Toe kicks; what are they and does your kitchen island need them? Some consider the toe kick space that is beneath your cabinets and kitchen island one of the most important ergonomic elements in your kitchen.
Ergonomics is the study of comfort and human efficiency in a living or working environment but what does this have to do with a toe kick? Read on to find the answers.
Why is Ergonomics Important in a Kitchen?
Your kitchen is a space where many people spend a lot of their time and it is also a work place.
Using ergonomics, it can make the kitchen more comfortable to work in.
What is a toe Kick?
This is the notch-shaped recess at the front bottom of a base cabinet.
The toe kick will provide a recess for your feet enabling you to get closer to the countertop.
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By doing this, it will help to reduce the fatigue that you might feel if you have to reach across the counter to work plus it helps to improve your balance.
If there is no toe kick, you could find yourself standing back from the base cabinet so you do not stub your toes.
Your posture would also be affected as you will have to lean over, putting a lot of strain on your arms, shoulder, and back.
It is very uncomfortable to work his way. It can lead to posture issues and chronic pain.
With most toe kicks, you do not even realize they are there because they are generally painted the same color as the cabinets so they are as inconspicuous as possible while others may be a coordinating color so they stand out.
They can also be made to be part of the design of the kitchen.
How to fix These Issues
One of easiest ways to fix these issues it to have a toe kick. It is a simple design alteration.
It is just a small notch at the bottom of the cabinets to allow you to move closer to the countertop.
The toe kick is generally on about three and a half inches high and three inches deep.
It may be a small alteration but it can make a big difference in the comfort of using the countertop.
There are some manufacturers that do make the toe kicks a bit higher to give you a little extra room. The drawback to this is that you will lose a bit in the height of your cabinets.
Conclusion
- Toe kicks are not required by building codes but you will now find them on almost all cabinets that are factory-manufactured.
- They are generally even found on custom built cabinets done by cabinet makers.
- If you do not have these toe kicks you are going to have to lean awkwardly to get things on the back of your counter top or bang your toes on the bottom front of your cabinets.