4 Steps to Install Kitchen Kickboards Like a Pro
Kitchen kickboard or kitchen kick plate is a fascia that perfectly fits over the recess at the bottom of...
What Are Kitchen Kickboards? Types, Uses, & Trends for Your Kitchen
When you’re planning a kitchen, kickboards probably aren’t the first thing on your mind. You may think about cabinets or benchtops, but those flat panels right down by the floor? They often get overlooked.
They’re subtle, quiet contributors to your kitchen setup.
But here’s the thing: kitchen kickboards do a lot more than just sit there and look neat. They actually serve a pretty clever purpose, and once you notice them, you’ll see how much of a difference they make to both the look and function of your space.
What Exactly Is a Kickboard?
A kitchen kickboard is a strip or panel that is used to cover or hide the gap between the bottom of your kitchen cabinets and the floor. It hides things like cabinet legs, support frames, or uneven flooring.
It’s that thing you probably may have hurt your leg or toe on once, and didn’t think much about after.
But without it, your kitchen would look kind of unfinished and way more annoying to clean.
Why Even Bother With Kickboards?
You could technically skip them, but here’s why you shouldn’t:
- They hide the mess. Crumbs, dust, rogue onion skins, all of it would end up under your cabinets if the kickboard wasn’t there to stop it.
- They make your kitchen look put together. There are no weird gaps and no exposed legs. Instead, it comes with just a smooth finish.
- They’re weirdly ergonomic. Ever stand at your bench for a while and not realise your toes need space? Kickboards allow your feet to tuck in, so you’re not leaning awkwardly every time you chop veggies.
It’s one of those small things that quietly make your kitchen more comfortable.
Let’s Talk Materials – What Kickboards Are Made Of
Alright, so you know what a kickboard is and why it matters. But what are your options?
Aluminium Kitchen Kickboards
Sleek. Modern. Practically waterproof. Aluminium kitchen kickboards are all for a clean as well as a minimalist look. If you’ve got a contemporary kitchen, they just fit right in.
It’s one of the popular materials that people choose when going with a kickboard. One of the reasons for its popularity is that they are durable and can last longer, just like steel.
Laminate or MDF
Probably the most common option. They’re affordable and have various variations to match your current kitchen storage cabinets.
You can clean it easily when needed. So, if you want a clean kitchen, go with laminate. It can also mimic timber or matte finishes if you’re going for a particular style.
PVC
It’s not as widely used, but it’s a solid option if moisture is a concern. It’s light, low-maintenance, and holds up well in humid or coastal homes. To add more, it has no spills.
People prefer if they want to set it for a specific theme or want an affordable kitchen kickboard.
Timber
Warm and classic. If your kitchen’s going for that natural, earthy vibe, timber furniture kickboards can really tie things together.
Just keep in mind that they need sealing or treatment so they don’t warp or soak up spills. It’s one of the traditional options to go with.
To Match or Not to Match?
Traditionally, people pick kickboards that blend in with their kitchen cabinets.
But there’s a growing trend of doing the opposite, which is choosing kickboards that contrast. You can go with black kickboards with light timber cabinetry or brushed metal beneath soft white doors. It adds depth and character to the base of the kitchen, especially if the rest of the design is clean and minimal.
There’s also the shadow-line look, where a dark recessed strip separates the kickboard from the cabinets, making everything look like it’s floating.
What About Height and Design?
Most kitchen kickboards are around 100mm to 150mm tall. That’s pretty standard. It gives you that bit of foot space and balances out the proportions.
But if you’re designing a custom kitchen, you can absolutely tweak that. Taller kickboards can raise your bench height, which is great if you’re tall and tired of stooping. Shorter ones give your cabinets a bit more visual height.
You can go with:
- Flush kickboards – sit in line with your cabinet doors
- Recessed ones – set back slightly for more toe room
- Floating styles – give that hovering illusion (no, your cabinets aren’t actually floating, but they’ll look like it)
Final Words
They may not be the stars of your kitchen, but kickboards quietly pull a lot of weight. It helps you with everything, starting from hiding mess to adding comfort and style.
These are the behind-the-scenes features that just make everything work better. While choosing one, you can make sure that it goes with the blend. It will increase the overall appearance of the kitchen.
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