plate

Homeowners often debate whether or not to install a kick plate on their aluminum screen door. There are many reasons for both "yes" and "no." Here are some pointers and ideas to consider.

Making a Case for No Kick Plate

Many screen porches and pool cages do not have kick plates around the entire perimeter, some do. Here is a design tip: If you do not have a kick plate on the entire structure, your door design may blend more seamlessly without a kick plate. In the example below, the screen door blends in with the design -- it is almost invisible! With other manufacturer's screen doors, this could be a problem due to the ease of screens tearing away from the frame. PCA Products screen doors, however, have a self-locking feature that ensures that provides a seamless look without the screen blowing out. In fact, the screen actually gets tighter the more you push on it. PCA screens withstand up to 550 lbs. of pressure.

Learn more about PCA's self-locking screens. And see the video of 3 men standing on the screen here.

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In other instances, you may want to have a kick plate to provide a definitive area of entry as well as an area that allows for some design. Our December 2019 "Winning is a Snap!" installation below is a great example of both a screen door kick plate and enhanced style with an OAK PARK door.

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Screen Porch Doors with No Kick Plates

Q1540 Oak Park No Kick Plate White
Pak Park, Q-1540, No KP
A110 Still Waters No Kick Plate White Southern Porch
A110 Still Waters No Kick Plate White Enclosure
A110 Still Waters No Kick Plate Sand Double French Enclosure
A110 Still Waters No Kick Plate White Dog
A110 Still Waters No Kick Plate Bronze
Still Waters, A-110 No KP
A110 Still Waters No Kick Plate Black Balcony
Still Waters, A-110 No KP
A110 Still Waters No Kick Plate Black Porch
Still Waters, A-110 No KP
A110 Still Waters No Kick Plate White Entry Open Door

See more in the No Kick Plate Gallery

Screen Porch Doors with Kick Plates

Pca A 500 2 Westmore
French Door Pool Cage
Screen Shot 2020 02 18 At 10 45 54 Am
Screen Shot 2020 02 18 At 10 45 38 Am
Screen Shot 2020 02 18 At 10 45 09 Am
Screen Shot 2020 02 18 At 10 44 58 Am
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Screen Shot 2020 02 18 At 10 44 30 Am

Kick Plate Options

A kick plate is a piece of aluminum that appears to cover the screen. In reality, the kick plate is installed below the screen separated by an aluminum bar which connects to the door frame. PCA offers 4 kick plate options. Choose from a seamless no kick plate option or add any one of these kick plate options to your screen door.

Learn more here

Kick Plate Options


Another concern that makes a kick plate a good idea is keeping dirt and debris from blowing in to your porch or pool area. In these cases, consider a kick plate around the entire perimeter of your enclosure, including the screen door. This approach will keep stones, dirt, grass, and other debris from blowing inside.

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Be Sure Your Kick Plate System Features an Invisible Spline

Pca Kickplate
Unlike other screen door manufacturers, PCA uses a hidden spline to hold the screen door kick plate in place, eliminating rattle when the door closes. Our spline system sinks the spline deep into its channel, which also minimizes mold and mildew from forming.
Other Kickplate
Other screen door splines are visible, shrink up due to heat and fall out, thus allowing mold and mildew to form over time. Be sure to avoid this pitfall by selecting a PCA screen door.

Where Can I See More?

PCA Products has a screen door design to fit every architectural style and design. View our gallery of ideas to find your own inspiration.