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We have a unique multi-level kitchen island design, and without going to specifications of it, I am curious to know if there are any issues with the cabinets that make up the island can be less than 3.5" above the floor (standard toe kick height). Note that the island is made up of a combination of base and wall cabinets, and while we would need to cut the bottom of the base cabinets, the wall cabinets would go over a frame made of framing lumber, like 2x3s, making the cabinets be 2.5" above the floor and allowing us to use window casing as base molding. There not be any toe kick space.

In case you are wondering, the top of the counters will vary between standard 36" and 42" for bar height.

nobody
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0pt1m1z3
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2 Answers2

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The only "rules" are regarding countertop height for accessibility, and even that (except in a commercial kitchen) is subjective. The advantage of a consistent height is a consistent look - i.e., if you have some 2.5" next to 3.5" it may look funny. If the 2.5" and 3.5" are along different walls then nobody will even notice.

That being said, I wouldn't go too low - e.g., less than 1". That's because kitchen floors get wet, both accidentally and deliberately (mopping) and you want to keep the bottom shelf of the cabinets dry. But other than, it is entirely up to you.

manassehkatz-Moving 2 Codidact
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In my campervan I've got a kitchen built from wall units stood off the floor on 18mm (finished dimension, approx 3/4") wooden battens. They're mainly to stop the doors scraping on the floor/catching on the rug.

I've never found the lack of space for my toes an issue, even with big feet, and I do cook properly in there. That said I have to stoop slightly anyway for the ceiling height except under the skylight.

Cleaning is a bit of a pain, but I don't have to do it often in the van. Most effective is to get down on my knees and use either the crevice nozzle/brush on a vacuum cleaner, or a brush, followed by a damp cloth. In a well-used kitchen at home, this could get annoying pretty fast. In that case either no gap or a gap that fits your preferred cleaning tools would be better than a small gap.

Chris H
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