Kick plates act as a barrier protecting your outdoor space from wear and tear. They’re also an accessory in their own right due to the variety of designs on the market these days. Often considered “door hardware,” this type of kick plate is traditionally made of brass, aluminum, or stainless steel. Kick plates protect against scratches and gouges when attached near the bottom of the door. Moreover, they can add a decorative touch to the area as well.
When used in your screen enclosure, kick plates reinforce their strength when placed to cover the lower part of screens. They generally range in size from a few inches wide to a couple of feet high. There are many to choose from and the type you install depends on your overall design. They are commonly constructed of waterproof material making them ideal for use around your pool enclosure too.
Aesthetic Value
When used with aesthetic value in mind, kick plates can break up the monotony of a typical screen enclosure adding a level of style and sophistication. You can incorporate your kick plates into your overall design creating a look that pleases the eye. The colors, material, and size are completely up to you. You can design a customized space that appeals to the eye and the senses.
Other benefits
Kick plates can be created from stone, metal, or wood and, as mentioned above, reinforce the integrity of your enclosure while lending to the overall design. For instance, small children or pets prone to push at the bottom of the screen line could loosen the screen from its frame. Left in that state, it isn’t long before the affected area gets larger… and larger…
Toys, strollers, and even playing a wild game of fetch with the dog can cause damage to the bottom of your screen. Installing kick plates may ward off those unfortunate scenarios by establishing a firm, yet attractive, barrier.
When mowing or sprucing up your landscaping, small rocks, bits of grass, and other debris can hit your enclosure causing screen damage… and at the very least detracting from the aesthetics due to the dirt and debris accumulation. Moreover, wind can blow yard debris up against your screen enclosure when not protected by a kick plate. Raking the mess away from the outside won’t leave you in danger of damaging your screens when doing yard work.
Water from our sometimes torrential rains, poorly routed roof drainage, or even your sprinkler system can damage your furniture and flooring. Kick plates prevent water from getting into the area keeping it cleaner and requiring less maintenance.
Not high maintenance
Once your kickplates are installed, maintaining them is relatively easy. All you have to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth regularly. If necessary, a mild soap and water solution can be used.
Protect your investment
If your outdoor living space is rarely used, you may not see the need to invest in kick plates. However, we can tell you that for many homeowners, their new enclosed space quickly becomes the family’s new favorite spot to gather. And understandably so! The added level of privacy is enough to cause many families to spend more time outdoors.
Your family and friends will enjoy other year-round benefits too, such as enjoying time outdoors without bugs invading the space. The finely woven mesh screens allow air to flow freely. However, no bugs, even those annoying little noseeums, are getting through. Moreover, the screens don’t block 100% of the sun’s damaging UV rays but they do filter them. It makes them less intense. That means you won’t have to pull the kids out of the pool to apply sunscreen as often.
You also create a safe space for young children or small pets to play outdoors in the fresh air without the danger of them wandering away. Distractions are a normal part of life after all. Imagine taking the time to get in a chapter of your summer read without glancing up to see your toddler making their way across the yard lickety-split. It happens to the best of us! You can easily flip the lock on the door and know everyone is staying put giving you a bit of time to relax. On the other hand, if you’ve enclosed the pool and don’t want anyone near it, that lock works both ways.
Once you’ve enhanced your outdoor living space by installing a screen enclosure, you want it to last for years. Installing kick plates is one way to strengthen the integrity of your enclosure making it more attractive and durable. They are affordable and “pay for themselves” over time when considering the level of protection they add to your screens.
If you didn’t install kick plates initially but plan to rescreen your pool or lanai enclosure this summer, perhaps redesigning the space to include them is an option worth considering.