Hardware
Door Stops and Holders: Wall, Floor and Overhead
By the Div08 Consulting team · Updated
A door stop keeps a door from swinging too far and damaging the wall, the hardware or the door itself. Use a wall stop when there is a wall in the right place, an overhead stop when there is not, and a floor stop only as a last resort. Fire doors can be held open only by devices that release on a fire alarm.
Choosing the right stop
| Stop | Mounts on | Best for | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall stop | Wall behind the door, at the lever | Doors that swing against a wall | Needs solid backing in the wall |
| Floor stop | Floor in the door swing | Doors with no wall and no room for an overhead stop | Trip hazard, cleaning obstacle, can be kicked loose |
| Overhead stop | Door top and frame head | Doors that swing into open space, doors with glass behind | Must be sized to the opening angle; takes abuse at the arm |
| Overhead holder | Door top and frame head | Doors that must stay open in use | Not allowed as a hold-open on fire doors |
Wall stops
A wall stop is the simplest and usually the best choice when the door swings back against a wall. It aligns with the lever or exit device so the trim never hits the wall.
- Concave vs convex bumpers: concave bumpers fit around push buttons on locks; convex bumpers suit levers and most commercial trim.
- Backing: in stud walls, the wall needs blocking or a fastener rated for drywall. Without backing, wall stops pull out.
- Height: set at the height of the hardware that would hit the wall, usually the lever or exit device.
Spec tip
show wall blocking for wall stops in the drawings or specs. If the hardware set calls for wall stops and nobody tells the framer, the stops go on bare drywall.
Overhead stops and holders
An overhead stop mounts at the top of the door and on the frame head. It catches the door at a set opening angle without anything on the floor or wall. Overhead holders add a hold-open function, either always available or selectable.
- Use them where the door swings into open space, where there is glass or equipment behind the door, or where wind can catch exterior doors.
- They are sized by door width and the desired opening angle. Order the right size.
- Concealed versions mount inside the door and frame for a clean look; surface versions are easier to retrofit.
- Check for conflicts at the frame head with closers and coordinators. See door coordinator.
- Do not rely on a closer's backcheck as a stop. Backcheck slows the door; it does not stop it.
Floor stops
Floor stops work, but they sit in the path of travel. Low-profile or dome stops reduce the trip risk. Place them so they catch the door near the latch edge, not near the hinge, where leverage would rip them out. Avoid them in corridors and anywhere wheelchairs or carts move.
Holding fire doors open
Fire doors must be self-closing and latching. NFPA 80 does not allow them to be held open with wedges, kick-down holders or mechanical overhead holders. A fire door may be held open only by a device that releases it automatically when the fire alarm or a smoke detector activates.
- Electromagnetic holders: wall or floor magnets that release on alarm.
- Closer-holders: closers with a built-in hold-open and smoke detector or alarm release.
- Overhead stops on fire doors: a stop-only function is fine; a mechanical hold-open function is not.
See fire-rated doors and door closer types. Stops and holders are chosen door by door in the door hardware sets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a wall stop and an overhead stop?
A wall stop mounts on the wall behind the door. An overhead stop mounts at the top of the door and frame and stops the door at a set angle without touching the wall or floor.
Can I use an overhead holder on a fire door?
Only in its stop-only function. A fire door cannot be held open mechanically; it may only be held open by a device that releases on a fire alarm or smoke detector.
Where should a floor stop be placed?
Near the latch edge of the door where it opens, out of main walking paths. Use a low-profile stop to reduce tripping.
Does a door closer stop the door from hitting the wall?
Not reliably. Backcheck slows the door near full open, but it is not a stop. Use a wall, floor or overhead stop.
General guidance only. Code requirements depend on the edition your jurisdiction has adopted and on the listing of each fire-rated assembly; confirm with the authority having jurisdiction. Published by Div08 Consulting (John Voll, owner).