Cabinets are essential components of home furnishing, especially in kitchens. They serve multiple purposes, such as providing storage space, organizing kitchen utensils, and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the area.
When we discover a gap between the cabinet and the floor, we consider how to cover gap between cabinet and floor because it is spoiling our whole effort to furnish our home. This gap also dims the graceful appearance of the cabinets.
This gap can make a shelter for many insects like cockroaches, rodents, and aunts. A large gap between the cabinet and the floor makes it difficult to clean the floor surface. Vacuum and mop can’t reach beneath the gap, so dirt and spills may build.
Causes of Gap Between Cabinet And Floor?
There are numerous causes for exiting a gap between the cabinet and the floor. Here are some common reasons which may same in your case:
Uneven Floor: The gap between the cabinet and the floor may occur due to the floor’s uneven or slopping surface level. Before installing the cabinet or baseboard, make sure the level of the adjacent floor and baseboard are leveled to each other.
Poor Installation: Poor installation of the cabinet is also a major cause of the gap. Sometimes the cabinets are not aligned accurately or may be installed irregularly so it can leave a space between the cabinet and the floor.
Shrinkage or Expansion of Wood: Cabinets are commonly made of wood. So cabinets expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity. After expansion, when the cabinet or baseboard shrinks it may leave a noticeably large gap between cabinet and floor.
Related post: How to Fill Gap between Cabinet and Soffit/ceiling?
3 Ways To Cover Gap Between Cabinet and Floor
The gap between the cabinet and the floor can be covered easily if you follow the instructions that I have explained below. There are 3 ways to cover the gap between the cabinet and the floor. It is your choice which way you want to go. Keep reading!
By Using Caulk
The most effortless way to cover a gap between the cabinet and the floor is the use of caulk. If the gap is small (3-8 mm) then the use of caulk is best to fill this gap.
- Clean the surface: Make sure the surface area of the floor is cleaned and there are no dust particles and free of debris or moisture. Caulk needs a clean and dry surface for its stickiness. If you find then wipe the surface with a cloth.
- Place masking tape: Place masking tape on either side of the gap. This tape acts as a barrier to keep the caulk line straight. When you remove the tape after applying the caulk, it helps create clean edges and prevents the caulk from spreading beyond the desired area.
- Apply the Caulk: Use a caulk color that matches the color of your cabinets, if available or not bought yet. Cut the caulk at an angle of 45 degrees and put it into the caulk gun. Carefully apply caulk beneath the gap between the masking tap.
- Smooth caulk and remove tape: Before drying, smooth the caulk with a caulk smoothing tool, a putty knife, or your finger. After that remove the masking tape with extreme care.
By Attaching Toe Kick
The second way to cover is the Toe Kick installation. It helps cover the gap between the bottom of the cabinet and the floor creating a polished look for your cabinetry. If the gap between the cabinet and the floor is 3-4 inches then seating the toe kick is the most suitable option.
- Measure the Gap: By measuring the height, width, and length of the gap you can determine which size of toe kick you have to attach to cover the gap aesthetically. Also, check the level of the floor to ensure it is not sloop or irregular.
- Prepare the Toe Kick: Mark the measurements on the toe kick material that you have taken in the first step. Cut the toe kick with the help of a saw with extreme concentration. Sand the edges and paint it if the color does not match with cabinet’s color.
- Attach the Toe Kick: In the last step, we are going to attach the toe kick to the cabinet. Apply adhesive to the back of the toe kick. To ensure the alignment, place the toe kick at the base of the cabinet. Press the toe kick for some seconds to stick the toe kick firmly.
If the toe kick is lengthy, secure it by using screws. To prevent splitting or damaging the toe kick material, pre-drilling pilot holes before attaching the toe kick is recommended.
By Using Baseboard
The baseboard is a little bit different from the toe kick and its installation also. They are not much different besides the Toe kick attached bottom front of the cabinet and the baseboard attached to the front of the toe kick. If there is a gap between the toe kick and the floor then this way will help you.
- Measure the Gap: Measure the height, width, and length of the gap and mark points on the baseboard with a pencil. It will help you to cut the baseboard exactly. Also, Check the floor level as well to verify it is not slanted or uneven.
- Prepare the Baseboard: Take the baseboard which is exactly matching with the color of your cabinets. Cut it according to the marks that you have pointed out in the above step. Sand the edges of the baseboard if they are not smooth.
- Attach the baseboard: The final step is to attach the baseboard. Apply some adhesive at the back of the baseboard and place it on the legs of the cabinet or front of the toe kick. To secure the baseboard screw it to the legs of the cabinet.
I don’t think you need professional help to cover gap between cabinet and floor. If you are familiar with using tools, you can do it independently. Take your time to get perfect results.
Related Post: How to Hide Gap Between Dishwasher and Cabinet? 3 Simple Ways!
FAQs
How to fix gap between kitchen crown molding and ceiling?
The easiest way to fix gap between ceiling and kitchen crown molding is to use caulk. Place the masking tape on both sides along the gap. Cut the caulk at 45 degrees and put it into the caulk gun and fill the narrow gap with the caulk. Smooth the caulk before drying.
How to install cabinet filler strips?
Place the filler strip into the gap between the cabinet and the wall. You can install the cabinet filler strips simply by pushing the strips into the gap with the help of a putty knife. Verify that the filler strip is level and aligned properly with the neighboring cabinets.
How do you fill a 1-inch gap between cabinets and ceilings?
You can easily fill a 1-inch gap between cabinets and ceilings by using filler strips. Take the filler strips by matching the color of your cabinets and push them into the gap with the help of a putty knife. If the gap is large than 1 inch then install a soffit between the cabinets and ceiling.
What can you use instead of a toe kick?
The baseboard is the best alternative to a Toe kick. Baseboards are primarily used to cover the joint between the wall and the floor, they can also help to protect the wall from scuffs and damage. Baseboard can be placed in front of the toe kick.
Conclusion
Covering the gap between your cabinets and floor is essential because it can cause difficulties in cleaning your floor, resulting in insect shelters such as aunts and rodents. These insects can damage your cabinets too.
So there is always a need to remove a large gap between cabinet and floor. It makes it easier to cover the gap if you follow the instructions step by step and give your time to it. The process is very simple and you can do it if you have a little bit of knowledge about using tools.
In this article, we have shown you the 3 different methods to cover this gap between the floor and the cabinets. All these steps are easy and cheap to use easily by yourself. So it can prove helpful for you.
Moreover, if you have any related questions, cross-examine us by leaving a question in the comment box. GOOD LUCK!