What kind of trim goes under kitchen cabinets?

Author: Christa Schulist  |  Last update: Saturday, May 24, 2025

One popular option for under cabinet trim is toe kick molding. This type of molding is installed along the bottom of your cabinets, and it gives the illusion of them being flush with the floor. It can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, foam, or PVC.

What is the trim under kitchen cabinets called?

Base Molding is generally used to provide a decorative trim at the floor level of base cabinets by installing it with the profiled edge facing up.

How do you fill the gap between base cabinets and walls?

Expanding Foam Solution. The “Expanding Foam Solution” is a polyurethane-based sealant used to fill gaps and cracks, including those between cabinets and walls. It's easy to apply, affordable, and quickly expands to provide an effective seal.

Do you put trim under cabinets?

You do not have to put it under your cabinets. You will probably have to run some type of trim around the cabinets like shoe moulding. No sense in pulling the cabinets if they aren't going to be replaced right away.

What should I put under my kitchen cabinets?

Lots of materials will work. Plywood, even a sheet of heavy plastic. Tape or caulk or whatever around the edges -- as long as it's air tight and durable, it'll work fine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting and Installing Cabinet Fillers

What do you put between cabinets and ceilings?

In situations where the cabinets don't quite meet the ceiling, many builders will cover that space with a soffit. Others will leave it open, with empty space above the cabinets. Whether you'd prefer a soffit or an open space is a totally personal choice!

Why don't you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

Because of this installation process, its recommended cabinets go in before floating floors. Cabinets, especially those with heavy stone countertops, could damage your floating floors. These types of floors also shift, expand, contract and settle after installation, causing the cabinets on top of them to move.

What trim to use under cabinets?

One popular option for under cabinet trim is toe kick molding. This type of molding is installed along the bottom of your cabinets, and it gives the illusion of them being flush with the floor. It can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, foam, or PVC.

What is toe kick trim?

What is Toe Kick Trim or Molding? Showplace toe kick trim is a strip of veneered plywood that is installed at the base of your cabinets – after they are installed in your home – where they meet the floor. It is 4-1/2 inches high and 1/4 inch thick.

Does finish floor go under cabinets?

It depends on the type of flooring and personal preference. Installing flooring under cabinets provides a seamless look, and easier future floor replacements, and can save material costs for floating floors. However, it may increase labor costs and require additional support for heavy appliances or furniture.

How do you close a gap under cabinets?

The most effective methods of concealing the area beneath your cabinets are:
  1. Cover up with caulk or wood filler.
  2. Embellish the top cabinets by installing trims.
  3. Place a toe kick under the bottom cabinets, or swap out the old one.
  4. Use spray foam to seal off an air leak.
  5. Utilize a backer rod to seal off any significant gaps.

What does scribe molding look like?

Scribe molding is a thin strip of wood that covers gaps or inconsistencies where the cabinet meets the ceiling or wall. The piece of wood is typically straight on the end that is placed against the wall, but the other end is curved to fit the cabinet.

What is the trim piece between cabinet and wall?

Basic Trim Types

Base and Wall Filler (BF#, WF#) - Fillers are strips of wood designed to go between cabinets and structures, like walls. Base fillers are designed to mimic the shape of base cabinets. Wall fillers are straight.

What is the skirting under kitchen cabinets called?

Plinths are sometimes referred to as a kick board or kick plate and are used to bridge the gap between the floor and the bottom of your cabinets to hide away cabinet legs, cables, and pipes, leaving your kitchen to look sleek and tidy.

What is cabinet edging?

Edge banding, whether using veneer or solid wood, reinforces the sides of the piece, making it more resilient to wear and tear and protecting it from the elements. It is important to protect edges, even for those surfaces that may not be in full view, such as the insides of cabinets.

What does toe kick look like?

A toe kick is a notch-shaped indentation in a base cabinet's front. It has a foot recess so you can get close to the counter. This improves balance and decreases strain from reaching across a countertop. Without a toe kick, users are forced to stand back from a base cabinet, causing back, shoulder, and arm strain.

Why is there space under kitchen cabinets?

Providing a recess at the base of cabinets allows for comfortable standing and prevents toe bumps, making kitchen tasks more ergonomic. Beyond its practicality, the toe kick contributes to the overall design, offering a visual break that creates a cleaner, more streamlined look.

What is cabinet filler?

A filler is a piece of finished wood used to "fill" openings or gaps between cabinets, or a cabinet and any obstruction, that would inhibit the doors or drawers from fully functioning.

What is the trim under cabinets called?

Also known as a light rail, molding on the bottom of cabinets helps conceal under cabinet lighting. Light molding offers a huge impact for your dollar. It's often available as a standard cabinetry feature in many styles and lengths, meaning it has almost no impact on a budget.

What do you put under kitchen cabinets?

Creative Storage Underneath Your Cabinets
  1. LED Lighting. Illuminate your counter workspace with LED lights, an alternative to florescent that's both functional and beautiful. ...
  2. Power Outlets. ...
  3. Jar Opener. ...
  4. Knife Block. ...
  5. Stemware Rack. ...
  6. Spice Rack. ...
  7. Cookbook Stand. ...
  8. Appliance Garage.

What should go in bottom kitchen cabinets?

Put larger and heavier dishes, pots, pans, and frequently used small appliances in the lower cabinets (rarely used small appliances can stay in the upper cabinets).

Should vinyl plank flooring be installed under kitchen cabinets?

Heavy cabinets, vanities, islands, and such, should never be installed on top of LooseLay flooring with limited adhesive. Instead, we recommend you install vinyl flooring next to cabinets. Pro Tip: Install the cabinets first if you believe the cabinets will remain a fixture for years longer than the flooring.

Can you put a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring?

Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.

Should flooring go under the dishwasher?

For instance, built-in appliances, like wall ovens or cooktops, often don't need flooring underneath since they are more permanent fixtures. In contrast, movable appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers benefit from having flooring underneath to prevent movement and protect against potential leaks.

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