In kitchen design, plinths (also known as kickboards) and skirting boards have different functions and aesthetics. It is normal for people who are not familiar with decoration to be confused about the difference between them.
Therefore, this article will take a deep look at the difference between the two and how to choose.
Kitchen plinths are horizontal panels installed at the base of cabinets to bridge the gap between the cabinet legs and the floor.
Their main function is to conceal the cabinet legs and the space beneath the cabinets, giving the kitchen a seamless, polished look. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, kitchen plinths also have a practical function: they prevent dirt, dust, and debris from accumulating under the cabinets, facilitate cleaning, and improve safety by minimizing tripping hazards.
Kitchen plinths are typically made from materials such as MDF, PVC, wood, or stainless steel, and can be matched to the cabinet surface or chosen to contrast with the kitchen design. Standard kitchen plinth heights range from 100mm to 150mm, taking into account ergonomics and ensuring a unified look throughout the kitchen.
In kitchen design, kitchen plinths serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Their uses include:
1. Functionally, kitchen plinths cover the gap between the bottom of the cabinets and the floor, hiding the cabinet legs and preventing debris, dust, and moisture from accumulating underneath. This keeps the cabinets clean and protects them from potential water damage.
2. Aesthetically, kitchen plinths provide a seamless transition between the cabinets and the floor, helping to create a sophisticated, unified kitchen look.
3. In addition, some kitchen plinths are designed with a recessed area, called a kick plate, which allows users to get closer to the countertop, thereby improving ergonomic comfort when working in the kitchen.
Skirting is the most familiar floor decoration profile. It is a decorative material used at the junction of the wall and the floor to protect the wall and provide beautiful decoration.
This profile is also made of a variety of materials, such as PVC, SPC, solid wood, MDF, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and brass.
Skirtings are a material that is both practical and decorative. Its uses include:
Kitchen skirtings have a protective function and can provide strong protection for the wall to prevent external objects from damaging the wall.
Usually, after the floor is laid, a tiny expansion gap will be left between the floor and the wall to prevent the floor from being damaged due to thermal expansion and contraction.
The skirting can perfectly cover these tiny gaps, making the transition between the wall and the floor more beautiful. At the same time, it can also prevent dust or debris from falling into the gap, avoiding the trouble caused by later cleaning.
Some functional skirtings have a storage function. The back of the baseboard is usually hollowed out to store wires or cables, making your space neater and cleaner.
Custom skirtings usually add lighting elements. That is, you can integrate LED light strips on the baseboards and connect them to a smart control system to achieve smart on and off lighting effects.
Feature | Plinth (Kickboard) | Skirting |
Primary Use | Conceals cabinet legs; prevents debris buildup | Covers wall-floor joint; protects walls |
Placement | Base of kitchen cabinets | Along base of kitchen walls |
Design | Recessed for ergonomic access | Prominent, often decorative |
Common Styles | Modern, minimalist kitchens | Traditional, classic or modern kitchen |
Materials | Matches cabinet finish (e.g., wood, laminate) | Wood, MDF, PVC, or metal (aluminium, stainless steel, or copper) with decorative profiles |
Yes, kitchen plinth and skirting boards can be installed in the same space, but careful planning is essential to ensure functionality and aesthetics.
Plinths are usually installed at the bottom of cabinets to cover the cabinet legs and create a seamless look. Skirtings are laid along the bottom of the wall to cover the seam between the wall and the floor.
It is usually recommended to install the skirting first, then the plinths. This method makes it easier to remove the plinths for maintenance or to get under the cabinet. Installing the skirting first also allows the plinth's engraved lines to match the skirting's contours precisely, ensuring a clean surface.
When two elements coexist, make sure their styles and materials complement each other to maintain a consistent kitchen design.
While both plinths and skirting boards are an integral part of kitchen design, they serve very different purposes.
Plinths are essential to the modern kitchen, providing a clean look and functional benefits to the space beneath the cabinets.
Skirting boards are both decorative and practical. They can provide solid protection for the wall, conveniently store electrical wires in the kitchen, or add a soft lighting effect to the kitchen floor. They can also enhance the ambience and visual appeal of the kitchen, creating a romantic kitchen atmosphere.
In the end, when it comes to how to choose skirting boards, it depends on the style of your kitchen, functional needs, budget, and personal preferences. But there is no doubt that you can have them all!
