Standard Kickboard Dimensions
By Kevin Sorby | Kitchen Designer & Cabinetmaker
Standard Kickboard Height
The standard kickboard height, also known as toe kick or plinth, is typically a nominal 150 mm (15 cm). The height can range between 80 mm (8 cm) to 200 mm (20 cm).
Note on measurements: All dimensions provided are based on standard industry practices, including guidelines established in the HIA Guide to Kitchen & Bathroom Construction.
A kickboard height of 150 mm serves several practical purposes. From a health and ergonomic perspective, it allows for comfortable foot placement and better posture by enabling users to stand closer to their work surfaces.
Additionally, it provides essential protection from scuffs and allows for easier access for cleaning tools like vacuums and mops. It also creates a useful space to run utility services, such as plumbing or conduit, under the cabinetry.
Note: The kickboard should be non-load bearing. It should be fixed to a load bearing plinth (ladder frame) or cabinet legs.
This height also accommodates the ventilation needs of built-in appliances like refrigerators. Additionally, a 150 mm high kickboard creates potential for shallow storage solutions, such as kickboard drawers.
While a 150 mm kickboard height is common in Australia, heights can vary by manufacturer, country, or specific design requirements. For instance, IKEA uses a more compact 80 mm (8 cm) kickboard height in their kitchen cabinets.
One benefit of IKEA's smaller kickboard height means that the floor cabinet is much taller at 800mm, giving you more internal storage space.
Standard Kickboard Depth
The kickboard depth is a nominal 50 mm (5 cm) from the front edge of the floor cabinet carcass or 70 mm from the front face of the door or drawer.
Australian Kitchen Retailers Kickboard Heights
See table below for kickboards heights of different kitchen suppliers in Australia.
| Kitchen Name | Retailer | Kickboard Height |
| (Various) | Freedom Kitchens | 150 mm (15 cm) |
| Kaboodle Kitchens | Bunnings | 145 mm (14.5 cm) |
| Principle Kitchens | Mitre 10 | 140 mm (14 cm) |
| Metod Kitchen | IKEA | 80 mm (8 cm) |
| Enhet Kitchen | IKEA | 120 mm (12 cm) |
| Knoxhult Kitchen | IKEA | 123 mm (12.3 cm) |
📍 Looking for other technical kitchen information? Go back to our master checklist of standard Australian kitchen dimensions to learn more.
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