Door stop or door buffer: how to protect your wall and door

An interior door swinging open can hit a wall, piece of furniture, or another obstacle. Over time, this can cause damage to the wall, door, or door hardware. You can easily prevent this with a door stop or door buffer.

What does a door stop do?

A door stop limits how far a door can open. This prevents the door, for example, from hitting the wall with its door handle. Depending on the type, a door stop can be mounted on the floor, wall, or baseboard.

What is the difference from a door buffer?

A door buffer is primarily intended to absorb the impact when the door reaches a certain point. Buffers are often equipped with a soft material, such as rubber, which dampens the contact between the door and the stop. A door stop and buffer can also be combined.

Where do you place a door stop or buffer?

First, see what the door would hit and then determine the maximum opening angle. Take the door's swing direction into account. Place the stop or buffer at a point where it catches the door properly, without putting unnecessary strain on the hardware or the door itself.

Why is a door stop important?

A good door stop not only protects the wall but can also prevent damage to the door hardware. Especially in places where doors are opened frequently, a small bit of protection can prevent a lot of wear and tear.

Practical tip: open the door fully first and use your hand to determine where the door would make contact. This way, you know exactly where the stop or buffer should go before you start mounting it.