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How to Install a Door Stop

Protect walls from door damage by installing the right type of door stop

Beginner10-15 minutes$3–$156 steps2 min read
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What You'll Need

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Tools

Screwdriver or drill

Pencil

For marking

Materials

Door stop

Baseboard mount, wall mount, hinge pin, or floor mount

$3-$15

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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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5

Install 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.

6

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

How difficult is it to install a door stop?
This project is rated as beginner difficulty. Most homeowners with basic tools can complete this project. It typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
How much does it cost to install a door stop?
The estimated cost for materials is $3–$15. This doesn't include tools you may need to purchase. Many of the tools required are common household items you may already own.
What tools do I need to install a door stop?
You'll need: Screwdriver or drill, Pencil.
How long does it take to install a door stop?
This project typically takes 10-15 minutes. The actual time depends on your experience level, the specific conditions of your home, and whether you encounter any complications. It's broken into 6 steps for easy tracking.
What are common mistakes when trying to install a door stop?
The most common mistakes include: 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). Following our step-by-step guide will help you avoid these issues.
Should I hire a professional to install a door stop?
This is a simple DIY task - a pro isn't typically needed unless you're mounting multiple stops or dealing with unusual door situations.

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Project Overview

Difficulty
Beginner
Time
10-15 minutes
Est. Cost
$3–$15
Tools
2 items
Materials
1 items
Steps
6