DIY - Decorative Toe Kick - Built-Ins Part 3

DIY Decorative Toe Kick: Adding Custom Character to Your Built-Ins

Adding a custom decorative toe kick to plain base cabinets is the absolute best way to add instant character to a build. Whether you are working on kitchen cabinets, a family room media center, or—as in my case—a custom-built-in unit for a home office, it’s those small architectural details that make a project look professional.

Back to the Build (and the Reality of DIY)

It’s been a while since my last update on the office built-ins, but that doesn’t mean progress has stalled! In fact, the work itself is exactly why this post is a little late. When we last spoke, the bases were installed, and the face frames were done. I was just starting to play with the idea of a decorative toe kick to level up the look.

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Finding Inspiration & Planning the Design

To get started, I went old-school and used graph paper to trace out my design. I was heavily inspired by the gorgeous kitchen you see in the picture below; the entire space was stunning, but my eyes were glued to the intricate toe-kick detail.

I knew I had to replicate that look. I brought my face frames back to the garage to start the transformation.

Via: MOLLIE JOHNSON

Overcoming the "Rookie Mistake"

In the original build, I used 1x2s for the entire face-frame. However, the decorative toe kick I envisioned needed to be 5½" high. Looking back, I should have used a 1x4 piece for that lower rail from the very beginning.

That’s what we call a "rookie mistake" (or just the classic lack of a plan!). 

The good news? In woodworking, there’s almost always a solution. 

I simply added another 1x2 to the lower base rail to reach the desired height. Problem solved!

Cutting the Curves: Tools & Technique

The decorative part ended up being simpler than I expected:

• The Design: I traced a simple, elegant curve onto the wood.

• The Cut: I used a scroll saw for the curves. I love how it handles simple arcs.

• Straight Cuts: All other cuts were handled quickly on the miter saw.

One specific challenge was that a section of my floor is slightly sunken. I made sure to custom-cut an extra little piece of wood to bridge that gap and keep everything looking level.

Assembly, Sanding, and More Sanding

To assemble the new pieces, I used pocket holes, wood glue, and clamps. I may also have driven a nail or two into the lower section for extra security while the glue dried!

Then came the "fun" part: sanding. Because my cuts are never 100% perfect, sanding is my secret weapon to make everything look seamless. 

I also tried Elmer’s Wood Filler for the first time to fill the cracks and pocket holes. After a cycle of filling and sanding (and filling and sanding again...), the surface finally felt smooth to the touch.

Pro Tip: If you look closely at high-end cabinetry, you'll often find a small round molding below the door line. I’m planning to add that next to perfectly hide the transition between my two 1x2 boards.

Final Prep Before Installation

Before the face frames went on for good, I tackled two more tasks:

• Shelf Pin Holes: I had a helper use the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig. It makes drilling perfectly spaced holes so easy that even a kid can do a professional job.

• Base Plates: I added a cleaner-looking plate to cover the "ugly" part of the cabinet base.

Even with the sunken-floor adjustment, there’s a tiny gap that still bothers me, but I’m confident the shoe molding will cover it perfectly during the final trim stage.

Follow the Progress!

I am working hard to get this office project across the finish line. If you want to see the "behind-the-scenes" action and short video clips of the process, follow me over on Instagram! I’ve been posting regular updates there as we get closer to the big reveal.

Check the following links for complete details about this project:

Part 1: The Starting Point
Part 2:  The Base Cabinets

Part 3:  The Decorative Toekick
Part 4: The Shelves
Part 5: The Bench

Part 6: The Table Makeover
Part 7: The Ceiling

Part 8: The Cabinet Doors
Part 9: DIY Pull-out Drawers
Part 10: The Final Reveal

For more Home DIY ideas, check these out:

Bathroom Makeover

Christmas Home Tour

Add Moldings to Your Kitchen Cabinets

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