The following are treatments that can be applied to the bottom of to-the-floor components.
BOTTOM CAPS
Bottom caps are long shelves that attach to the bottom of a component, or multiple components, to add extra support or be purely cosmetic. They are often added to upper cabinets (an alternative to a valance, especially if designing with lighting) or under garage cabinets as support for the legs.
Go to the heading for Bottom Cap in the Properties [Component] menu. As with countertops, it is always recommended to select On Auto-Join versus “On” to create a seamless cap.
Users can then change the Finish (scroll down for thicker materials), the Side Overhangs, Front Overhang, or Extend Left/Right much like a countertop would.
If placing a bottom cap on a bottom shelf that sits between partitions, like in a hutch, side overhangs should be 0”.
Apply these changes to the wall, or the entire room using the Apply properties to.. options.
KICKPLATES
Kickplates are the default bottom treatment applied to floor-based components. Kickplates can be edited from the Bottom Treatment section of Properties [Component].
To change the kickplate height, edit the value under Bottom Offset (Spaces). Common kickplate heights are 2.5” (2 spaces) and 3.75” (3 spaces). The Front Offset determines the kickplate recess from the front. Users can also change the Finish if preferring something contrasting to the main (default) finish.
Users can add scribe by checking the box, if needed. The Kickplate Style can be selected between “continuous” and “standard”:
A CONTINUOUS kickplate means that the partitions will be notched back in the front, allowing the kickplate to be a long piece of material that spans several components. | A STANDARD kickplate means that it will fall between each partition, so there are separate pieces of material for each component. |
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Kickplates can only be continuous if all the components have the same bottom and front offsets.
BASEBOARD
Users can add decorative baseboard molding for a more formal look. Baseboard is a bottom treatment option found in the Treatment Type dropdown menu.
Users have the option to select the Profile (style) of molding as well as the Finish. Oversize means that it will be ordered taller so it can be cut to proper size. There is also the option to add Scribe (and scribe finish).
If wanting to change the height of your baseboard, you must change the bottom shelf offset before switching to baseboard as the treatment type.
The molding will appear at the bottom of the components as a part or object with hatch (diagonal) lines. It will automatically wrap around the outside of partitions if there is space.
Users can choose to apply the molding to the component, the wall, or the entire room using the Apply properties to.. function at the bottom of Properties [Component].
Another way that to add base molding globally is under the Mould heading in the Materials tab.
LADDER BASE
Users can substitute a ladder base instead of kickplates in a design. Ladder bases are constructed differently than a kickplate (which are placed between partitions). A ladder base is a separate platform that partitions and bottom shelves sit on top of, creating a completely different aesthetic.
STANDARD KICKPLATE | CONTINUOUS KICKPLATE | LADDER BASE |
|---|---|---|
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Left click the Treatment Type drop down tab and select Ladder Base, and apply it to other components as needed. Like kickplates, users can adjust the Front Offset and the Bottom Offset.
LEVELER/GARAGE LEGS
Leveler legs are another option often used in garages, as they have feet that can be turned to level out on uneven surfaces. Like kickplates, they are added and edited in the Bottom Treatment’ section of Properties [Component]. Select Leveler Legs in the Treatment Type drop down. Apply to other components as needed.
Most locations will combine leveler legs with a bottom cap. Check to see if this is a requirement at your location.
Adjust the height of leveler legs by changing the values in the Bottom Offset field. Most locations require a minimum of 3-4 spaces (3.75” to 5”) height for the leveler legs. Users can also change the Finish if applicable.
Check with your specific location to see if you have any standards to keep in mind when designing garage cabinets, such as width and depth, backing, material thickness and suspension rail requirements.
REMOVING BOTTOM TREATMENTS
If wanting to remove kickplates, but leave the bottom shelf intact, just change the Bottom Treatment to None in Properties [Component]. This will not affect the bottom shelf offset, and will leave it where it was. Some locations do this when applying decorative base molding, as discussed above.
If wanting to raise the bottom shelf higher, go to the Construction heading of component properties and change the number in the field. As this fixed shelf provides structure, it must remain somewhere near the bottom. Cleats or other support pieces may also be needed. Check with a plan reviewer or manager for more specific information.
This is a popular design element in pantries or closets, where clients may need the structural integrity of a floor mounted system but want to store some items on the floor.
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