Installing a strike plate is the last step in your door installation. Learn how to cut out a hole for the door plate in the frame with this simple technique.
What’s a Strike Plate in a Door? How They Work, Types, and When to Use Them
Door hardware that’s small but mighty
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A strike plate is a metal piece on your doorframe that secures the door latch and bolt, keeping your door locked and protecting the frame from wear.
Every door in your home needs a strike plate because it helps the door close tightly and prevents the latch from damaging the frame over time.
Replace your strike plate when you notice rust, visible damage, locks that don't work smoothly, or a door that won't latch properly after attempted break-ins.
Hiring a local door repair professional ensures strike plate installation stays precise and aligned, so your locks work smoothly and your home stays secure.
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If you’re researching how to install new doors or how to fix a door, you’ve likely encountered strike plates. A strike plate in a door is the small metal hardware on the frame that secures the door’s latch and bolt. Without it, the door can’t lock properly. Read on to learn about the different types of strike plates, how to choose one, and how a door repair pro can help get your door working again.
What Is a Strike Plate?
The strike plate is a rectangular or circular metal piece with a hole for the door latch and lock. It’s installed flush on the doorframe and keeps your door safely shut. Although it might seem like a minor door part, it’s just as important as any other component.
When your strike plate is poorly installed or failing, your locking system won’t work as it should. For example, you might unintentionally leave your door unlocked when you thought you locked it. Or, a failing strike plate can make it easier for someone to force entry through the door.
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Types of Strike Plates for Doors
Each latch type and dead bolt require different strike plates. Here are the different types of strike plates for doors:
Full Lip Strike Plates: The most common strike plate type for standard doors is the full lip. These have rounded or square corners with a half-oval lip.
Extended Lip Strike Plates: Extended lip strike plates look just like full lip ones, except the space between the hole for the latch and the edge of the lip is longer. These work well for extra-thick doors.
T-Strike Plates: T-Strike plates are shaped like the letter “T” with a rectangular base and a smaller rectangular lip in the middle.
Circular Strike Plates: Circular strike plates are less common and have a D-shaped opening for the latch.
Dead Bolt Strike Plates: Dead bolt strike plates are rectangular-shaped with an opening for the bolt and no lip. If you have two dead bolts on one door, you can get a combo strike plate (one piece with two openings for both bolts). This design offers more security and doesn’t cost much more than a regular plate.
Electric Strike Plates: Electric strike plates lock and release mechanical latch and bolts. They’re long and rectangular with mechanical wiring in the housing. If you’re looking for an electronic lock, look for a fully electrified system that includes the latch, bolt, and strike.
Colors: Strike plates are usually silver, but they also come in various shades of bronze and gold. For a cohesive look, the best bet is to choose a strike plate in the same color as your doorknob.
When to Install Strike Plates
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Every door in your home should have a strike plate. Interior doors without locks benefit from strike plates because they protect the doorframe and help the door shut with a tight seal. Without one, your door latch will rub against the frame, wearing it down over time.
Exterior and interior doors with locks must have strike plates to work, and every bolt also requires a strike plate.
Here are signs you need to replace or repair an existing strike plate:
Rust on the plate
Visible damage
The door or dead bolt doesn’t latch
Locks don’t open and close smoothly
Loose door
After a break-in attempt
How to Choose a Strike Plate
If you’re replacing an existing strike plate, remove the old one, take it to the hardware store, and look for a close match for your replacement. For a new door installation, buy your door handle and dead bolt first and check the installation instructions for the correct strike plate size and type.
Most strike plates have two holes, but some have four screw holes. For maximum security, get plates with four holes and use 3-inch screws.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a strike plate varies in difficulty, depending on your project. Most DIYers can take on an existing strike plate replacement since it’s as simple as removing the old plate and installing the new plate with screws. However, installing a strike plate for a new door requires skill and precision since it’s part of a bigger door installation.
In any case, if you’re not experienced with working on doors or don’t have time in your busy schedule to take on the job yourself, call a door repair company near you to help. Keeping your strike plates in working order can improve the functionality and security of your doors.
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Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
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Huff Garage Rescue, LLC - Thomas S.
Company came to look at my garage door that was off track. They also said I needed a brace on the other garage door. They put the door back on track, and I paid to install the brace. The technician told me I needed a new garage door opener, and it would cost $1000. Red flags went off in...
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Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Matthew L.
Called ahead and worked quickly to install keyless locks on vintage wooden doors.
Expert Lock and Key, LLC - Lori M.
Scott did not get appropriate access to the property prior to the scheduled inspection which required us to come back later in the day to complete it. He also, unprofessionally, knocked on a neighbor?s door in his attempts to reach someone with access. His overall report was fine though the...
Security First Home Inspections - Gary K.
Door Depot was very responsive - they came out the day after my call to assess my needs, then returned at my convenience to complete the work. They arrived early, and the work was completed in a shorter period of time than estimated. Very pleased with the results. I would definitely use them...
Door Depot LLC - Jim L.
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Village Garage Door - Dana M.
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