What is a Strike Plate?

A strike plate is a key part of the doorframe that often goes unnoticed. This small piece of hardware ensures your door operates correctly, so it's important to install the right strike plate for your door.

15 Types of Strike Plates

Standard Strike Plate
Deadbolt Strike Plate
Security Strike Plate
T-Strike Plate
Round Corner Strike Plate
Square Corner Strike Plate
Full Lip Strike Plate
Adjustable Strike Plate
Ball Catch Strike Plate
Drive-in Strike Plate
Mortise Strike Plate
Latch Guard Strike Plate
Pocket Door Strike Plate
Sliding Door Strike Plate
Storm Door Strike Plate

There are many types of strike plates available, but how do you choose the right one for your door? To make that decision easier, we'll explain each strike plate's purpose, design, and unique features. But before we dive into the options, let's first cover what a strike plate is and why it's such an important part of your door.

A strike plate is a hardware component found on the latch side of the door frame. It is a metal piece installed in the door jamb that can have one or more holes. It is designed to be flush with the door jamb so that it doesn’t interfere with the door’s ability to open and close.

If you’re not familiar with the door jamb or its location, check out our article that explains the different parts of a door. This will help you understand door anatomy, which can be useful to know if you ever have any door repair projects.

The hole in the strike plate aligns perfectly with the door knob’s latch. When the door closes, the latch slides into the strike plate, creating the “click” sound you hear as the latch locks into place.

The strike plate keeps the door latched into place. Even if you push on the door, it will remain closed because the door’s latch is firmly within the strike plate hole. This, of course, is essential for a properly functioning door.

Some strike plates (such as a security strike plate) have two holes to accommodate a locking mechanism. With these types of strike plates, there’s a hole for the door knob latch as well as the deadbolt latch or locking mechanism.

A misaligned or damaged strike plate can prevent the door from latching properly. If you’re trying to figure out how to fix a door that won’t latch, one of the first things you’ll want to investigate the strike plate.

15 Types of Strike Plates for Doors

Now that we’ve covered what a strike plate is and what it’s used for, let’s explore the various strike plate options available for you. The one you choose will largely depend on the type of door you have (interior or exterior), how wide the door is, and if there’s a locking mechanism on your door.

1. Standard Strike Plate

A standard strike plate has a basic rectangle design with one latch hole and two screw holes. It has a slightly curved edge on one side allowing the door latch to smoothly slide into the strike plate. This curved edge reduces friction when the door latch hits the strike plate.

A standard strike plate is sometimes called a full lip strike plate or a T-strike plate. However, it typically has less of a curved edge compared to full lip or T-strike plates. Standard strike plates can feature either rounded or square edges, each with its own benefits, which are explained below.

Standard strike plates are ideal for residential interior doors. They are designed to fit standard interior door latches, with the strike plate hole sized to match the shape and dimensions of these latches.

If you need to replace an interior door strike plate, this type is a great option. It's easy to install and available in various metal finishes, like satin nickel or brass, to match your existing door hardware.

2. Deadbolt Strike Plate

If your door has a deadbolt latch, a deadbolt strike plate is required in order for the door to lock properly. A deadbolt strike plate is separate from the door latch strike plate. They are typically larger and stronger than standard strike plates.

Unlike most door latch strike plates, the deadbolt strike plate does not have a curved lip on one side. This is because the deadbolt is turned into the strike plate hole once the door is already closed.

Deadbolt strike plates come in a range of options, varying in security and installation difficulty. Heavy-duty strike plates, for example, are reinforced to help protect against forced entry. These typically have four screw holes instead of two and may require longer screws for proper installation.

Some deadbolt strike plates come as a box unit, and may require a reinforced door frame. You’ll want to consider professional installation for these types of deadbolt strike plates.

Deadbolt strike plates are best for exterior residential doors that have a standard deadbolt lock. If your door has a more complex locking mechanism (such as a mortise lock), you’ll need to buy specific strike plate to match it.

3. Security Strike Plate

A security strike plate is built to resist forced entry. Made from heavy-duty reinforced steel, these strike plates are available in different designs to suit your needs.

One of the most common security strike plate designs is a large strike plate that combines the standard door latch strike plate and the deadbolt strike plate. With the deadbolt and door latch fitting into the same strike plate, it’s much harder to break the door down with force.

Another type of security strike plate features two long metal studs that extend into the wall studs beyond the door frame. This design is specifically for a deadbolt latch and does not combine the strike holes for the door latch and deadbolt.

A basic security strike plate design is a deadbolt strike plate with four screw holes instead of two.

The key to any security strike plate is to install it with long screws that go all the way into the wall studs. Standard strike plate screws only secure into the door frame, making them less durable than those anchored into the studs.

Security strike plates are ideal for exterior doors and for those with high-security needs. They are best for security or safety rated doors.

4. T-Strike Plate

The T-strike plate is commonly used in both residential homes and commercial buildings. While it is sometimes called a standard strike plate, its appearance can vary.

This strike plate is shaped like a sideways capital T, with the extended curved lip going over the edge of the door jamb. This curved lip prevents friction when the door latch brushes against it.

The shape of this strike plate requires the door frame to be prepared to fit it. While many newer homes are built with T-strike plates in mind, older homes may have a strike plate mortise (the recessed area in the door frame) that doesn't match the T-strike plate.

In this instance, you’ll want a standard or full-lip strike plate. Otherwise, you’ll need to chisel out a T-strike plate mortise in your door frame.

The benefit of a T-strike plate is that they are (now) a common design, so most newer homes are built for this specific strike plate. They work best for thinner interior doors and offer more flexibility in latch alignment compared to other strike plate options.

5. Round Corner Strike Plate

A round corner strike plate is a standard or full lip strike plate with rounded edges rather than square ones. For many, the choice between this strike plate and the square corner version is more about appearance than functionality.Some simply prefer the look of the smooth edges over the square (and vice versa). That said, there are some advantages to the round corner strike plate.

The main advantage is that the round corner strike plate is easier to install with a routed or pre-drilled door frame. They can easily fit most pre-prepped strike plate mortises, and they offer a more modern design than their square-edged counterpart.

Some argue that the round corner strike plate is better suited for homes with kids so that they don’t accidentally brush up against the sharp corners of the square corner strike plate. However, this shouldn’t be an issue if the strike plate is properly installed. Nevertheless, it is something to consider if you have children.

6. Square Corner Strike Plate

The square corner strike plate is the alternative to the round corner version and is also a type of standard or full lip strike plate. This type of strike plate is more common in older homes and offers a traditional look. If you live in an older house, your door frames may be prepped for this type of strike plate, making it a suitable option for your interior doors.

As the name suggests, this strike plate has sharp, square edges. Because of its design, they require precise installation into the door jamb. If your door isn’t already prepped for this type of strike plate, then the strike plate mortise needs to be chiseled perfectly to fit.

7. Full Lip Strike Plate

The full lip strike plate, a type of standard strike plate, is one of the most common options. It features a curved edge that wraps around the door jamb, extending slightly past the latch opening on one side.

This allows the door latch to slide into the strike plate without friction and provides additional support for the door latch. The full lip strike plate matches standard door latches and can be used for interior or exterior doors.

The extended lip strike plate is a variation of the full lip strike plate. It features a longer lip that extends further from the main plate, making it wider than standard or full lip strike plates. This design is ideal for thicker-than-average interior or exterior doors.

8. Adjustable Strike Plate

If you live in an older home and need to upgrade your strike plates, consider the adjustable strike plate. These metal strike plates are designed to allow for minor adjustments to align with the latch. So, if your doors don’t latch properly or fit loosely in the strike plate hole, this type of strike plate is a great solution to consider.

Adjustable strike plates are useful for doors that swell or shift over time. And because you can adjust them as needed, they ensure a secure and proper fit over the long term.

Adjustable strike plates come in many different designs, with some resembling T-strike plates or full lip strike plates. How they adjust depends on the type and brand you buy. Most adjustable strike plates can be used for residential or commercial buildings, and are suitable for exterior or interior doors.

9. Ball Catch Strike Plate

A ball catch strike plate is commonly used for sliding interior doors. These are used for closets, pantries, or cabinet doors that have a dummy knob instead of a traditional latch. Ball catch hardware is installed into the door. When the door or cabinet closes, the ball is held in place by the ball catch strike plate, ensuring it stays closed.

These strike plates are typically smaller than standard strike plates and have a curved indention that the drive-in ball rests in. These are only for doors or cabinets that also have the drive-in ball installed within the door.

10. Drive-In Strike Plate

Drive-in strike plates are less common. While most strike plates are installed into the door frame with screws, a drive-in strike plate (as the name suggests) is driven or tamped into the door frame with a hammer—it doesn’t even need screws. This type of strike plate is commonly used in pre-hung door setups.

11. Mortise Strike Plate

If your exterior door has a mortise locking mechanism, you’ll need a mortise strike plate to match. This type of strike plate is much longer than standard strike plates, and has two rectangular holes that accommodate the mortise latch and deadbolt.

Because mortise locks can vary in size, you’ll need to measure your current mortise strike plate to order a new one in the right size. Similar to other strike plate options, mortise strike plates are installed flush with the door frame. Since it combines the latch and lock in one unit, the mortise strike plate provides a clean, streamlined appearance.

12. Latch Guard Strike Plate

A latch guard strike plate combines a traditional latch guard with the strike plate, making it a single unit. A latch guard is a piece of metal hardware that covers the door latch when the door is closed. This prevents the latch from being tampered with from the outside. As such, latch guard strike plates are commonly used in commercial or high-security buildings.

A latch guard strike plate is a good choice for residential homes where security is a priority. It also reinforces the door to help prevent forced entry.

13. Pocket Door Strike Plate

Pocket doors are a type of sliding door that moves in and out of the wall. They have a unique latching mechanism due to their construction. As such, they also have a specific strike plate to match the door latch.

A pocket door strike plate is a simple rectangular design with a single hole and two screw holes. They come in many different designs, including rounded or square edges. However, a pocket door strike plate does not have a curved lip that extends out from the latch hole.

The curved lip isn’t needed for this strike plate because the door latch doesn’t rub against it before closing. Instead, when you slide a pocket door shut, you turn the latch, and the lever arm locks into the strike plate hole, much like a deadbolt latch.

A pocket door strike plate helps align the latch mechanism when the door slides into the frame. It holds the door perfectly in place, which is important for pocket doors that need to remain completely closed, such as in bathrooms or pantries.

14. Sliding Door Strike Plate

A sliding door strike plate is specific to sliding glass patio doors. These doors typically have a hook latch style lock, which requires a strike plate for it to properly latch.

Sliding door strike plates can extend out from the inner door jamb or lay flat, depending on the type of door frame installed for your sliding door. Some frames are vinyl or fiberglass, and don’t have an indented section for the latch or strike plate. Rather, an extruded strike plate is screwed into place for the hook latch to fit into.

In some homes, the door frame has a hole for the hook latch to fit into. For these setups, you’ll need a flat strike plate, similar to a standard strike plate.

15. Storm Door Strike Plate

A storm door is a secondary door placed in front of the main door, typically made of glass and metal with various designs. Storm doors are generally lighter and less sturdy than standard exterior doors, so their strike plates are designed to accommodate their weight.

Storm doors also have specific hardware that sets them apart from regular exterior or interior doors, including the door latch. Given this, a storm door typically needs a specific storm door strike plate.

These strike plates may look quite different from standard ones and come in a variety of designs.They typically have a bar or edge that the latch comes up against. Some storm doors have a latch and locking mechanism, similar to a mortise lock.

These types of storm door locks need a strike plate to accommodate the latch and deadbolt lock.

How to Install a Strike Plate

Installing a new strike plate is an easy DIY project for standard interior doors. However, exterior doors with locking mechanisms are more complex, and may require professional installation.
If you're replacing a strike plate for an interior door, follow the step-by-step guide below.

These instructions cover replacing an old strike plate with a new one. If there’s already a strike plate mortise (a recessed area in the door jamb) from the previous strike plate, you’re ready to proceed. If you need to create a new mortise, consider consulting a professional or looking up detailed instructions.

To install a new strike plate, you’ll need to gather the following tools:

Drill
Hammer
Screwdriver
Measuring Tape
Level
Damp Rag (for cleaning)
Chisel (if needed)

Step One: Remove the previous strike plate by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver. Set aside.

Step Two: Clean the area of dust and debris so that your new strike plate fits properly. Wait for the area to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step Three: Take your new strike plate and align it with the latch hole. With a pencil, mark where the screw holes are, and drill pilot holes so you know exactly where to place the screws.
If there are holes from the previous screws, you’ll want to use longer, three-inch screws. These will screw into the studs behind the door frame, ensuring a snug fit for your strike plate.

Step Four: With a screwdriver (or a drill at low speed so you don’t strip the screw out), screw in the strike plate. You don’t want to screw it in too tight, or you could damage the strike plate.

Open and close your door to see if the strike plate is properly aligned. If the strike plate isn’t aligned, you’ll need to re-measure where the center of the door latch lands.

If you need to move the strike plate slightly up or down, check out our How to Fix a Door That Won’t Latch article. Step 7 explains how to adjust a strike plate so that it is perfectly aligned with your door.

Choosing the Perfect Strike Plate for Your Door

A strike plate often goes unnoticed. It usually isn’t until a door stops latching properly that most people even look at the strike plate. While overlooked, the strike plate is an essential hardware piece that keeps your door closed and latched into place. Because of this importance, you want to choose the perfect strike plate for your door.

After exploring the 15 types of strike plates for doors, you should now have a clear idea of which strike plate suits your needs. And if you’re considering a new door for your home, don’t forget to browse Rustica’s collection of luxury, designer doors!