The doorstop is a simple yet important part of any household, providing convenience, safety, and far more power than its size would indicate. Doorstops are small, sturdy, and relatively inexpensive, but they are able to offer immeasurable assistance when needed.

A doorstop keeps a door in position, whatever that position may be. It can prop a door open to allow easier movement in and out, which is useful in any number of situations, such as making multiple trips to move heavy boxes. A doorstop can also be useful to prevent a door from swinging open too far, protecting the wall from potential damage.

Despite its simplicity, there are lots of factors that go into purchasing an effective and efficient doorstop. Our buying guide can help you navigate the world of doorstops to find the right one for your situation. We’ve included a few of our favorites, too.

Wedge: This is a popular type of doorstop that wedges beneath the door and prevents it from closing. The wedge is essentially stuck between the door and the floor, and the force between the floor, the stop, and the door keeps everything in place. Wedges range in size, weight, and material but are usually only around an inch tall. Ideally, you want the wedge to catch the door about halfway to three quarters of the way up the wedge’s incline. If the wedge is too short, there is always the concern that, through wear and tear, the doorstop will become useless and the door will go right over it.

Kickdown: This type of doorstop is installed near the bottom of the door. It features a hinged “foot” that flips down to catch the floor and keep the door open. Like the wedge, this small mechanism can produce a lot of resistance. In many of these doorstops, the hinged foot can be lowered or raised by stepping on it.

Bumper: Instead of holding a door open, this type of doorstop prevents the door from swinging too far open. Also called a wall protector, it attaches either to the bottom of the door, to the wall, or to the floor and features a soft head that the door or wall can hit, absorbing the impact without denting the door or wall. Many bumpers are circular and come in various sizes. A bumper requires some installation.

If you need a door to stay open, then a wedge or kickdown doorstop is ideal. What’s more, some wedges are double-sided and can prevent the door from moving in either direction. If you need to keep a door from hitting the wall, then a bumper is the way to go. Some bumpers also come with a hook and latch to keep the door propped open.

Also consider the weight of the door to determine what kind of doorstop you need. Most wedges are made of rubber, and while they can be quite effective, they may not last over a long period of time when used with a very heavy door. 

If you’re looking at wedges, check the maximum height and measure that against the space between the door and the floor. Some wedges may be too short to catch if there is a particularly big gap between the bottom of the door and the floor. Even if the maximum height of the wedge meets the bottom of the door, the wedge may not hold securely, or it could lose its strength over time. For larger gaps, a kickdown doorstop may be more effective.

Screws: If you’re looking at bumpers or kickdown doorstops, some installation is likely required. That means you’ll have to drill holes and screw the doorstop into the door or wall.

Adhesive: If you’re not thrilled about putting holes in the door or wall, a wedge or bumper secured with adhesive might be a better option.  

Carpet, hardwood, vinyl — if you’re using a wedge, it’s important to know how it will affect the surface it’s resting on. The wedge needs to adhere to the floor well enough to keep the door open, but you don’t want it to scratch the floor. Some doorstops work better with thick carpet than others.

Color: While most doorstops are black, brown, or gray so as not to be too obtrusive, some come in a wide array of color options. These can be used to complement your décor or simply give a little pop of color in what would otherwise be a drab, utilitarian tool. Keep in mind where the doorstop is going to be. Lighter colors will show dust and dirt more easily.

Most wedges and kickdown doorstops only work in one direction, preventing a door from moving one way but not the other. A multidirectional doorstop fits under the end of the door (as opposed to one side or the other) to prevent the door from swinging open or closed.

In order to keep from losing your doorstop or to simply keep it near the door, some doorstops include a holder to store it in when not in use. The holder may stick to the door or a nearby wall for convenience.

A number of factors determine the price of doorstops, including material, durability, size, and design.

Inexpensive: For under $10, you can find a small pack of decent wedges or a single kickdown doorstop or bumper. Despite the price, these can be good quality, however your choices of color or decorative options will be limited.

Mid-range: Between $10 and $15, you’ll find packs of wedges that offer more options in terms of color and design. These also may be more durable. You’ll likely find heavy-duty kickdown doorstops as well.

Expensive: Spend over $15 and you’ll find larger packs of wedges or high-quality, heavy-duty kickdown doorstops. At this price point, you’re paying for both functionality and aesthetics.

• Consider kids and pets. Consider the type of doorstop you use if you have children or pets. Wedges can become dislodged, and a kickdown doorstop might be a tripping hazard.
• Try two. If one doorstop doesn’t hold the door open, add a second. Two wedges side by side or stacked one on top of the other may solve the problem.
• Buy in bulk. The more doorstops you buy, the cheaper the price per doorstop.
• Don’t underestimate the tiny doorstop. They’re more powerful than you think. Wedges use static friction and leverage to keep heavy doors in place. Despite being lightweight and small, they can provide better support than simply putting a bag or rock against a door.
• Move it around. Position is key. If a doorstop isn’t working well, try moving it along the bottom edge of the door. Wedges positioned farther away from the hinge will hold the door more securely.

If the doorstops in our matrix don’t suit you, we found a few other options. If you’re looking for a bunch of wedges for as low a price as possible, this five-pack of KCTIN Rubber Wedges is for you. They work for most doors, and the price of each stopper is less than $2. The cast iron Superwind Doorstop comes in a variety of whimsical creatures, including this adorable cat. These are definitely pricier than rubber wedges, but their durability and aesthetic may be worth it. Last, the stainless steel Sumnacon Doorstop both holds the door open and keeps it from hitting the wall. It sports a hook that connects to a latch installed on the door, and it will hold the door in place despite kids, pets, and high wind.

Q. Can a doorstop keep a door closed against intruders?
A. Many people wonder if a doorstop can be used as an added bit of security by keeping the door closed and preventing people from opening it. At a certain point, if someone is determined to enter, they can probably exert enough force to loosen or break the doorstop. A doorstop should not be used as any serious form of security, but it can be used to prevent a bit of force from opening a door.
 

Q. What are doorstops made of?
A. Most wedges are made of rubber because it’s cheap and effective. Some wedges are wood or metal. Kickdown doorstops are often made of brass or steel, while bumpers may be a combination of materials. Both kickdown doorstops and bumpers have a soft material where it meets the floor or wall to prevent damage.
 

Q. How secure are doorstops?
A. If you have a particularly heavy door that closes automatically or small children who might bump into the door, there is a chance that the doorstop can become dislodged. Take extra precaution by wedging the doorstop as far under the door as possible to keep it secure.