What is the purpose of the plastic on the bottom of the base cabinets shown in the photo under the cabinet toe?
Asked by Clara Lo 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 28, 2024
We recently purchased some base cabinets and noticed that they have plastic on the bottom. Do you happen to know why that is? The photo shows the plastic underneath the cabinet toe.
Exactly, to avoid water seeping up into the MDF.
Vernon Doonan just to clarify, that’s particle board not mdf
No matter what. They both absorb water like a sponge
Ty stating the obvious, Mr. Obvious
Vernon Doonan is not using mdf
Relies on the mdf for a completely waterproof mdf
Here, I happen to be the pope. haha
If they’re chilling in water, that’s a whole other issue.
Over time, mentioned that just water used for mopping floors can lead to damage.
If water is constantly splashing around and the cabinets are always wet, it could cause issues.
Some people really go all out with the mop bucket and make a mess, haha! It’s crazy, some of the cleaning videos I’ve come across. I prefer using a Swiffer wet mop for all my floors, no need for buckets, just wet and dry cloths.
They’re meant for transportation. Haha. Feel free to take them off or use them if your floor is uneven and needs leveling.
Kevin rubb So this wouldn’t prevent anything from happening during transportation, right?
I just saw them crumbling as if they were about to fall apart any moment now.
If the cabinets have a finished side that will be visible, be careful not to drag them across the floor because it could tear out the particle board and damage the surface. It’s likely that most manufacturers do this as part of the construction process.
They’re actually called glides because they help the cabinets slide smoothly on the floor at the factory and prevent the toe kick wood from breaking if it hits something.
Remove them, they are supposed to come off.
As long as they’re not soaked in water, these won’t fall apart. But if they are, then we’ve got bigger issues.
They are there to provide the necessary space for water protection and prevent floor scratching during installation.
Could you please pass me some water? Oh, but be careful, the staple already scratched our floor.
Water makes the wood swell and deteriorate, leading to its eventual breakage.
Make sure to take out the staples beforehand, . It’s important to protect your floors when installing anything. If you’re unsure, lay down 1/4 inch Masonite over butcher paper.
If that were true, they should have implemented something more secure 😉
Why is it just sitting in water?
Encounters spills, leaks, mop water, pet pee, splashes from the pet water bowl, and forgotten open windows during a rainstorm.
I know that cabinets might get wet sometimes, but if they are consistently sitting in water, there could be some problems.
You should take it off. It’s there for shipping purposes.
What exactly does it protect during shipping?
Kathy always makes sure to put felt pads on the bottom of the cabinet so that it doesn’t damage the plywood or particle board when moving it around.
It prevents any water, even small amounts, from seeping into the bottom and damaging the cabinet.
There’s really no need to remove them. They also help create an air gap in case of moisture.
Hey Jeff! There’s really no need for an “air gap” when setting up cabinets. It’s best to remove them to ensure that the cabinets are properly set, shimmed, and leveled.
Okay. You do you.
Immature. Now, you are placing the weight of heavy stone countertops and a cabinet filled with heavy pots and pans on a small piece of plastic attached to the toe plate, instead of distributing the weight to the side panels where it should be.
This is the most beneficial comment of all. Thank you.
Take a closer look at the positioning of that plastic piece. Shims should be placed under the side panel, not the toe kick. You’re placing the weight of that same heavy counter on a toe kick that is secured with flimsy staples. On top of that, you’re giving bad advice to DIYers. Like I mentioned, do it your way.
Hmm…I’m not sure.
My most recent setup. 25k worth of cabinetry, all set up as I explained to the guy named after a sandwich. You get to choose who you want to listen to. I wish you luck with your project.
How is our project progressing?
No content
Pets, I assume? They’re so lovable 😄
😄so classic!
Wow, you guys are really tough!
Uys can sometimes be a little rough.
They are utilized for shipping and to safeguard your floors. However, they can be taken out if needed.
Sorry, but those cabinets are junk! You can either remove them or leave them, but that’s the least of the issues with these cabinets.
Seems like a solid build. I noticed they used dados to attach the face frames. Particle board is actually perfectly fine.
Not everyone can afford to spend thousands on cabinets. This might be all they can afford, but at least they have cabinets and are not being disrespectful.
Have you noticed how people nowadays tend to be considered rude just because they have an opinion or dislike something? And when it comes to cabinets, the price doesn’t necessarily determine the quality. Many cabinets from big box stores are not very good. You can find affordable cabinets that are made with better materials than particle board and MDF. I often sell them because I believe in their quality. In my opinion, the cabinets in the post here are not worth your time. They may regret installing them! I see it as giving sound advice, not being rude. Real rudeness is telling someone what they want to hear, don’t you think?
That comment doesn’t really help with their question. They already have the cabinets and aren’t asking about returning them. Your comment isn’t really helpful in this situation.
I believe my comment could be helpful! If it can provide insight to someone unsure of what they’re purchasing and assist them in making a more informed decision, then I feel like I’ve done my part. Whether the poster keeps or removes their question will not impact the cabinet installation. Please excuse my unique perspective on this matter.
Could I take a peek inside your kitchen cabinets to get an idea of the quality I should aim for?
You were pretty rude about it. Whenever we talk about rude and mean people in this group, we’re definitely referring to you. It’s not that difficult to share information and be considerate and respectful.
There are many different materials and construction methods to consider. People tend to have strong opinions about what they believe is good or bad quality. For example, a quality cabinet should ideally have 1/2″ birch ply sides, face frames securely attached with a dado, glue, and possibly another brace. However, even an expensive custom kitchen made entirely of MDF may be criticized as inferior by some. You should check out http://www.woodweb.com for more helpful information on this topic.
And I have very different ideas of what counts as “being rude” 😅🤔
You chuckled at my comment but didn’t respond, so no need to get worked up over negative remarks.
Just return me the new text, please.
I won’t let a random Social Media post from get me worked up again 😊 Sorry if my comment seemed rude to some, but particleboard isn’t the best choice for cabinets and it’s not always a cheap option.
I have worked in a commercial cabinet shop for years and have learned a thing or two. For example, plastic laminate is generally better than particleboard. And when it comes to the inside of cabinets, low pressure laminate (Melamine) provides a smooth and easy-to-maintain finish. If you’re looking for a painted cabinet, plywood is a solid choice. Now, I used to think plywood was always the best option, but my experience has taught me otherwise. It’s important to consider different perspectives, like mine based on professional experience. Although we may not agree, it’s worth noting that for cabinets in wet environments, interior grade sheet goods won’t cut it.
Just so you know, , cabinets made of particle board can still be high-quality and not necessarily inexpensive!
Are you covering the cost of fancy cabinets for everyone, ?
You all keep talking about the price!! I’m talking about the material!! You can purchase all-wood cabinets for the same price as low-quality fiberboard and particle board cabinets!! You’re the only one I know of who brought up ‘fancy’!!
After recently looking at cabinets, it’s not possible to find nice wooden ones at the same price as particle board. You might find some low-quality wooden ones or gently used nice ones at a similar price, but that’s not feasible for everyone.
Is anyone paying attention here? I mentioned that you can get all-wood (without specifying good quality) cabinets for the same price as particle board ones (again, no mention of quality). I’ve not only surveyed cabinets, but I’ve also been building, buying, and installing them for years.
So, should she go for some low-quality wooden cabinets or particle board ones that look good? When I was young and part of a family that made do, I considered my wealthier friends’ possessions as ‘fancy.’
It seems like you’re upset because you tried to call out someone for having ‘junk’ and no one supported you. Maybe you could have answered the question or just ignored it.
I commented to inform people about their options! Take a moment to read all the comments and you’ll see that I’m not the only one with an issue about particle board. My upbringing was about making things work! My father worked tirelessly up until two years before his passing at 52 (not that this or your comment on making things work has any relevance!). I’m not bothered by anything!! Especially a post on social media platforms!! Life is too precious to get upset over something so trivial! I wish people looking to buy cabinets, no matter their budget, would consider a better choice than the ones in this post!!
They are not intended for shipping, but rather to raise the base cabinet to prevent water damage if any water seeps underneath.
They are used for shipping and could potentially cause damage to your floor.
They serve to protect the cabinets during handling at the factory and during shipment. If you need to level the cabinets, you’ll have to shim them. Once shimmed, there will be a gap to prevent water damage. You’ll find it easier to remove these than to keep them on.
They are primarily for shipping purposes. However, it’s important to note that the material used can absorb water quickly. It is recommended to seal the edges with clear silicone or a similar substance to extend the lifespan of the cabinets.
Hey , can you also explain why they’re sitting in water?
For shipping purposes, it’s best to remove them.
These tabs are primarily used for shipping. Typically, you’ll have to shim the base cabinets to ensure they are all level with each other. Locate the highest point on the floor where the cabinets will be placed, as this is where direct contact will occur (you can also shim this spot to avoid direct contact).
To prevent scratching the vinyl floor.
Yes, they do stay in place when stapled on. That’s usually how they are attached.
Make sure to keep them on! They raise the cabinet slightly above the floor to prevent water from causing damage. These tabs are specifically for water protection, not for shipping, leveling, or scratch prevention.
This is the correct answer. Keep them on…
Just and only the new text: , this is the right response. Keep them on…
They’re skid or anti-marring tabs designed to protect new flooring. They also serve as spacers for shimming. Additionally, they function as lift pads for the spray booth. They can be moved if needed, and they don’t obstruct installation.
People who know nothing like to give advice about everything. Haha!
I’m not sure about that, but I just wanted to mention how rude some people can be. Adults should know the golden rule of “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything” or “Treat others as you want to be treated”. Your floors look fine to me, and not everyone can afford expensive cabinets. Pay no mind to the rude comments.
I used to work at Formica. These are placed to protect the base unit while sliding them across the floor to prevent chipping off the chipboard. Plus, there’s no need to remove them if the units are resting on feet for leveling.
The manufacturer includes them to prevent the edges from chipping during transportation. Just remember to take them off before shimming and leveling.
MDF absorbs water like a sponge, so those spacers are there to prevent the cabinet edge from touching the floor in case of a spill.