Tech Tip #5 - Notching Base Panels for Toe-kick
Sep 12, 2024
Base panels are a fact of life that every installer must deal with. Sometimes they show up in the middle of a design next to a dishwasher or an under-cabinet-refrigerator and other times at the end of a run of base cabinets. Whenever a base panel is used going into an angled corner or somewhere in the middle of a cabinet run it needs to be notched for toe kick. I can't tell you how many times I’ve seen installers run them straight to the floor just to create another way for people to stub their toes.
In the image below, the designer has a support panel next to a dishwasher to handle the weight of the countertop and keep the dishwasher secured to the corner. Before the panel gets installed it is a good idea to the notch the bottom of the panel so there's room to not bang your toes.
Now compare this to the second example where the panel is not notched for toe kick. Not only does it look wrong, but your customers’ toes will not be able to thank you enough for taking this short cut.
Notching a base panel is simple. Just measure the height and depth of the toe kick on one of your base cabinets, draw it on the manel, and cut it with a jig saw. Make sure you cut on the back side of the panel and use a metal blade to reduce chipping.
This rule can apply to all panels that are installed at base depth including tall panels and island panels. If you look at the design and think a panel should be notched for toe, you are probably right, so break out your jigsaw and make the cut (but not before measuring TWICE).
If you're looking for a tutorial for how to use a jigsaw, we made a video on our YouTube Channel, Cabinet Talk, where we teach you how to best use a jigsaw to minimize tear out and make accurate cuts. You can find that video here: Here
Otherwise you can look at our Cabinet Bootcamp Course and learn how to use the essential tools of cabinetry and learn get detailed instruction from some of the best in the business.
Thank you for reading and keep building!
- The Cabinet Talk Team
If you like these tips be sure to check out our course, Cabinet Bootcamp! Complete with video tutorials on how to install kitchen cabinets from start to finish. From layout and delivery to the final touches.
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