Whether you’re designing your new kitchen’s layout or redecorating it for the first time in years, you’re probably going to add cabinets to the space. This time, why not get a thorough understanding of kitchen cabinets and their sizes to figure out the best design choices for your kitchen space?
Understanding how deep are kitchen cabinets, what’s their standard width, and how tall can they be will help you design your cabinets to suit your space. And with this guide, we’ll give all the important details you need to make the decision.
What Are Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes and Dimensions?
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Standard kitchen cabinet sizes and dimensions refer to the most commonly used measurements for building kitchen cabinets. These dimensions/measurements include the width, height, and depth of the cabinets.
Since there are three different types of kitchen cabinets, the standard sizes differ for each one.
Now, while there are standard kitchen cabinet sizes, that doesn’t mean you have to go with them. Most manufacturers will provide clients the option to choose custom, semi-custom, or stock cabinets.
Of these, stock cabinets are the ones built in standard sizes. They’re typically ready-to-assemble units.
Custom cabinets, on the other hand, are made to order and can be built in any size, shape, and style.
The third variety, semi-custom cabinets, are pre-made but come with customizable options in finishing, hardware, and storage.
Let’s take a closer look at the options you have for the most common types of cabinets.
Kitchen Base Cabinet Dimensions
- Height (without countertop): 34 and 1/2 inches
- Height (with countertop): 35 to 36 inches
- Depth (without countertop, front to the wall): 24 inches
- Depth (with countertop overhang): 25 to 26 inches
- Width: 12, 18, 24, 30, 33, 36, or 48 inches
Since they go below the countertops and sink and are fixed directly on the floor, kitchen base cabinets will set the tone for your entire design layout. Another reason why they’re the first cabinets to include in your planning is that they will hold your kitchenware and major appliances. However, they can also be used to cover your sink’s plumbing.
How deep should kitchen cabinets be for storing plates and bowls?
Cabinets used for storing plates and bowls, need to be easier to access. So limit them to 12 inches deep. Large pots and pans will sit better in a 24-inch deep base cabinet.
Either way, 24 is the maximum you should go with depth. Unless, of course, you’re building the cabinets to be accessible from either side such as those under a kitchen island.
With the height, you should think about your preference over anything else. Tall users typically need more height while those with disabilities prefer a lower height.
Note that the height and width don’t include the overhang or the countertops. So you can add 1-2 inches to your calculations when considering either of those.
If you want to raise the lower bottom of the base cabinets a little, consider using a custom box frame. You may also add toe kick molding to give your feet a place to rest when you’re working at the counter. It’ll ensure your cabinets have a seamless look.
Kitchen Wall Cabinet Dimensions
- Height: 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36, or 42 inches
- Depth: 12, 15, 18, or 24 inches
- Width: 12 to 36 inches
Kitchen wall cabinets are installed on the wall and go above the countertops. They’re the second type of cabinet to design when putting together your layout.
Not only will these cabinets appear front and center, but they’ll also be the easiest to access and come with the most storage. But remember that these cabinets are only made to store lightweight appliances, food, cups, or dishes.
When deciding their height, we suggest taking a look at the countertop clearance and ceiling height. In traditional setups, you should get at least 18 inches of clearance from the bottom of the wall cabinet to the countertop.
Their width is decided based on storage needs and space available. So it is pretty flexible and can go from 9 inches to 48 inches. If you’ve got the space but the placement is odd, consider opting for a single-door wall cabinet.
When deciding how deep are kitchen cabinets for the wall, you want to stick to the minimum of the standard range. This is because wall cabinets are difficult to access for most people and making them too deep makes it even harder to access items. A 12-inch depth is easy for most people to get to and it gives lots of storage to ensure the installation is sensible.
It is advisable to not go over the depth of the base cabinets. And if you must get them 24 inches deep, make sure to place them in a corner where they are supported by two walls.
These wall cabinets can also be installed to hang from the ceiling to add storage for peninsulas and kitchen islands. Do this if you want to avoid leaving space between the ceiling and the top of the cabinet or want to get some storage above the refrigerator. Just make sure to match the depth of the refrigerator.
In case you aren’t hanging them from the ceiling, get them enclosed using soffits for a more aesthetically cohesive look.
Kitchen Tall Cabinet Dimensions
- Height: 84 or 96 inches
- Depth: 12 or 24 inches
- Width: 12, 24, or 36 inches
Tall kitchen cabinets are perhaps the most versatile of all kitchen cabinets when it comes to storage, design, and size. Depending on available space and placement, there’s plenty to play with.
The first thing to keep in mind when designing tall cabinets is aligning the top of the cabinets with the top of the wall cabinets.
When deciding how deep are tall kitchen cabinets, make sure to align the depth of the cabinets with that of the base cabinets. This helps create a uniform look.
You’ve got more flexibility with the width, which you can pick based on available space in your kitchen.
Designing tall cabinets is a matter of personal preference and perception. Those using these cabinets to store brooms and mops will find a 24-inch depth more agreeable to their needs.
Those looking to store canned goods will be satisfied with a 12-inch depth. If you’re trying to fit these into a tight space, a 12-inch depth is the minimum you should look for.
If you’re trying to cover up the entire floor-to-ceiling space in your 8-foot-high kitchen, a 96-inch tall cabinet works best. But if you want to match the top line with your wall cabinets, you’ll want an 84-inch tall cabinet.