Kick space

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A kick space, also known as a toe kick or toe space, is recessed space at the base of most floor-mounted kitchen cabinets. [1]

Kitchen cabinet

Kitchen cabinets are the built-in furniture installed in many kitchens for storage of food, cooking equipment, and often silverware and dishes for table service. Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens are often integrated into kitchen cabinetry. There are many options for cabinets available at present.

Contents

Description

Traditionally, a kick space is allowed for in modern cabinet designs by creating a separate, recessed platform upon which one's cabinetry may rest. The kick space is intended to prevent potential toe injuries and allow for closer proximity to a countertop (the toes being the furthest-extending ground-level human body parts). [2] Typical dimensions are roughly 4 inches (10 cm) high by 3 inches (7.6 cm) deep.

Cabinetry

A cabinet is a box-shaped piece of furniture with doors and/or drawers for storing miscellaneous items. Some cabinets stand alone while others are built in to a wall or are attached to it like a medicine cabinet. Cabinets are typically made of wood, coated steel, or synthetic materials. Commercial grade cabinets, which differ in the materials used, are called casework, casegoods, or case furniture.

A fully enclosed cabinet base with a kick space. Cabinetmaking-kick space base.svg
A fully enclosed cabinet base with a kick space.

Many homes take advantage of this space by installing heating or ventilation ducts here. [3] It also provides the additional advantage of serving as a "bumper against over-zealous mopping and vacuuming". [4]

Duct (flow) conduit used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

Ducts are conduits or passages used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to deliver and remove air. The needed airflows include, for example, supply air, return air, and exhaust air. Ducts commonly also deliver ventilation air as part of the supply air. As such, air ducts are one method of ensuring acceptable indoor air quality as well as thermal comfort.

History

The kick space became more common in the 20th century. With a burgeoning middle class and advancements in industry and domesticity, countertops became a more prominent work surface. Whereas previously most standing crafts were done at tables, there developed a need for a work counter to which one could comfortably stand directly adjacent. As the name would suggest, the kick space provides a space in which one's toes can rest. [5]

Countertop

A countertop is a horizontal work surface in kitchens or other food preparation areas, bathrooms or lavatories, and workrooms in general. It is frequently installed upon and supported by cabinets. The surface is positioned at an ergonomic height for the user and the particular task for which it is designed. A countertop may be constructed of various materials with different attributes of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. The countertop may have built-in appliances, or accessory items relative to the intended application.

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References

  1. Adams, Chris. "What Are the Optimal Toe Kick Dimensions?". about.com. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  2. Griggs, J. Michael. "Human Figure Average Measurements". LoebInfo. Harvard University. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  3. "How-To Install A Kick-Space Heater". YouTube. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  4. "Toe Space in Kitchen Cabinets". Kitchen Cabinet Depot. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  5. "Toe Space in Kitchen Cabinets". Kitchen Cabinet Depot. Retrieved 8 March 2015.