Get Your Door Ready for a Major Upgrade
Greetings, fellow DIYers! Now, who's ready for a home improvement project that's sure to make your doors pop and wow your guests? We’re talking about door push plates - a small detail that can surprisingly make a huge impact on your home's overall aesthetic. So, pull out your tool kits and strap on your creative caps. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this door-enhancing quest!
What in the Posh World is a Push Plate?
If you're scratching your head wondering what a door push plate is, then you’re at the right place. A door push plate is a flat piece of metal or plastic attached to a door where you typically push it open. It protects the door's finish from fingerprints, scratches, and wear and tear. But it's not just about utility; it's about style too. Available in many designs, finishes, and materials, a well-selected push plate can accentuate the beauty of your door and extent its lifespan.
Your Handy List of Materials & Tools
No expert DIYer starts a project without the right tools, right? Here's what you'll need for this project:
- An alluring push plate of your choice
- Drill, screwdriver, level, pencil, and a tape measure
- Screws (that come with the push plate)
Nailing the Placement
Positioning is the key! Ideally, a push plate should be mounted approximately 36 inches from the floor. But, do remember, this can be adjusted as per your convenience and door design.
Start by holding the push plate against the door and doing a sight check. Do you like how it looks? Is it at a comfortable pushing height? Once you're satisfied, mark the screw holes with a pencil.
Here’s Where Power Meets Precision
Before you start drilling holes in your beautiful door, prepare a ‘door sandwich’ – an invented term to put the door between two scrap wooden pieces. This unusual sandwich helps prevent the door's finish from chips and cracks while drilling.
Now you can drill, but take it slow and steady. Oh, and don’t forget to protect your eyes with safety goggles, (you do have those in your toolkit, don’t you?)
Installing the Push Plate
The moment of truth, really. You hold your breath as you align the screw holes of your stunning push plate with those in the door. You fasten the screws, ensuring they are just tight enough. Giving it one final look, you step back and break into a triumphant smirk. Your push plate-fitted door is utterly flawless!
Keeping Your Push Plate Sparkling Clean
It’s not called a door push plate for nothing! It’s going to take a plethora of fingerprints, smudges, and dust. So, make sure you periodically clean it. Just use a mild soap with water, gently scrub with a soft cloth, rinse, and dry immediately. Never use abrasive cleaners!
Take it a Level Up-Have Fun with Customization!
Feeling crafty? Good! Nobody said push plates had to be store-bought. Make one out of an old license plate or decorative metal sheet. Shop at a flea market for vintage metal advertisements, cut them to size, and use those as push plates. Heck, even your kids’ old superhero or princess lunchboxes can do the trick. Sky’s the limit with customization!
And There You Have it, Folks
Who would have thought a simple push plate could bring such charm and elegance to your home door? Remember, small home improvements like these can have a big impact and give your surroundings a refreshing new look.
I hope you enjoyed this little venture into the world of door enhancements as much as I did. Until our next DIY adventure, my friends, keep up the crafty spirit! Happy DIYing, everybody!