How to Remove a Kitchen Cabinet Toe Kick

A cabinet’s toe kick is the board that is stapled or nailed into place at its base to give a finished look to the cabinet and to hide the gap between the cabinet and the floor. Removing a toe kick can be done with a couple basic tools and a little muscle.

Step 1 - Protect the Floor

You might be removing the toe kick because you plan to install new flooring, in which case you can skip this step. But if you are simply replacing the toe kick but leaving the floor intact, you may wish to cover the floor with a tarp or blanket, or at least take caution when removing the toe kick so that you do not scratch the floor with the tools or the board.

Step 2 - Remove the Quarter Round Molding

Toe kicks often have a quarter round, or convex molding, between the board and the flooring, so you will need to remove this first. Stick the end of the pry bar between the quarter round and the toe kick board and tap it with a hammer. Then pull the pry bar toward you to pop off the quarter round.

Step 3 - Remove the Toe Kick Board

Once the quarter round is removed, use the same method to remove the toe kick board. Wedge the straight end of the pry bar under the toe kick board at an angle and then tap the other end with the hammer until it loosens and comes free from the base of the cabinet. Use the curved end of the pry bar the pull the board away.