Advantages of Metal Switch Plates Over Plastic

When it comes to decorating, homeowners primarily focus on the larger areas of the home. The small details are usually the last ones to be taken care of. A good example is wall plates. Since there are so many variants with some available at very low costs, it's no wonder property owners pay little attention to them. But, decorative versions can beautify your residence and add value to it. There are various types you can choose from, with metal and plastic being the most popular.

At a normal viewing distance, these two look pretty much the same. But, plastic is often used due to its cost-effectiveness. However, there's been a marked increase in the use of metal wall plates recently. And, it's understandable because metal has plenty of advantages over plastic, which most homeowners aren't even aware of. Read on to know what these are.

Durable

The aesthetic looks of both plates are so similar you'll have to touch them to determine which is which. Steel is heavier and won't warp as easily as plastic with prolonged heat exposure such as in switches. It's also unlikely to get brittle over time.

High Aesthetic Value

Both plates are offered in plenty of designs to match pretty much any home interior. Some manufacturers also customize them for clients. Metal's clear advantage is in personalization. When painted over, it's capable of giving off a brushed, matte premium look that's impossible to achieve with plastic. It's also less prone to discoloration since pigments adhere better to its surface.

Safe

Overtightening a screw when installing plastic plates will demonstrate how breakable this material is. With a cracked surface, the internal wiring is left exposed, which is a safety hazard. This will be impossible to do with metal unless you're using a heavy-duty tightening machine. For residential use, a steel plate is still the more secure option.

Reusable

After being attached to a wall for a long time, there's a high chance that removing a plastic plate will destroy it. The same can't be said for metal. You can expect it to come out in one solid piece to use in another room or home. You can even move houses and take it with you to the new house with zero issues.

Comes in More Sizes

Metal can be cut to smaller sizes with no problems. Plastic comes in very few configurations because they're limited to the number of molds available at the manufacturing plant. This means when presented with your plastic options at any store, those are the only ones to choose from since they won't come in other variations. That's the reason steel is more preferred by homeowners, particularly those looking to customize their residence's interior.

These characteristics make metal switch plates a wiser choice compared to plastic. Although they're more expensive, their quality makes up for the cost difference. As long as you keep these pointers in mind, you shouldn't have problems with choosing these decorative additions for your home.

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wallplatewarehouse Joined: October 23rd, 2019