Metal vs. Plastic Switch Plates - What's the Difference?

Comparison Photo The photo contains a white metal and a white plastic switch plate. Can you tell which is which?

Plastic Wall Plates vs. Metal Switch Plates - What are the Differences? There is virtually no difference between the aesthetic look of plastic and metal wall plates so you can easily mix and match with your current plastic plates. The real difference comes in how they wear over time. Find out more below.

Are Plastic & Metal Plates the Same Size? The industry standard size for a single gang wall plate is 4.5" high by 2.75" wide. Many manufacturers also offer specialty sizes - jumbo, oversized, midi, tall, mid size, wide or maxi which may vary in size per brand.

Matching Look While there are dozens of switchplate manufacturers, metal and plastic wall plates are generally designed to coordinate for a uniform look throughout your home. Wall plates were originally manufactured in metal, with plastic switch plates produced later to match.

Safety When you over-tighten a screw on a plastic switch plate, the cover can crack.

For your safety, choose metal switch plates. They won't crack or break off exposing internal wiring. They are your most durable and reliable choice. 

Uniformity  Our American-made metal switch plates have been produced for over 50 years. They won't change color over time so you can be confident any later additions will match. Most cheap plastic plates discolor over time, so even buying the same brand and style will not guarantee a perfect match. In addition, older switchplates may no longer be produced because of changing styles or production methods. 

Value  The majority of our light switch plates, whether metal or plastic, are made in the USA for superior quality and value.

More Sizes: Metal cover plates come in the widest range of sizes, configurations, depths and widths. Plastic, ceramic, wood or mirrored glass wall plates generally come in a very limited number of sizes with no options for getting other sizes. Kyle Switch Plates stocks over 500 sizes that are ready to ship, including oversized, narrow, old-fashioned, or deep variations. We custom make many unusual sizes that you'll find exclusively here.

More Finishes: Our light switchplates and outlet covers are available in twenty different metals for all your finishing needs. The photo shows the range and variety that metal light switch wall plates are available in.

Durability: Metal switchplates won't crack, peel or discolor over time. Furthermore, solid metal face plates will not bow or distort when installed.

Plastic light switch covers can warp and pinch your electrical devices. 

High-End Look: You get what you pay for! Plastic plates (like the one shown here) scratch easily and absorb grime, making them more difficult to keep fresh and clean than quality metal faceplates.

They have a high gloss finish that looks cheap, in contrast to metal finishes, which have a smooth, semi-gloss baked enamel finish that's perfect for both satin or gloss devices.

With metal, you get a high-end look and a quality plate that will never need to be replaced.

Depth: Metal wall plates are lower profile than plastic wallplates which must have added bulk to support their shape. Metal covers have smooth beveled edges that are angled all the way back to the wall.

The thicker edges of plastic plates create a little ledge that collects dust and dirt along the top edges.

Attractiveness: Metal switch plates have a beauty, weight and surface quality that you won't find in plastics.

Sound: Metal switch plates have a solid sound to them as opposed to the thin, hollow, cheap resonance of plastic plates.

Excellent Resource: Our wide selection of sizes and metal finishes makes us an excellent resource for builders, contractors, electricians, home remodelers and owners of older homes in need of repair. Because we keep so many plates in stock for fast shipping, you can get the plate you need in time to meet a deadline, finish a job, or pass inspection.

Go Green: Kyle Switch Plates' light switch covers are made of steel, brass, bronze or copper and can be recycled when no longer needed. Simply take to your nearest metal recycling center or scrap metal buyers.

Made in USA: Our metal switch plates are made right here in the U.S.A. (except for copper plates.) So when you buy our metal plates online, you are helping to support American businesses and keeping jobs here in America.

Custom Options: If we don't carry the odd, rare or hard-to-find size you need, we can get you a quote to make one, even a customized plate for specialized equipment. So when you need to make changes to your home wiring or have a challenging construction job, you can rest assured that you will be able to get the switch plate size you need.

Paintable: Metal switch plates can easily be primed and painted to match your walls.

Screwless covers are more expensive and come in only 6 sizes (1 - 6 gang decorator) making it harder to add new sizes in the future if you update your lighting.

The top cover on screw-less wall plates can be easily removed so are more likely to be lost. 

Thick sharper edges are knuckle busters when reaching quickly for the light switch (especially in the dark).

The flat top ledge is much larger than a metal plate with screws. This ledge collects dirt and dust.

They are more complicated to install because they come in two parts (the screw-less cover plus the sub-plate it snaps into). 

If the subplate is painted over, it becomes very difficult to remove. It may tear or damage the wall if you ever need to remove the plate to access the devices or change out the cover completely.

Lutron's line of screwless wall plates have sub-plates with the same dimensions as the pop-on covers. The result is a visible seam around the plate's edges.