Stainless Steel Letter Plates

Stainless steel letter plates for modern and classic front doors — corrosion-resistant AISI 304 or AISI 316 marine-grade for a lifespan of 25+ years. Slot size 25×4 or 30×5 cm. Inward opening (draft-proof), outward opening (classic), or concealed (burglar-resistant). PostNL compliant. Combine with stainless steel draftproofing for energy savings of 2–10%. From Intersteel, AXA, and Aprile.

Order before 8:00 PM? Your stainless steel letter plate will be on your doormat the next working day, provided the product is in stock. For non-stock products, we will communicate the delivery time in advance. Unsure about the slot size or flap design? Send a photo of your front door to info@deurbeslag-expert.nl — we are happy to help.

Do you want the mail to fall neatly through your front door without feeling a draft through the letterbox every winter? Then it starts with a good letter plate. This visible finish around the letterbox opening gives your front door a neat finish and protects the door leaf around the slot. A stainless steel version remains sleek for years, because stainless steel does not rust or discolour, even after many years of exposure to the elements. Whether you have a modern aluminium front door or a classic wooden door, with the right stainless steel letter plate, your entrance immediately looks well-groomed.

On this page, we explain exactly what a stainless steel letter plate is and which letter slot size you need. You will read about the difference between brushed and polished steel, why you combine it with draftproofing, and how to mount it and match it to your front door. This way, you can confidently choose the letter plate that suits your door. Read on!

What exactly is a stainless steel letter plate?

A stainless steel letter plate is the visible exterior finish of the letterbox opening in your front door, made of stainless steel. The plate neatly frames the letter slot, protects the surrounding wood or aluminium from wear and tear, and usually features a hinged flap that covers the opening. Stainless steel of AISI 304 quality has no top layer that can wear off, ensuring the silver-grey tint remains consistent for twenty-five years or longer. On the inside, the plate is often combined with a draft seal that keeps the opening closed between mail delivery. This provides a neat finish for your front door while keeping drafts out.

With us, you will find stainless steel letter plates from Intersteel, AXA, and Aprile, in brushed and polished finishes. There are models with an inward or outward opening flap, and concealed versions with a double flap that prevents anyone from accessing the lock through the letterbox. If you live within ten kilometers of the sea, choose AISI 316, which is more resistant to salt due to added molybdenum. If you would like to see all the colors side by side, please also view our wider collection of letter plates. This way, you will find exactly the version that suits your front door.

Which throw-in size do you need?

You determine the required letter slot size based on the size of the mail that needs to pass through the slot. The Dutch standard, according to PostNL guidelines, is 25 x 4 cm or 30 x 5 cm, which is spacious enough for A4 mail and standard magazines. If you frequently receive larger envelopes or thick packages, choose 30 x 5 cm or wider. If you are replacing an existing letter plate, first measure the recess in your door so that the new plate covers it neatly. This ensures the mail passes through smoothly.

In addition to the slot size, pay attention to the drilling distance, which is usually 200 to 250 mm center-to-center between the top and bottom mounting. If the new hole pattern does not match the old one, fill the existing holes with a wooden plug and glue before installing the new plate. For convenient mail delivery, the mailbox is ideally positioned 1.1 to 1.5 meters above the ground. If the cutout does not fit perfectly, make slight adjustments with a plane or chisel. If you are unsure about the size, our advisors will be happy to assist you.

Do you choose brushed or polished stainless steel?

Whether you choose brushed or polished stainless steel is primarily a matter of appearance and maintenance. Brushed stainless steel has a fine, matte texture with longitudinal lines that camouflage fingerprints, which is convenient for daily handling of mail. It is the most popular finish and suits almost every front door color and facade style. Polished stainless steel, on the other hand, has a mirror-like, luxurious shine that looks beautiful on a villa or a monumental home. Conversely, polished stainless steel shows fingerprints and water stains more easily.

For most homes, brushed is therefore the practical, low-maintenance choice, while polished is the preferred option where the glossy reflection truly adds something. Both finishes are made of solid stainless steel and will last for years with normal maintenance. If you live by the coast, choose AISI 316 instead of 304 for extra resistance to salt. For a harmonious facade appearance, match the finish to your other front door hardware. This ensures your letter plate blends seamlessly with the rest of your entrance.

Why combine a letter plate with draftproofing?

You combine a letter plate with draftproofing because a letter plate alone does not sufficiently keep out drafts during the cold months. Cold air and rain can enter through the open slot, especially if the flap does not close tightly. Draftproofing on the inside, with a brush edge or a rubber lip, keeps the opening sealed between mail deliveries. This makes a noticeable difference in comfort and can lower your energy consumption, particularly in an older, less well-insulated home. This way, your hallway remains pleasantly warm.

Some brands, such as AXA, often supply the letter plate and draftproofing as a set, whereas at Intersteel you can combine them separately according to your own preference. If you opt for a concealed version with a double flap, you also add some extra burglary protection, as no one can access the lock through the slot. For an energy-efficient home, the combination of a neat plate with good draftproofing is a small, smart investment. For a complete entrance, also view our collection of front door hardware. Our advisors are happy to help you find the right combination.

How do you mount a stainless steel letter plate?

To install a stainless steel letter plate, first unscrew and remove the old plate from the inside. Check if the letter slot in your door matches the new plate, and make slight adjustments with a plane or chisel if there is a discrepancy. Hold the letter plate in place on the outside, attach the mounting nuts or the draft seal immediately on the inside, and tighten the M5 stainless steel screws by hand. Do not overtighten to avoid stripping the threads. This ensures the plate sits straight and securely immediately.

After installation, test whether the flap opens and closes smoothly by sliding some mail through the opening a few times; the flap must not jam or get stuck. If you are using a concealed version, check that both flaps close neatly and that no gaps remain. Straight, careful installation largely determines how neat the final result looks. If you are unsure about touching up the recess, call in a professional or ask us for advice. In just fifteen minutes, your front door will have a neat letterbox again.

How do you match your letter plate to your front door?

You can best coordinate your letter plate by choosing the same finish as your other facade and front door hardware. A brushed stainless steel plate looks calm and contemporary against a white plaster wall, an aluminium frame, or a wooden front door, and complements other stainless steel elements on your facade beautifully. Ideally, choose your doorknob, house number, and doorbell in the same shade so that your entrance appears as a unified whole. This prevents a cluttered look with colors that are all just slightly different. It looks neat and well thought-out.

If stainless steel doesn't quite match your facade, you can choose a letter plate in a different shade, such as black or brass. For a cohesive entrance, combine it with matching brushed stainless steel front door hardware and optionally your house numbers in the same finish. By choosing all components in the same color, the style runs like a common thread through your front door. If you are unsure about the right combination, send a photo of your facade to info@deurbeslag-expert.nl. Our specialists will select the appropriate version for you.

Why order your stainless steel letter plate from Deurbeslag Expert?

You order your stainless steel letter plate from Deurbeslag Expert because here you can choose from a fine assortment of Intersteel, AXA, and Aprile in brushed and polished finishes. Whether you are looking for a standard plate or a concealed version with a double flap, you will find the letter plate that suits your front door and facade. The most requested models are in stock and come with matching stainless steel mounting hardware. If you are unsure about the letter slot size, an inward or outward opening flap, or the correct stainless steel quality, our specialists will be happy to assist you via info@deurbeslag-expert.nl. Order before 4:00 PM? Then your stainless steel letter plate will be delivered tomorrow.