Kitchen cabinet skirting board

Types of kitchen cabinet skirting board

A kitchen cabinet skirting board is a decorative board that is fixed to the bottom of the kitchen cabinet for aesthetic purposes. It is also referred to as a toe kick panel or base panel. The cabinet skirting board comes in different styles and materials, as discussed below:

• Wooden Kitchen Cabinet Skirting Board

  This kind of cabinet kickboard is the most popular among homeowners. It comes in different finishes that can be painted or stained. The wooden kitchen cabinet skirting board is customizable and offers a classic and warm feel in the kitchen. However, it requires regular maintenance to avoid rot from moisture exposure. Also, there are options that are less durable than other materials.

• MDF Kitchen Cabinet Skirting Board

  The MDF kitchen cabinet skirting board is made of wood fibers and resin. It can be painted easily and is available at a low cost. This kind of kickboard is smooth and uniform and offers a good base for painting. However, the MDF kitchen cabinet skirting board is not as durable as wood and is susceptible to moisture damage. It also has limited aesthetic flexibility and can be less appealing compared to natural wood.

• Plastic Kitchen Cabinet Skirting Board

  The plastic kitchen cabinet skirting board is made from different types of plastics. It is available in a variety of colors and textures. The kickboard is durable and waterproof, which makes it easy to maintain. It is also resistant to rotting and pests. Additionally, the plastic kitchen cabinet skirting board is lightweight and easy to install. However, it has a limited lifespan and can lack the warmth and elegance of other materials. The board is also prone to cracking when exposed to extreme temperatures.

• Metal Kitchen Cabinet Skirting Board

  The metal kitchen cabinet skirting board is usually made of stainless steel, aluminum, or brass. It offers a contemporary feel and is highly durable and resistant to moisture. The board is also easy to clean and maintain. It has a sleek and modern look and can be recycled at the end of its lifecycle. On the downside, this kickboard is generally more expensive and prone to dents and scratches. It also conducts cold, which can make the lower part of the kitchen cabinets uncomfortable in a cold environment.

• Glass Kitchen Cabinet Skirting Board

  The glass kitchen cabinet skirting board is made from toughened or tempered glass. It adds a touch of elegance and modernity to the kitchen. The kickboard is durable, easy to clean, and maintain, and it creates an illusion of more space in the kitchen. It also allows light to reflect and enhance the brightness of the kitchen. However, it is more expensive than other types of kitchen cabinet skirting boards. It is also prone to scratches and requires professional installation.

Function and Feature of Kitchen Cabinet Skirting Board

Skirting boards for kitchen cabinets serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Their features contribute to the durability, ease of maintenance, and appearance of the kitchen. Here are some of their functions and key features:

• Protection

  Skirting boards protect the lower part of cabinets from damage. This happens when items like pots and cleaning tools with sharp edges are stored in the cabinet. Without kitchen cabinet toe kicks, the lower part of the cabinet can get dented or scratched. The baseboard acts like a shield preventing direct hits or scraping. This helps keep the cabinets looking good for a long time. They are no or few scratches and dents at the bottom of the cabinet. With less damage, the cabinets retain their value and may not need repairs or replacements. Overall, the skirting board provides protection that helps maintain the appearance and integrity of the cabinets.

• Covering Gaps

  Skirting boards help to cover gaps between the floor and the base of cabinets. Without them, those spaces would be exposed and visible. By hiding the gaps, the skirting boards give the kitchen a neater and more complete look. They make the transition from the floor to the cabinets appear seamless instead of having empty spaces. This is especially important in a kitchen where the floor and cabinet colors may be different. The skirting boards create visual continuity between the two surfaces instead of breaking it up with gaps.

• Materials and Finishes

  When choosing a skirting board for kitchen cabinets, consider materials like MDF, wood, or PVC. MDF boards are painted in different finishes and colors to match the cabinets. They can also be textured to look like wood. PVC skirting boards are waterproof and easy to clean. They come in many styles that can fit different looks in the kitchen. The material and finish of the skirting board affect both how it works and its appearance.

• Ease of Maintenance

  Skirting boards for kitchen cabinets are made to be easy to clean and maintain. They help prevent dirt, grease, and water damage from accumulating on the lower part of the cabinets. This is important because the bottom of the cabinets can get messy from cooking and cleaning in the kitchen. With skirting boards, there is less chance of mold growing. More importantly, they help maintain the appearance of the cabinets over time by preventing stains or discoloration.

Scenarios of kitchen cabinet skirting board

The use of a kitchen cabinet skirting board is common in residential homes. However, it is also used in numerous other scenarios, including the following:

• Residential Properties

  Kitchen cabinet skirting boards are primarily found in residential homes, including single-family houses, townhouses, and apartments. They serve both functional and aesthetic purposes in these settings. For instance, they protect the base of cabinets from damage due to bumps and scrapes from foot traffic and cleaning equipment. In addition, they hide wires and plumbing running along the walls, making them more organized.

• Commercial Kitchens

  Another common use scenario of kitchen cabinet skirting boards is in commercial kitchens and restaurants. Here, they are referred to as kick plates or baseboards. These are essential in providing a clean and hygienic environment for food preparation. They also protect kitchen cabinets from damage due to high traffic and frequent cleaning in commercial settings. Additionally, they offer a finished look to the kitchen cabinets in these kitchens.

• Hospitality Industry

  Besides residential homes and commercial kitchens, kitchen cabinet skirting boards are also commonly used in the hospitality industry. For instance, in hotels, resorts, and restaurants, these boards provide a functional and aesthetic finish to the kitchen area. They ensure a hygienic environment in food preparation and protect kitchen cabinets from damage in high-traffic areas.

• Retail Stores

  Kitchen cabinet skirting boards are also used in retail stores, especially those with display cabinets or storage areas for merchandise. In this scenario, they offer a polished and professional look to the cabinet displays. More importantly, they allow for seamless cleaning and maintenance in high-traffic retail environments.

• Workshops and Utility Spaces

  Kitchen cabinet skirting boards can also be used in utility rooms, workshops, and storage spaces within residential or commercial properties. In this scenario, they provide a durable and easily cleanable surface, especially in utility rooms and workshops, which can be prone to spills and debris.

• Historical Restoration Projects

  Skirting boards for kitchen cabinets can also be used during historical restoration projects to maintain authenticity and historical accuracy. In this case, they are selected carefully to match the period's style and design, ensuring the cabinets are consistent with the property's historical significance.

How to choose kitchen cabinet skirting board

• Consider the Style of the Room

  The style of the room should be consistent when choosing a skirting board. For modern kitchens, a simple and sleek board should be chosen. A more detailed and classic board should be selected for traditional kitchens.

• Look at the Materials

  Choosing a kitchen base cabinet that fits what is really needed and is in line with the budget is important. There are many options available, such as wood, MDF, and plastic. Wood is a strong choice, but it can cost more than other materials.

• Think About Durability and Maintenance

  Skirting boards made of materials that are easy to clean and very long-lasting should be selected. This is because kitchens are busy places that see lots of cooking and food preparation. Plastic and vinyl boards are good choices for this reason.

• Assess the Height and Width

  When selecting a kitchen cabinet kick plate, it is important to think about how high and wide it will be. High and wide boards make a strong statement but might not be right for small kitchens. Narrow and low boards make the room look bigger, but they should also be in proportion to the space.

• Check Compatibility with Flooring

  The skirting board should be checked to ensure it matches the flooring. If the floor is wooden, a wooden board should be selected. For tiled floors, a plastic or vinyl board might work better. The two should go well together to complete the room.

• Evaluate the Budget

  Quality and price should be balanced when a budget is set. It is important to get the best value possible without going over what was planned. There are skirting boards available for every budget, so it's wise to choose what is affordable and meets all the needs.

kitchen cabinet skirting board_0 Q & A

Q1: What is the trend regarding skirting boards?

A1: The current trend involves using minimalist and sleek skirting boards. These low-profile designs blend seamlessly with modern interiors. This trend accommodates painted skirting boards matching the wall colors. It promotes a clean and cohesive look. Additionally, the trend favors hidden cables in the skirting board. This maintains a tidy and uncluttered appearance. Overall, these trends reflect a shift towards functional and integrated designs in home decor.

Q2: What is the difference between a baseboard and a skirting board?

A2: A baseboard and a skirting board refer to the same thing. A baseboard or skirting board is a wooden board. It is fixed along the bottom of a wall to cover the joint between the wall and floor. It helps protect the walls from damage and adds decorative elements to a room.

Q3: How should the kitchen cabinet kickboards be maintained?

A3: Maintaining kickboards is simple. Regularly clean them using a damp cloth with soap. If there are any stubborn stains, use a mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the material.

Q4: Are kickboards in the kitchen necessary?

A4: Kitchen cabinet skirting boards are important and enhance the overall look of the kitchen. They help ensure proper ventilation and prevent pests from hiding in the kitchen cabinets. These kickboards are easy to clean and provide a seamless look to the kitchen.

Q5: How are kitchen cabinet kickboards installed?

A5: Installing kitchen cabinet skirting boards is a simple process. First, measure and cut the kickboard to fit the desired area. Use adhesive or screws to fix the kickboard to the cabinet base. Ensure it is aligned and secure. Repeat the process for the other cabinets.