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What Do You Put at the Bottom of Kitchen Cabinets to the Floor?

When you are building or installing kitchen cabinets, you must decide how high you want the cabinets to be in relation to those using them. While base cabinets have a standard height of 34 1/2 inches, many people use wooden base blocks as the toe-kick to raise the entire row of cabinets to a desired height. However, not everyone wants a visible or wooden toe-kick base. You have options when it comes to decorating or creating a pleasing toe-kick underneath your base cabinets.
  1. Tiles

    • The toe-kick base underneath the cabinet can be designed using the same tiles as the kitchen floor to create consistency in the kitchen design. If the tiles on the kitchen floor involve several colors or patterns, you can also choose one or two color tiles and create a new pattern to make the toe-kick stand out. The colors and tiles will be cohesive with the floor, despite presenting a new design or pattern. If the floor and backsplash use two different types of tiles, the toe-kick design may incorporate both types of tiles to combine the two tile types.

    Pebbles

    • For a more natural feel, you could also add a pebble design using small pebbles designed for crafting projects. Attach the pebbles using tile adhesive and grout, which allows you to create your personal pebble design. If you choose to do this type of design, be advised that the process is time consuming and that the toe-kick base will require time to dry. However, once it is complete, the base will have a natural, earthy appeal.

    Splash of Color

    • While some people want to hide the toe-kick, others want it to stand out. Use a color identical to or similar to the cabinet color to elongate the cabinet. Use a different color choice to make the toe-kick stand out in the room. Color can be added using paint, stain or wallpaper.

    Lighting

    • Another option is to add a lighting that runs along the toe-kick base. The lighting is ideal for darker kitchen complexes, such as darker cabinets with darker tile flooring, as the lighting stands out as a predominant feature in the kitchen. Tubes of smaller lights are available for under-cabinet lighting, so the bulbs are protected from vacuums, brooms and other items that may come close to the toe-kick.