The height and depth of most kitchen cabinets are kept standard throughout the industry. The only alterations are in the width. Although modifications can be made, it is imperative to comply with the prescribed dimensions provided by a professional or manufacturer.
Kitchen cabinets or countertop dimensions can present a number of challenges. To get the right kitchen countertop dimension or the standard cabinet depth that will suit your home, you would need to have a clear knowledge of your interior dimensions or jump start the design phase by using a cabinet visualizer.
While surfing the web, you may have discovered the perfect kitchen cabinet. Before placing an order, you would need to have accurate measurements to ensure the perfect fit.
Standard Dimensions Of Base Kitchen Cabinets
An ideal base (lower) cabinet is only as valuable as the number of items it can store.
The exterior dimensions are generally regulated and standardized. However, the interior of a base cabinet can be designed or modified based on your needs.
The standard base cabinet width or depth is often specified by kitchen guidelines.
Base Cabinets
A standard base cabinet should be 24 inches or 61 cm in depth. Since refrigerator manufacturers now make deeper fridges, it directly creates a need for deeper countertops or cabinets. If your kitchen isn’t too large, there are base cabinets as small as 12 inches in depth which can fit into tiny spaces in the kitchen. Your kitchen style will determine the depth of your base cabinets.
Some manufacturers produce a cabinet with a frameless design. This style has doors and drawers that are flush with the cabinet itself. Drawer pulls or knobs are necessary to utilize the cabinet. Alternatively, there are traditional cabinets with doors and drawer fronts attached externally to the cabinet. Understanding the dimensions of your kitchen is necessary to choose the right cabinet. A professional in the field of cabinet re-facing and installment can guide you through this process.
Although the base cabinet comes in various sizes, it is dependent on the manufacturer’s pre-determined products and the customer’s needs. At this time, the following are the industry-determined base cabinet sizes: 12”, 15”, 18”, 24”, 30”, and 36”. However, some professionals are capable of producing custom-sized cabinets.
Base Cabinet Standard Interior Dimensions
Having accurate measurements of the desired internal base cabinet space is essential to optimize your available storage space. Base cabinet interior dimensions can vary, but these are the current industry standards: 23 inches in depth and 30 inches in height. Variations in internal space can be attributed to the thickness of the wood and the number of shelves utilized in the cabinet.
Toe Kick
Below the base cabinet, there is a recessed area known as the toe kick. It typically measures 3 inches in height and the depth is approximately 3.5 – 4 inches. The toe kick is an ergonomic feature which places countertops and cabinets within arm’s length. By allowing closer access, this minimizes the need to stretch and bend over the countertop to reach for things.
Upper Cabinet Dimensions
Upper cabinets are often measured using their exterior dimensions. A standard upper cabinet ranges from 12-24 inches deep. The height will be dependent on a multitude of factors with the following standard sizes: 30-42 inches.
The width of the upper cabinet may vary according to the base cabinet or other features of the kitchen, e.g. the placement of windows, ranges, refrigerators, pantries, etc.
Distance Between Base And Upper Cabinets
Before the installation of your upper and base cabinets, there is a standard distance separating them known as “the optimal working space.”
The standard optimal working space is 15-18 inches in height. With a 36-inch base cabinet (including the countertop) and 18 inches of optimal working space, the bottom edge of the upper cabinet would begin at 54 inches above the floor. These heights can be altered based on the individual needs of the homeowner. These decisions are based on homeowners’ height, ceiling height, kitchen design, and homeowners’ preference.
Island Cabinets
Modern kitchen trends are utilizing the island cabinet. Most new homes employ this style and it is an easy addition to any existing kitchen. The island feature often adds to the resale value of a home. Standard island dimensions are 80in x 40in. There are a variety of aspects to consider before installing island cabinets:
- the square footage of the kitchen
- placement of the island
- if the island has a sink, range, dishwasher, etc.
- seating availability
Full Height Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets come in various heights based on the needs and constraints of your kitchen space. Full height cabinets provide large, spacious storage options. In addition, they can be incorporated into the original kitchen cabinet design. Heights will vary based on the size of your upper cabinets and ceilings. The depth can range from 12-36 inches and will coordinate with the depth of your base cabinets.
Final Tips Regarding Depth of Kitchen Cabinets
In the end, you must find what will satisfy your kitchen needs while coordinating with the manufacturer-provided depths. You may also consider ordering custom-made cabinets to accommodate your specific requirements. Consult a professional or contact your installer for further suggestions and instructions.
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