Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions: Your Guide To The Standard Sizes

Kitchen cabinets are an important part of any kitchen. However, not many people know its technical side, like the different sizes. You probably just let your contractor handle it, which isn’t wrong per se. However, it is still a good idea to know about the different kitchen cabinet dimensions to better understand your kitchen needs.

The cabinets in your kitchen have a huge impact on the room’s overall design and space. Thus, the biggest reason why you must have some idea of the different kitchen cabinet sizes is so you can manage kitchen space properly. With that said, you can learn about the various dimensions of kitchen cabinets in this post.

Kitchen Cabinet Sizes and Dimensions

Not knowing the correct sizes of kitchen cabinets can prove detrimental as it means you might end up buying a non-functional cabinet. The kitchen is one of the heavily trafficked rooms, which means you must calculate every measurement in it. That way, you and your guests can move around the kitchen free from obstructions.

If the cabinet is custom, it is great because you can have it made in the specific dimension you want. But it is a different case with stock or semi-custom cabinets. Even if they are preassembled or ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets, you need to pick from any of the standard dimensions.

It is not so much of an issue since there is a wide array of sizes available. That is not to mention the various accessories you can add to the cabinet. One thing to keep in mind is that different types of cabinets like wall cabinets have their own standard dimensions. Also, size only refers to the size from floor to top, not the thickness.

Base Cabinets Sizes and Dimensions

Base kitchen cabinets are the type of cabinet installed right on the floor of the kitchen. These are the cabinets where you can lay counters, install sink, ranges, and dishwashers. They are often big enough to store pots and pons. These all make base cabinets the most expensive of all types of kitchen cabinets.

Base cabinets are measured through their exterior dimensions while they have different interior sizes. Most homeowners are more concerned about the interior dimensions since it dictates the storage space. However, the exterior sizes – the height and thickness – are also important when it comes to the room’s overall space.

Base cabinets are available in the following standard exterior dimensions:

Standard Height

The height of a base cabinet is almost always the same, so it isn’t that important of a factor. Virtually any base cabinet has the same standard height, which is 34 ½ inches. However, this size refers to the height without a countertop. If a countertop is added, the base cabinet’s height will then be somewhere around 35 to 36 inches.

This shows that the height is a flexible variable, especially since the eventual height after adding a countertop depends on the material used. If the base cabinet you need is not within this range, then your best choice is customization. In a customized base cabinet, the height can be as low as 32 inches or as tall as 38 inches.

Standard Width

The width is a crucial variable when it comes to kitchen cabinet dimensions. In terms of width, the different sizes are geared towards different uses. Your choice of width for a base cabinet depends on the space and functions you need. Thus, it’s important to always consider the width of a base cabinet.

The available width dimensions for base kitchen cabinets range from 9 to 48 inches in an increment of 3. Of these dimensions, the width sizes 9, 12, 18, and 24 are the standard for filler accommodations. These are cabinets with enough space for pull-outs which are narrow rolling racks to store various items.

The next width size is 30 inches, which is ideal for a single basin sink. For a double-basin, offset sink, the ideal width size is 33 inches. But if it is only a double-basin sink, you need a base cabinet the size of 36 inches. The 48 inches base cabinet, the largest size, is the one often found in most kitchens.

Depth

When choosing a base cabinet, consider its depth as well. This is the measurement taken from the cabinet’s front outer edge to the wall. The same thing with the height and width, this will help you figure out the right size of the cabinet to buy. On that note, the standard depth is usually 24 inches excluding the countertop.

With countertops, the depth of a base kitchen cabinet reaches up to 25 to 26 inches. This is the result of the countertop overlapping the front part of the cabinet, although that depends on the detailing of the edge. Some manufacturers also offer deep cabinets at 12, 15, and 18-inch depths.

Wall Cabinets Sizes and Dimensions

Wall cabinets are the type of kitchen cabinets you use to store food items and kitchen supplies. These are the cabinets attached to the wall of the kitchen, often with screws. Other times, they are adhered to overhanging soffits or hang from the ceiling. This type has more diverse sizes, so you have more options for what you need.

Being the most visible kitchen cabinetry, wall cabinets also act as a showpiece. As such, some homeowners would really splurge on wall cabinets while keeping their base cabinets basic. Their wall cabinets can have plenty of accessories such as lighting and glass inserts, which you need to consider when choosing sizes.

When choosing a wall cabinet, you only have to pick based on your kitchen’s ceiling height and your own preference. On that note, the standard heights for wall cabinets are 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 inches. The standard depths are 12, 15, 18, and 24 inches while the standard widths range from 9 to 48 inches with 3-inch increments.

Height

The available heights for the wall cabinet are a bit limited. This is because the cabinet has to fit between the ceiling and the counter. As such, you will usually only find wall cabinets with heights of 12 to 42 inches. The heights often found in standard kitchens are somewhere between 30 to 36 inches, but you may go for a 48-inch cabinet if attached directly to the ceiling.

Width

Wall kitchen cabinet widths range from 9 to 48 inches, going with 3-inch increments. Although it can go as wide as 48 inches, you will usually only find wall cabinets as wide as 36 inches. The most common is the 30-inch wall cabinet, either single or double-door, which has the ideal space for most household’s storage needs.

Depth

Wall kitchen cabinets can go as deep as 24 inches. They cannot be as deep as base cabinets, so you will usually find shallow wall cabinets. This way, your countertop can have enough working space.

The most common wall cabinets for the kitchen are 12 inches deep. But if it’s above microwave ovens, it is common to have a 15 to 18 inches deep wall cabinet. On the other hand, the standard depth is 24 inches if the wall cabinet is over a refrigerator.

Tall Cabinets Sizes and Dimensions

Tall cabinets are the towers in a kitchen, which are often used as pantry space. They typically have oven cabinets and other storage options to maximize the space inside your kitchen. They come in various heights such as 84, 90, and 96 inches. Its depth ranges from 12 to 24 inches while the width can run from 12 to 33 inches.

Height

The most common heights of tall kitchen cabinets are 84 and 96 inches. An 84-inch tall cabinet has just about a foot off the ceiling in an 8-foot room, providing some breathing air. At the same time, it looks uniform with all the other wall cabinets. On the other hand, a 96-inch tall cabinet runs from the floor to the ceiling.

Width

The typical widths of tall cabinets are 12, 24, and 36 inches. The 12-inch tall cabinet is the narrowest pantry cabinet, but it can also hold more items. It can fit a lot of food, especially if you equip it with storage accessories. The 24-inch tall cabinet is a great mid option while the 36-inch is perfect if you want a wider cabinet for the pantry.

Depth

In terms of depth, tall kitchen cabinets are usually available in 12-inch and 24-inch dimensions. The 12-inch deep cabinet is perfect for storing food items such as canned goods. Meanwhile, the 24-inch cabinet is deep enough to serve as utility cabinets. It has excellent space functionality for even small appliances.

Quality & Cost

Plywood is one of the most durable wood composites. It is the engineered wood you want to use for anything sturdy, be it a door or a shelf. However, this quality is based on the grade, which defines the toughness of the wood composite. As for the cost, it will depend on the size but it can range from $5 to $55 per sheet.

Advantage of Plywood

Plywood has several advantages, such as durability and strength far better than MDF wood. It can be made from different species of wood and has a wide range of thicknesses. Compared to MDF, it sustains less water damage. There are plenty of benefits to using plywood, including:

• Smooth surface
• Easily painted or shaped
• Holds screws well
• Easily cut into different shapes
• Resistant to cracking, warping, twisting, or shrinking
• Available in big size
• Economical to use

Disadvantage of Plywood

Plywood has many benefits, but its disadvantages are almost as much. For one, it is more costly than MDF wood. Its edges often splinter during transportation, not to mention the layers are exposed. This makes it so that you must finish the edges with veneer or laminate. Other disadvantages of plywood include

• Hard to cut
• Can be damaged by water
• Can cause eye irritation due to volatile organic compound
• Must be covered with laminates to increase the lifespan
• Susceptible to termites

Toe Kick Sizes and Dimensions

Besides the dimensions of the kitchen cabinets, it is also a good idea to consider the dimensions of the toe kick. What is the toe kick? It’s that space right beneath the base cabinets. With it, you can have a more comfortable working space without the base cabinets hindering your way. With that said, the average height of toe kick is 3.5 inches with 3 inches as the ideal height.

Full Height and Mid Height Kitchen Cabinets

In the US, full-height cabinets are the standard. Their average depth is 12, 24, and 36 inches with heights that vary by manufacturer. In Europe, mid-height cabinets have become a trend. These cabinets have heights ranging from 40 to 60 inches. Your choice of either full height or mid-height kitchen cabinets depends on the design and space of your kitchen and your personal preferences.

Importance of the Space between Wall and Base Cabinets

Another thing to consider when looking for the right dimensions of kitchen cabinets is the space between them, specifically those of the wall and base cabinets. The average space is about 18 inches but you can go as low as 15 inches for more cabinet space.

Going smaller than 15 inches is not advised but you can go higher than 18. On the other hand, it is a nice idea to make the space between the wall and base cabinets about 21 inches if you are tall. But more than 30 inches isn’t great because your kitchen will then look disproportionate.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kitchen Cabinets

Do you have more questions that you need answers for? The following FAQs may be able to help you with that. Check them out below.

What is the standard size of the doors of the kitchen cabinet?

The heights of kitchen cabinets are usually somewhere between 24 to 30 inches. If it is a full-height base cabinet with only a door and no shelves, the door will be about 30 inches tall. But if the base cabinet has shelves or a drawer, then the door height will be somewhere around 24 inches.

What should be the distance of the cabinets from the ceiling?

If you have an 8-foot ceiling that has a 12-inch soffit, then the ideal cabinet is a 30-inch cabinet. If the 8-foot ceiling has a crown molding finish, the best cabinet to use is a 36-inch one. But if it is an 8-foot ceiling with nothing else, then the ideal cabinets are the 42-inch ones.

How deep should wall cabinets be?

The standard depth of a wall cabinet is 12 inches. If it rests over the refrigerator, you can choose the 24-inch wall cabinet that provides easier access. Your choice of how deep your wall cabinets are depends on the design of your kitchen. If it has a staggered-height look, it is recommended that your taller cabinets are about 3 to 15 inches deep. With this, your cabinet has enough room for the shorter cabinets to finish on its side without blocking the taller cabinet’s door.

What sink size fits in a 30-inch cabinet?

It depends on the type of sink. If it is an under-mount sink, you can pick somewhere between 26 to 28 inches. If it is a drop-in sink, you can choose a 30-inch sink.

Conclusion

With knowledge of different kitchen cabinet dimensions, you should now have a better idea of which types of cabinets to install in your kitchen. While kitchen cabinets look all the same in your eyes, they each have distinct traits that help make your life in the kitchen better. As such, it’s always good to know more about them.