Accentuate Your Kitchen with Bottom Cabinet Trim

Is your kitchen looking a little dated or worn? Do your cabinets show signs of damage after years of use? Adding trim along the bottom of your kitchen cabinets can provide an instant face lift! Whether you want to modernize the look or cover imperfections, installing new trim offers an easy upgrade. Read on to learn the benefits of accenting your kitchen with bottom cabinet trim.

Trimming the bottoms of kitchen cabinets can give a built-in appearance, creating a custom look. There are many different types of trim to choose from, including traditional crown, stepped crown, riser, minimal, stacked crown, dentil, and light moulding. The type of trim chosen will depend on the aesthetic of the kitchen. For contemporary styles, a minimal or simple trim style often works best. In traditional kitchens, more ornate trim styles complement the look.

Benefits of Adding Trim Below Kitchen Cabinets

Installing trim along the bottom of your cabinets can provide several advantages:

• Modernizes dated kitchen style - Over time, kitchen styles can start to look outdated. Adding trim is an easy upgrade that can give a fresh, contemporary appearance.
• Creates decorative accent - Trim provides an opportunity to add a decorative detail, customizing your kitchen's look.
• Covers flaws or damage - If your cabinets are worn or damaged along the bottom edges, trim creates a straight, finished edge to hide imperfections.
• Customizable to match decor - With myriad trim shapes, sizes and materials, you can choose a style that complements your kitchen's decor.
• Gives a built-in look - Trimming the bottom of kitchen cabinets makes them appear more like built-in millwork rather than standalone cabinets.
• Easier to clean - Installing trim creates a flush edge along the floor, making it simpler to sweep and mop under cabinets.

Choosing Cabinet Trim Material and Style

An important first step is selecting the right material and style for your bottom cabinet trim. Consider the following options:

Wood Trim

Wood trim offers a traditional look and is available in various types of wood, like oak, maple, cherry, pine, hickory, and more. You can stain or paint the trim to match or contrast your cabinets. Different wood trims include:

• Unfinished wood - sanded smooth for custom staining or painting
• Pre-primed wood - prepped for painting
• Stained wood - factory stained in different finishes
• MDF (medium density fiberboard) - smooth composite wood
• Pine - affordable softwood for painting
• Oak - attractive mid-range hardwood
• Maple - smooth, pale hardwood that stains well
• Cherry - rich reddish-brown tones when stained

PVC Trim

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) trim provides a durable, water-resistant option. Pros include:

• Resists moisture, warping and rotting
• Paints and stains well
• Easy installation with glue or nails
• Range of styles from simple to ornate

Metal Trim

For a more modern, sleek look, metal trims like aluminum or stainless steel complement contemporary kitchens. Other options include:

• Anodized aluminum - resists corrosion and scratching
• Brushed nickel - softly lustrous finish
• Stainless steel - brightens space with shine
• Bronze - warm, earthy finish
• Copper - attractive patina over time
• Chrome - clean, mirror-like reflective surface

Moldings

Different molding styles also work well for cabinet trim. Options like:

• Crown molding - elegantly outlines top of cabinets
• Light valance molding - provides delicate accent
• Dentil molding - series of rectangular blocks for visual interest
• Step molding - tiered increasing projection
• Rope molding - twisted rope design

Measuring and Cutting Cabinet Trim

Once you've selected your trim material and style, the next step is carefully measuring each cabinet and cutting the trim pieces to fit:

• Measure width and depth of each cabinet's bottom separately.
• Cut trim pieces to fit each section, mitering the corners for a clean finish.
• Cut pieces slightly longer to allow small mistakes - you can always trim more off.
• Use miter box and saw for angled corner cuts.

Tips for Measuring

Taking accurate measurements ensures your trim fits perfectly. Keep these tips in mind:

• Account for uneven walls or floors when measuring.
• If cabinets don't form a straight line, each piece will be sized individually.
• For corner cabinets, measure from corner to face frame edge.
• Record all measurements to avoid mistakes.
• Measure twice for accuracy before cutting!

Cutting Options

Cut trim carefully and methodically for best results. You can cut trim pieces using:

• Miter saw - makes angled corner cuts
• Circular saw - versatile for straight cuts
• Jigsaw - useful for curved or detailed cuts
• Handsaw - for short cuts in thin trim boards
• Router - if adding decorative edges

Installing Trim Under Kitchen Cabinets

With your trim pieces cut to size, you're ready for installation. Follow these steps:

1. Clean bottom cabinet edges thoroughly and sand lightly to prepare surface.
2. Run a thin bead of construction adhesive along the back of the trim piece.
3. Press trim firmly to adhere against bottom of cabinet.
4. Secure with finishing nails spaced 12-16 inches apart.
5. Fill any nail holes with wood filler; let dry completely.
6. Caulk edges for a seamless finish.

Installation Tips

Use these tips for a smooth installation process:

• Work slowly and carefully for best results.
• Use painter's tape to hold pieces in place while adhesive dries.
• Fill gaps with wood filler or caulk for a seamless look.
• Take your time and don't rush through the process.
• Have someone help hold longer pieces level and in place.
• Ensure adhesive completely sets before reinstalling cabinets.

For a finished look, trim pieces will need to be painted, stained, or sealed. Options include:

• Painted trim - Use primer then paint to match your cabinets or a contrasting accent color.
• Stained trim - Apply wood conditioner, then use gel stain in your desired shade.
• Clear sealer - Protect natural wood tones with a polyurethane or lacquer sealant.

Proper prep is key for any finishing method. Lightly sand trim before painting or staining. Apply finishes in thin, even coats following manufacturer guidelines for best results. Use a high-quality finish that will hold up to moisture and cleaning.