How to Install a Door Stop
Protect walls from door damage by installing the right type of door stop
What You'll Need
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Tools
Materials
Door stop
Baseboard mount, wall mount, hinge pin, or floor mount
$3-$15
Step-by-Step Instructions
Choose the right type of door stop
2 minutes
Baseboard-mounted: screws into baseboard, works for most situations. Wall-mounted: rigid or spring type, mounts on wall behind door. Hinge-pin: mounts in top hinge, no wall holes needed. Floor-mounted: screws into floor, very sturdy.
Pro Tip
Hinge-pin stops are great for renters as they leave no holes in walls.
Find the correct position
2-3 minutes
Open the door to where you want it to stop. Mark the position where the door stop will contact the door. For baseboard stops, mark on the baseboard. For floor stops, mark on the floor.
Pro Tip
Leave an inch or two of clearance - you don't want the door handle hitting the wall.
Install baseboard or wall mount stop
3-5 minutes
Position the door stop at your mark. Drive the screw through the door stop into the baseboard or wall (use a wall anchor if not hitting a stud). Tighten until snug but don't overtighten.
Pro Tip
For drywall without a stud, use a wall anchor to prevent the stop from pulling out.
Install hinge-pin stop (alternative)
5 minutes
Remove the hinge pin from the top hinge. Slide the door stop bracket onto the pin. Reinsert the pin with the stop attached. Adjust the rubber tip position as needed.
Pro Tip
This type is easily adjustable and leaves no holes.
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Track This Project FreeInstall floor-mounted stop (alternative)
5-10 minutes
Position the floor stop at your mark. For wood floors, drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw. Drive the screw down tight. For concrete, use a concrete anchor.
Warning
Floor stops are the most secure but require drilling into your floor.
Test and adjust
2 minutes
Open the door to check the stop position. The door should stop smoothly without bouncing. If using an adjustable stop, modify the extension as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Installing too close to the wall (door still hits wall)
- Not using wall anchor in drywall (stop pulls out)
- Installing too far from the wall (door doesn't open fully)
- Using baseboard stop on hollow baseboard (won't hold)
When to Call a Professional
This is a simple DIY task - a pro isn't typically needed unless you're mounting multiple stops or dealing with unusual door situations.
Have a bigger project in mind? Tell us what you need and help us decide what to build next.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Project Overview
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Time
- 10-15 minutes
- Est. Cost
- $3–$15
- Tools
- 2 items
- Materials
- 1 items
- Steps
- 6
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