A door stop — also called a door stopper or door damper — is a device that keeps a door from striking a wall, piece of furniture or frame, or that holds it in a chosen open position. The terms overlap in everyday use but generally refer to the same category of products in different formats.
What it is for
A door stop can serve several purposes:
- Protection — prevents the handle, hinge or leaf from damaging the wall
- Hold-open — keeps a door at a set position for through-traffic
- Damping — softens the impact or sound of a slamming door
- Safety — protects children or pets from a door swinging closed unexpectedly
Types
| Type | Mounting | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Floor stop | Screwed to the floor | Rubber bumper or magnet |
| Wall stop | Screwed to the wall | Rubber cap |
| Stick-on buffer | Self-adhesive on door or frame | Rubber/silicone pad |
| Hinge stop | At or on the hinge | Spring or clamp |
| Portable wedge | Pushed under the door | Wedge of rubber, wood or metal |
| Magnetic stop | On floor or wall | Magnetic latch |
Magnetic floor stop
A popular variant is the magnetic floor stop. The set comprises:
- A cast metal base screwed to the floor
- A magnetic head with rubber bumper
- A metal striker plate on the lower part of the door leaf
On opening the door clicks magnetically into place. A light pull releases it. This prevents the door from rattling in a draught.
Installation
For wall and floor stops:
- Wall stop: place slightly below the handle height, in line with the end of the door swing
- Floor stop: at least 15 mm clear of the door, on a flat surface, never in the main walking line
- Magnetic stop: ensure precise alignment between magnet and striker plate
- Hinge stop: matched to the hinge type; respect the maximum opening angle
Choosing the right stop
- For hard floors (tiles, concrete): screw-fixed with plugs for stability
- For wooden floors: direct screw fixing
- For glass doors: a freestanding wedge or purpose-made glass-door stop
- For external doors: a UV- and weather-resistant version (EPDM, stainless steel)
- For fire doors: never use a fixed wedge that blocks self-closing; only an electromagnetic free-swing closer is permitted
Related terms
- Door buffer
- Door closer
- Hinge
- Hardware
- Door
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit the knowledge base at Fred’s DIY Plans.