Kick plates can be an integral part of the base cabinet itself; they can be
a platform (usually 2 x 4's on edge) the cabinet (without built-in kick
plate) sits on; or alternately, you can use adjustable legs and just apply a
kick panel to the front.

Of those methods, I almost always build the kick plates into each individual
cabinet.

You do this by making the cabinet SIDES the exact height of your desired
base cabinet (36", less the countertop and underlay, so usually 34 1/2"),
then notch out for the kick plate panel in the front of each cabinet side.

I generally make this notch 4 1/2" high and 4" deep (including the face
frame).

The floor of the cabinet sits right above the horizontal part of the notch
and runs from the front of the cabinet, all the way to back.

The kick plate panel is attached to the vertical part of the notches in the
two sides, directly under the floor.

The back panel of the cabinet runs all the way to the floor for extra
support.

I also "cleat" (Quarter round of the appropriate size, about 6" long works
well) the floor, on the underside, to the sides, back and kick plate panel.

IME, this last step strengthens your base considerably for those granite
countertops.

As you can tell from the above, I probably overbuild by today's standards.
However, I guarantee you that I'll never have to clean up the mess after one
of my cabinets fail.

As I learned with computers, taking the money for a job is the easy part ...
providing tech support when something breaks is what kills you.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 9/21/03


"The Good Bohemian" wrote in message


I was wondering if some of you more seasoned cabinet makers might
answer a few burning questions?? I am in the midst of getting some
really good books (among them would be 'Cabinetmaking and Millwork,
Feirer'). Before I get the reference material in, I was wondering if
someone could set me straight on carcase construction with either 3/4
particle board or cabinet quality ply or mdf, etc... At the base of
the cabinet (let's use a vanity as an example), there's a 4" kickplate
that holds the cabinet off the floor and provides support and moisture
protection (I presume). Are there supposed to be cross braces in this
kick plate construction? In other words, is it sufficient to hold the
cabinet assy. on top of 4 4" boards on the perimeter and one sheet over
top without having crossers underneath? I don't know if I am being
clear or not but try to envision the base of a cabinet where the
kickplate is... Is there anything behind the kickplate holding the
cabinet up or is it just held on with the simple frame and a sheet over
top?

I have been endlessly scowering the net for good detailed info on
carcase construction but it seems tricky to come by. I will start with
Feirer's book and go from there but in the meantime, if any of you
could suggest other texts, videos, etc. I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance,


Andrew.
(St. Catahrines)