How much space under cabinets?

[MN4x4]

When I install the base cabinets in my shop, I want to hold them up off the floor so I can sweep and clean under them. Also, this will be a working shop and I live in snow country which means keeping them off the floor will also keep them out of slush and **** that falls off a vehicle when it's in a heated shop.

My question is: how many inches do I keep them above the floor so it's easy to sweep and clean under them? My initial thought is either 5 to 6 inches above the floor, but I'm interested to hear your reasoning or other suggestions...

 

[ears]

I think it would be easier to clean with a base frame flush mounted to the floor. It will also keep you off your hands and knees chasing everything that dropped and rolled as far under them as possible. Just make your base weatherproof. Kick plate could be removeable if you really want to get in there and **** out spider webs from time to time.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I wouldn't want them "off" the floor. If they are directly on the floor, you shouldn't need to sweep under them.

That being said, I understand the water/slush/snow issue. I'd tapcon a PT 2x4 flat, front & back and set the cabinets on those.

 

[kbs2244]

What you are talking about is called “toe kick.”
Look in your kitchen for the answer.
In a shop, typically a 2x4, maybe fronted with a rubber “base,” will do what you want.

 

[absolutxj]

How about putting them on top of some of that plastic shelving that you see at Wal-Mart sometimes? This would provide you a waterproof base while maintaining your stock counter height. To me, being a little on the short side, this is important!

 

[7echo]

Euro style cabinets have adjustable feet at the corners. And you can get the kick panels so they clip onto the feet and can be easily removed for cleaning and whatever.

Here is the Ikea variety, tho there are others...

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30076319/

 

[jhasafety1]

I used the roll on bed liner you can buy in the gallon can at local stores. I coated the underside and 5"-6" on sides and back and the front of the toe kick. These were the cheap cabinets made out of particle board. No problems after 4 years.

 

[67carl]

Euro style cabinets have adjustable feet at the corners. And you can get the kick panels so they clip onto the feet and can be easily removed for cleaning and whatever.

Here is the Ikea variety, tho there are others...

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30076319/

I'm using those on some cabinets I have on the side of my house. They are outside but under a roof, however there is a small chance the ground - concrete - might get wet so I did not want wood touching the ground.

What I learned about these is they will take a verticle load (my cab are heavy) just fine, but they do not do well with a lateral force. When I stood the cabinet up they held, but one of the legs broke when I tried to slide it in place. Just need to lift and place, then screw to the wall. Nice thing is they are adjustable so if the floor is not level you can turn the feet to adjust their height.

 

[Saw]

If you use legs make sure your cabinets are built to with stand being supported on the corners. If they are not you may have some sagging cabinets.

You might try using some solid vinyl decking boards and build a frame to set your cabinets on, they would keep your cabinets off the floor and be able to take the moisture you described.

I have used vinyl decking extensions on tables that are in contact with concrete just to stop the wicking of moisture out of basement, garage floors.

 

[MN4x4]

Thanks for all the responses guys, but I think the thread got off track talking about legs and other floor mount systems? I want my cabinets suspended OFF the floor. In other words, I don't need legs, boards, toe kicks, or whatever. I will make a steel frame to hold the cabinets securely - my question is how much space I want between the bottom of the cabinet and the floor so I can get a broom under there and for asthetics.

If anyone has done this, how about some pictures?

 

[nesw20]

if you want to be able to easily sweep under, i'd say between 5" and 8" depending on what working height you can deal with, how often you'll be sweeping UNDER the cabinets, etc...

 

[bczygan]

Depends on the depth and style of broom.

Here's a real cheap and definitive answer.

Why not make a mock up out of a cardboard box of the same depth and try it supported at different heights. Use your broom and see how it works for you.

I suspect that even with a 24" deep counter you are going to want closer to a foot.

But try it and see.

 

[Modern Jess]

I think this is more a function of what you want the counter height to be than anything. Assuming, that is, that you're going with standard-sized base cabs. Six inches below will get you to the 38" mark at the countertop. Eight inches will get you to the 40" mark. Is that too high? Too low? You be the judge and go from there.

 

[ddawg16]

Well...I'm going to say...keep them off the floor.

All of mine are anchored to the wall 8" above the floor.....and I wouldn't do it any different. It gives me storage underneath for long items...and it's easy to clean. If I want to wash down the garage...no problem....

 

[MN4x4]

ddawg16:

You nailed it! That's exactly the idea I am after. I might even put some LED strip-lights under the cabinets to make them look like they are floating - just 'cause.

I'm still toying with the spacing amount, but I really appreciate you posting those pics.

 

[nine4gmc]

I went with a 2x4 on it's side for my shop cabinets, any higher and you start to lose valuable cabinet space OR it raises the top work surface to an uncomfortable height(at least for me, I'm short at 5'8" - rounding up )

 

[Falcon67]

I went with a 2x4 on it's side for my shop cabinets, any higher and you start to lose valuable cabinet space OR it raises the top work surface to an uncomfortable height(at least for me, I'm short at 5'8" - rounding up )

This. I used a 2x4 as a spacer to leave vacuum area under my bench shelves.

 

[G McKay]

My workbench has about 3" to get under. I can run my vacuum cleaner hose under it. But I also have a piece of thin wood in front of it to cover the open space. That keeps things from bouncing underneath and having to crawl on the floor to get under it.

 

[transplant_wi]

I go 4", but it will depend on the counter height needed, and the height of the cabinets you have to work with. It is a little tight for the broom I have, so I have an angle broom in the shop as well as the 24" floor broom.