Do kitchen cabinets come with toe kick?

When purchasing new kitchen cabinets, one of the key considerations is whether the cabinets come with a built-in toe kick or if it needs to be added separately. The toe kick is the recessed space between the floor and bottom of the kitchen cabinet, allowing room for toes and feet so cabinets can be installed flush to the floor. Understanding if toe kicks are included or need to be purchased separately is an important factor in budgeting for new kitchen cabinets.

What is a Toe Kick?

The toe kick is the empty space between the floor and bottom of kitchen cabinets, typically 3-4 inches deep and 3-5 inches high. It serves several important purposes in kitchen design:

• Creates space for toes when standing at countertops so cabinets can be flush to the floor
• Allows plumbing and wiring to run unseen under cabinets
• Provides an aesthetic transition between floor and cabinetry

Without a toe kick, there would be no room for feet and toes where cabinets meet the floor. Cabinet doors and drawers would hit feet and shoes when opened and closed. The toe kick solves these functional problems.

In addition to practical purposes, the toe kick adds to the visual appeal of a kitchen. The shadow line created by the recessed space can make kitchen cabinets appear light and floating rather than heavy and floor-bound.

Toe Kick Options

There are a few different options when it comes to toe kicks for kitchen cabinets:

• Built-in cabinet toe kick – Many stock and semi-custom cabinetry lines come with a recessed toe kick built into the base cabinet box. This integrated toe kick removes the need to construct your own.
• Separate toe kick – Some more affordable or DIY style cabinets require a separate toe kick that attaches to the cabinet base. These are often simple wood panels attached to create the needed space.
• Adjustable toe kicks – For greater flexibility, some cabinets feature an adjustable toe kick that can be set to different heights.
• Custom toe kicks – For a high-end look, a custom toe kick can be designed in materials like wood, metal, or tile. This is common for custom cabinetry.

Understanding whether the cabinets you’re considering include a built-in toe kick or if you’ll need to add your own is an important factor when estimating your total kitchen remodeling costs.

Do Stock Kitchen Cabinets Come with Toe Kicks?

Stock kitchen cabinets are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their lower cost and wide availability. Stock cabinetry comes in standard sizes and configurations to fit typical kitchens, and they can generally be purchased quickly and shipped to your home.

The majority of stock cabinetry choices will come with an integrated toe kick already built into the base cabinet box. This is part of the standard design and construction of most affordable cabinet lines. For example, brands like IKEA and KraftMaid offer a wide range of stock cabinet options with pre-installed toe kicks.

However, some entry-level DIY stock cabinets may require a separate toe kick installation to complete the look. Always check the product specs and details to confirm if assembly of the toe space is required when purchasing stock cabinetry.

Pros of Stock Cabinets with Built-In Toe Kicks

• Saves installation time and cost on the job site
• Consistent sizing and appearance
• Part of the full factory warranty
• Designed to properly fit that cabinet product

Do Semi-Custom Cabinets Come with Toe Kicks?

Semi-custom cabinets are a middle ground between stock and fully custom cabinetry. Semi-custom cabinets are pre-designed with some customizable options for sizes, layouts, accessories and finishes.

Since semi-custom cabinets are still manufactured in bulk, they typically include a built-in toe kick like their stock counterparts. The toe kick dimensions and design matches the rest of the cabinet box for a cohesive appearance. Brands known for their range of semi-custom cabinets options like KraftMaid, QualityCabinets and Diamond Cabinets all include integrated toe kicks.

Benefits of Semi-Custom Cabinets with Toe Kicks

• Toe kicks designed for that cabinet product
• Consistency across all cabinet bases
• Carries same warranty protections as cabinet box
• Installed at the factory as part of construction

Semi-custom cabinets are designed to allow some customization while still providing a streamlined installation. Factory-installed toe kicks are part of the aligned construction process.

Do Custom Cabinets Come with Toe Kicks?

Custom cabinets are built completely from scratch to your unique kitchen design and specifications. Fully customized cabinetry provides the most flexibility for your preferred toe kick options.

With custom cabinets, integrated toe kicks are commonly included as part of the cabinet construction, but you also have more choice if you prefer to create your own. Work with your designer to decide:

• Depth and height of toe kick space
• Integrated or separate toe kick
• Toe kick material and finish
• Toe kick installation details

Well-constructed custom cabinetry is designed for a seamless, integrated appearance, so a built-in toe kick is a standard inclusion. However, a custom toe kick can also be crafted if desired. Discuss options with your kitchen designer.

Benefits of Built-In Toe Kicks with Custom Cabinets

• Consistent fit and finish
• Ease of installation
• Full access to floor and plumbing
• Default option for most cabinet makers

Are Toe Kicks Standard on Ready-to-Assemble Cabinets?

Ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets provide a more affordable do-it-yourself approach for homeowners. RTA cabinets come in a flat pack with assembly required. Compared to stock cabinetry, RTA cabinets typically offer less choice for sizes and finishes.

Since RTA cabinets are designed for simple home assembly, the toe kick is often not pre-installed. The toe kick boards are included in the flat pack cabinet boxes, but you will need to attach them yourself during installation.

RTA cabinets from IKEA are a prime example – they include toe kick boards and screws, but you must measure, cut and secure these to the cabinet bases. Other RTA brands follow the same system. Be prepared for toe kick assembly with RTA cabinets.

Tips for RTA Cabinet Toe Kicks

• Verify the toe kick boards are included in contents
• Have necessary tools for measuring, cutting, drilling
• Follow product instructions for proper methods
• Save time by cutting all boards at once
• Use shims if floor is uneven

Toe Kick Styles

While integrated toe kicks are most common, you can also choose a specific toe kick design as part of your kitchen cabinetry style. Popular toe kick styles include:

Recessed Panel Toe Kicks

Recessed panel toe kicks feature a central, flat center panel bordered by an inset frame around all sides. The look matches integrated cabinet doors and drawers for a cohesive appearance.

Raised Panel Toe Kicks

Raised panel toe kicks have a center panel that raises out from the frame. The panel has a profile shape like cabinet doors. For a high-end traditional kitchen, matching raised panel toes kicks complete the look.

Solid Wood Toe Kicks

For a natural, seamless appearance, a custom toe kick can be crafted from solid hardwood to match the species, finish and grain of the cabinets. Popular choices include oak, maple, cherry and hickory.

Tile Toe Kicks

Tile toe kicks introduce another texture and material to your kitchen design. Match or complement the countertop backsplash tile. Use mosaic sheets for easier installation.

Metal Toe Kicks

A slim metal toe kick creates an elegant, light look. Stainless steel and aluminum are common metal choices. Use with contemporary cabinets for industrial flair.

1×4 Wood Toe Kicks

Some DIY styles use basic 1×4 inch wood boards for an affordable toe kick. Paint or stain them to match cabinets. Good for farmhouse and cottage styles.

Toe Kick Installation

Proper installation is key to getting an ideal look and function from kitchen cabinet toe kicks. Follow these tips for best results:

Check Floor Level

Any unevenness in the floor must be accounted for so cabinets sit flush. Use shims if needed for support. Ensure the toe kick will fit and fill any gaps beneath cabinets.

Measure Carefully

Precisely measure the toe kick height and depth to match your cabinets. Cut boards to fit each space or design toe kicks to fill uneven areas.

Fasten Securely

Attach toe kicks to cabinet bases securely using nails, screws or adhesive. They should not shift or detach over time. Follow manufacturer directions.

Caulk Gaps

Run a flexible silicon caulk bead along all edges where the toe kick meets the floor. This Seals gaps against moisture, pests and debris.

Add Molding

For a finished look, install trim molding around the top edge of the toe kick. This also conceals any uneven cuts and gaps.

Cost of Toe Kicks

If kitchen cabinets include a built-in toe kick, there is no extra cost for this standard feature. For stock, semi-custom and many custom cabinets, an integrated toe kick is simply part of the overall cabinet construction.

When ordering cabinets without toe kicks or choosing to add custom or separate toe kicks, here are typical costs:

• Unfinished pine toe kick boards – $1-$4 per linear foot
• Prefabricated toe kicks – $5-$15 per linear foot
• Custom fabricated toe kicks – $15-$30 per linear foot

Any finishing like paint or stain will add slightly more to these toe kick costs. Installation of separate toe kicks may also add $200-$500 in labor fees. discuss all options with your kitchen designer to avoid surprise expenses.

Toe Kick Alternatives

In some unique kitchen designs, you may want to use an alternative approach instead of typical toe kicks under cabinets:

Wall-Mounted Cabinets

Wall cabinets installed higher off the ground and floating on the wall do not need toe kicks. This open and light contemporary style allows more visible floor space.

Lower Cabinet Height

Adjusting the height of floor cabinets higher off the floor reduces the need for a deep toe kick. However, at least a small recess is still needed.

Higher Floor

Raising the floor height for a kitchen, such as on a platform, gets rid of the need for toe kicks. Make sure to account for appliance heights.

Toe Kick Drawers

Rather than a static space, use the toe kick zone for practical storage drawers. Just make sure they can fully open.

Open Shelving

Eliminating lower cabinets entirely creates an open, leggy look. Upper wall cabinets can provide needed storage space.

Retractable Toe Kicks

For accessibility needs, some custom cabinets have retractable toe kicks that pull out when needed. These provide full access to the cabinet space.

Conclusion

Integrated toe kicks are standard for most stock, semi-custom and custom kitchen cabinetry. But some RTA and more budget-friendly cabinets require installing a separate toe kick. Understanding if your new kitchen cabinets include a toe kick or if you need to add one is important for planning purposes.

A toe kick is not just decorative – it serves the vital purpose of creating functional space between floor and cabinets. Make sure to account for toe kick needs when ordering cabinets and budgeting your project.

With careful planning, the toe kick can seamlessly tie your new kitchen’s style together and allow the cabinets to properly fit the room.