How high should kitchen cabinets be? Kitchen cabinets have standard heights designed to work well for most people. Base cabinets, which sit on the floor, are usually about 34.5 inches tall, making the countertop around 36 inches high. Upper or wall cabinets hang above the counter. They are typically placed so their bottom edge is 18 inches above the countertop. These standard kitchen dimensions aim to make the kitchen comfortable and easy to use for cooking and storage.
Choosing the right height for your kitchen cabinets is a big decision. It affects how your kitchen looks. It also affects how easy it is to use every day. Standard sizes work for many homes. But sometimes, custom cabinet height is better. Let’s look at standard heights first.
Image Source: metcabinet.com
Why Cabinet Height Is Important
Cabinet height is more than just a number. It affects comfort. It affects how much storage space you have. It affects how safe your kitchen is.
Think about reaching for dishes. If cabinets are too high, short people struggle. If they are too low, tall people have to bend too much. The space between the counter and upper cabinet matters too. This space holds things like coffee makers or blenders. Getting cabinet height measurements right from the start saves trouble later.
Standard Kitchen Cabinet Heights
Most kitchen cabinets follow standard sizes. These sizes were created to fit common building practices. They also try to fit average body sizes. Knowing these standard kitchen dimensions helps you plan.
There are two main types of kitchen cabinets: base cabinets and wall cabinets. They have different jobs and different standard heights.
Base Cabinets: The Foundation
Base cabinets sit on the floor. They support your countertop. They hold pots, pans, and often drawers for utensils. They form the lower part of your kitchen storage.
Standard Base Cabinet Height Details
The standard base cabinet height is 34.5 inches. This height does not include the countertop. Countertops add about 1.5 inches to the height. So, the finished height of the counter is usually 36 inches.
Why 36 inches? This height is comfortable for most adults to work at. It prevents too much bending when prepping food. It is a key part of standard kitchen dimensions.
Base cabinets also have standard depths. A common depth is 24 inches. This depth works well with standard appliances like dishwashers and ovens. It also gives good storage space.
Base cabinets sit on a kick plate or toe kick. This is a recessed area at the bottom. It is usually about 4.5 inches high and 3 inches deep. This toe kick lets you stand closer to the counter without hitting your toes. It makes working at the counter more comfortable.
Here is a simple look at standard base cabinet parts:
- Cabinet Height: 34.5 inches
- Toe Kick Height: 4.5 inches
- Toe Kick Depth: 3 inches
- Standard Cabinet Depth (excluding doors): 24 inches
- Finished Countertop Height: Around 36 inches (34.5″ cabinet + 1.5″ counter)
Understanding these standard cabinet height numbers is key when planning your kitchen layout. They set the stage for everything else.
Wall Cabinets: Reaching Up
Wall cabinets, also called upper cabinets, hang on the wall. They are usually above the base cabinets and countertop. They hold things like dishes, glasses, and food items.
Standard Upper Cabinet Height Details
Upper cabinets come in different standard heights. Common heights are 30 inches, 36 inches, and 42 inches. The height you choose often depends on:
- Ceiling Height: Taller cabinets look good with higher ceilings.
- Storage Needs: Taller cabinets mean more storage space.
- Looks: The height affects the kitchen’s overall design.
A 30-inch upper cabinet is a standard choice. It works well with 8-foot ceilings. A 36-inch cabinet goes higher, fitting better with 9-foot ceilings or if you want less space above the cabinet. A 42-inch cabinet goes even higher, often reaching close to the ceiling in standard rooms.
The depth of upper cabinets is usually less than base cabinets. A standard depth is 12 inches. This depth keeps the cabinets from feeling too close when you are working at the counter. It still gives enough space for plates and glasses.
So, standard wall cabinet heights are typically:
- Common Heights: 30 inches, 36 inches, 42 inches
- Standard Depth: 12 inches
These are important kitchen cabinet dimensions to know.
The Space Between: Counter to Upper Cabinet
The area between the top of your countertop and the bottom of your upper cabinets is important. This is often called the backsplash area or the working space.
Typical Distance Measurements
The standard distance between counter and upper cabinet is 18 inches. This height is like a rule of thumb in kitchen design.
Why 18 inches?
* Appliance Clearance: It is high enough for most small appliances like coffee makers, blenders, and toasters to fit underneath.
* Workspace: It gives you enough room to work comfortably on the counter. You do not feel cramped.
* Looks: It creates a balanced look between the base and upper cabinets.
This 18-inch gap is a key standard kitchen dimension. It affects how usable your counter space is. If this space is too small, things will not fit. If it is too large, the upper cabinets might be too high to reach easily.
So, in a standard setup:
* Floor to top of counter: 36 inches
* Countertop to bottom of upper cabinet: 18 inches
* Floor to bottom of upper cabinet: 36 + 18 = 54 inches
Knowing these distances helps when planning your kitchen layout. It ensures proper cabinet height measurements are used.
How Standard Dimensions Developed
Standard kitchen dimensions are not random. They came from thinking about how people use kitchens. They also came from standard building materials and methods.
Thinking About People and Appliances
Cabinet heights evolved over time. Early kitchens might have had different heights. But as houses got more standard, so did kitchens.
Ergonomics played a part. This is the science of designing spaces for people’s comfort and efficiency. Studies looked at how people reach, bend, and work. The 36-inch counter height and the 18-inch space above it work well for many people.
Appliance sizes also set standards. Ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators have standard widths and heights. Cabinets around them need to fit these sizes. For example, base cabinets need to be deep enough (24 inches) to align with the fronts of standard appliances. The space above the counter needs to clear common appliance heights.
Standardizing sizes made manufacturing easier. It made kitchen cabinet installation faster. It also made replacing cabinets or appliances simpler. You know a standard dishwasher will fit in a standard 24-inch wide opening under a standard counter.
This history shows why standard cabinet height and other dimensions are common. They are a mix of what works for people, what fits appliances, and what is easy to build.
Measuring for Your Kitchen Cabinets
Planning your kitchen needs careful measuring. Getting cabinet height measurements right is very important. It affects the look and use of your kitchen.
What Cabinet Height Measurements You Need
You need several key measurements:
- Room Height: Measure the height from the floor to the ceiling in several spots. Ceilings might not be perfectly level. Find the lowest point. This is crucial for planning tall or stacked cabinets.
- Wall Lengths: Measure each wall where cabinets will go. Note where windows and doors are. Measure their height and distance from corners.
- Appliance Locations: Mark where your stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and sink will go. Measure their sizes. Note hookup locations (water, gas, electric).
- Window and Door Heights: Measure from the floor to the bottom of windows. Measure from the floor to the top of windows or door frames. Upper cabinets need to fit below windows or around doors.
Knowing these details helps you choose the right standard kitchen dimensions or plan for custom ones. It helps you see if standard upper cabinet height options (30, 36, 42 inches) will fit below your ceiling or windows.
Planning Standard Kitchen Dimensions
Once you have measurements, you can plan.
- Start with base cabinets. Lay them out along the walls. Remember standard base cabinet height and depth.
- Place appliances. Make sure there is enough space around them.
- Add the countertop layout. This will be at the standard 36-inch height.
- Plan the upper cabinets. Start measuring up 18 inches from the planned countertop height (36 inches from the floor). The bottom of your upper cabinets will be 54 inches from the floor.
- Choose the height of your wall cabinets (30, 36, or 42 inches). Make sure they fit below your ceiling, or leave space above them if you want that look. Consider trim or crown molding if going close to the ceiling.
Using standard kitchen dimensions simplifies this. You pick cabinets that are made to fit together.
Moving Beyond Standard: Custom Cabinets
Standard cabinets work for many kitchens. But they do not work for everyone or every space. Sometimes, a custom cabinet height or size is needed.
Why Go Custom?
Custom cabinets are built specifically for your kitchen. They are not pre-made in standard sizes.
Reasons to choose custom:
- Odd Room Shape: Your kitchen might have strange angles or bumps in the walls. Standard cabinets might leave wasted space. Custom cabinets can be built to fit perfectly.
- Unique Size Needs: You might need cabinets that are taller, shorter, deeper, or narrower than standard. This is common for specific storage items or appliance needs.
- Non-Standard Ceiling Height: If your ceiling is very high or very low, standard upper cabinet height options might not work well. Custom cabinets can go all the way to a high ceiling or be made shorter for a low one.
- Specific Design: You might want a look that standard cabinets do not offer. Custom work allows for unique sizes, styles, and features.
- Accessibility: If someone in the home uses a wheelchair or has other mobility needs, standard heights will not work. Custom cabinets allow for accessible heights.
Going custom means the kitchen cabinet dimensions are tailored to you and your space.
Making Cabinets Fit Your Needs
With custom cabinets, you decide the exact cabinet height measurements.
- Base Cabinet Height: You can change the base cabinet height. For someone using a wheelchair, the counter might need to be lower, say 30-32 inches. For a very tall person, it might be higher than 36 inches.
- Upper Cabinet Height: You can set the height of the upper cabinets. You can place them higher or lower than the standard 18 inches above the counter. For better reach, you might lower them slightly (e.g., 15 inches above the counter). But remember clearance for appliances!
- Cabinet Depth and Width: Custom lets you change depth and width too. Need extra deep base cabinets? Want narrow wall cabinets for a tight spot? Custom makes it possible.
Custom offers flexibility. But it costs more. It also takes longer to make and install.
Standard vs. Custom: Which Is Right?
Choosing between standard and custom cabinets depends on your needs, budget, and kitchen space.
Pros and Cons of Each
Let’s look at the good and bad points:
Standard Cabinets
- Pros:
- Lower cost: They are made in bulk. This makes them cheaper.
- Faster to get: Stores stock them. You can often buy and install quickly.
- Easier replacement: If a cabinet gets damaged, replacing a standard size is simple.
- Proven design: Standard kitchen dimensions work well for most common situations. Kitchen cabinet installation is straightforward for installers used to these sizes.
- Cons:
- Limited sizes: You must fit your kitchen to the standard sizes. This can leave gaps or wasted space.
- Less personal: Design choices are more limited.
- Not ideal for unique needs: If you are very tall, very short, or need accessible features, standard heights might not be comfortable or usable.
Custom Cabinets
- Pros:
- Perfect fit: Made to fit your exact kitchen dimensions. No wasted space.
- Tailored to needs: You control cabinet height, depth, width, and features. Great for specific storage or accessibility. Can create optimal kitchen cabinet height for you.
- Unique design: You can get exactly the look you want.
- Better quality options: Custom makers often use higher quality materials and building methods.
- Cons:
- Higher cost: Custom work is more expensive due to individual design and build.
- Takes longer: Design, building, and kitchen cabinet installation take more time.
- Harder to replace: If a custom cabinet is damaged, replacing it requires the original maker or another custom job.
If your kitchen is a standard shape and size, and you are comfortable with standard heights, standard cabinets are a cost-effective choice. If you have an unusual space, need specific accessibility, or want a truly unique kitchen, custom cabinets are the way to go. Knowing standard cabinet height and how it compares helps you make this choice.
Grasping Optimal Cabinet Height for You
Standard heights are a good starting point. But the optimal kitchen cabinet height is different for everyone. It depends on who uses the kitchen most.
Your Height and Comfort
Consider the primary users of the kitchen.
- Average Height: Standard 36-inch counters and 18-inch clearance (bottom of upper cabinet at 54 inches) work well for people of average height (around 5’4″ to 5’10”).
- Taller Users: Taller people might prefer counters a bit higher, say 38 or even 40 inches. Standard 36-inch counters can cause back strain. Upper cabinets placed at the standard 54 inches from the floor might still be easy to reach. But they might look low relative to the counter if the counter is raised.
- Shorter Users: Shorter people might find 36-inch counters a bit high for comfortable chopping. A slightly lower counter might help. The standard upper cabinet height placement (bottom at 54 inches) might be too high for easy reach. Placing the bottom of upper cabinets 15 inches above the counter (51 inches from the floor) could make a big difference for shorter people.
Making Space Accessible
Accessibility is a major reason to adjust standard cabinet height.
- Wheelchair Users: Counter height needs to be lower, typically 30 to 32 inches, with clear space underneath for knees. Upper cabinets must be lower for reach. The highest shelf a seated person can reach is much lower than for someone standing. Accessible design standards provide specific cabinet height measurements for different reach zones. Base cabinets might need pull-out shelves or drawers instead of standard doors and deep storage.
- Other Mobility Issues: People who have trouble bending or reaching might need variations too. More drawers in base cabinets reduce bending. Lower upper cabinets make items easier to grab.
Planning for accessibility means moving away from standard kitchen dimensions. It requires careful thought about how someone with specific needs will use the space.
Working with Ceiling Height
Ceiling height greatly affects wall cabinet choices.
- 8-Foot Ceilings: Standard 30-inch upper cabinets are common. Placing them 18 inches above the counter leaves about 24 inches of space above the cabinets. This space can be left open, used for decor, or boxed in. Using 36-inch cabinets leaves only 18 inches above, giving a more built-in look, often with crown molding filling the last bit of space. 42-inch cabinets usually go almost or all the way to an 8-foot ceiling.
- 9-Foot Ceilings: 30-inch cabinets leave a large gap (36 inches) above. 36-inch cabinets leave 30 inches above. 42-inch cabinets leave 24 inches above. With higher ceilings, you might stack cabinets (a taller one with a shorter one on top) or use crown molding to bridge the gap to the ceiling. This is where standard upper cabinet height options might not be enough. Custom cabinets or semi-custom options (standard boxes with custom fillers or heights) are often used to maximize storage or reach the ceiling.
- Very High Ceilings: For ceilings 10 feet or taller, standard sizes leave very large gaps. Custom cabinets that go higher or stacked arrangements are usually necessary to make the kitchen look balanced and maximize storage.
Your ceiling height helps determine which standard cabinet height options make sense or if you need custom solutions.
Fitting Appliances
Remember appliance sizes when planning cabinet height measurements.
- Refrigerators: Standard fridge heights vary. Ensure upper cabinets or over-the-fridge cabinets leave enough clearance above the specific model you plan to use. Check the appliance manual for required air space.
- Ranges/Cooktops: The space above a range needs a range hood. There are rules about how high a range hood must be above the cooking surface for safety and function. Upper cabinets next to the hood also need to follow certain clearance rules based on the heat source. Check local building codes and appliance instructions. This affects the wall cabinet height and placement around the stove area.
- Built-in Microwaves: If installing a microwave above the range, it replaces the standard range hood. These microwaves have specific height needs above the cooking surface. If building a microwave into cabinets elsewhere (e.g., above a counter or in a base cabinet), the cabinet opening must match the microwave’s dimensions. This can impact standard cabinet height or require custom work.
- Dishwashers: Standard dishwashers fit under a standard 36-inch counter. No issues there with standard base cabinet height.
Always check appliance specifications before finalizing cabinet height measurements.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation and Height
Installing cabinets at the correct height is vital. Even with standard kitchen dimensions, mistakes can happen.
Key Steps for Proper Height
- Find the Highest Point of the Floor: Floors are rarely perfectly level. Find the highest spot where base cabinets will sit. Use this point to start your measurements for base cabinet height. All other base cabinets will be leveled up from this point.
- Mark the Base Cabinet Top Line: From the highest floor point, measure up 34.5 inches (or your planned base cabinet height) and draw a level line on the wall. This is the top line of your base cabinets.
- Mark the Countertop Line: Measure up from your base cabinet top line (or 34.5 inches from the highest floor point) by the thickness of your countertop (usually 1.5 inches). Draw another level line. This is the top of your finished counter, usually at 36 inches.
- Mark the Bottom of Upper Cabinets: From the countertop line (36 inches from the floor), measure up 18 inches (or your planned distance between counter and upper cabinet). Draw a level line. This is the bottom line for your wall cabinets. This line will be 54 inches from the highest floor point in a standard setup.
- Install a Ledger Board: Install a temporary, level board on the wall along the bottom line of the upper cabinets (the 54-inch line). This board supports the upper cabinets during installation. It helps ensure they are installed at the correct wall cabinet height and stay level.
- Install Upper Cabinets First: Install the wall cabinets first, resting them on the ledger board. Secure them to the wall studs. Check they are level and plumb.
- Install Base Cabinets: Install the base cabinets next. Start from a corner or a wall end. Level them using shims under the toe kick area, based on your highest floor point mark. Secure them to the wall studs and to each other.
- Install Countertop: Once base cabinets are in, the countertop is installed on top, bringing the finished height to 36 inches.
Getting these cabinet height measurements right on the wall before drilling anything is crucial for a successful kitchen cabinet installation. It ensures the standard cabinet height or your chosen custom height is achieved accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
H5: What is the standard height for kitchen cabinets from the floor?
The standard base cabinet height is 34.5 inches from the floor. With a typical 1.5-inch countertop, the finished counter height is 36 inches. The bottom of standard upper cabinets is typically 54 inches from the floor (18 inches above the 36-inch counter).
H5: Can upper cabinets be lower than 18 inches above the counter?
Yes, you can place upper cabinets lower than 18 inches above the counter, for example, at 15 inches. This might make things easier to reach for shorter people. However, be careful about clearance for small appliances on the counter. Make sure your coffee maker, blender, etc., will fit under the lower cabinets. Also, check building codes, especially above a range or cooktop, as there are minimum height requirements for cabinets near heat sources.
H5: How much space is needed above upper kitchen cabinets?
The space needed above upper cabinets depends on your ceiling height and the height of your wall cabinets (30, 36, or 42 inches are common). Some people prefer cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling for maximum storage and a clean look. Others leave space (e.g., 18 or 24 inches) for decoration or a less heavy look. The amount of space is largely a design choice, constrained by ceiling height and cabinet height.
H5: What is the standard depth for kitchen cabinets?
Standard base cabinet depth is typically 24 inches (not including the door). Standard wall or upper cabinet depth is typically 12 inches (not including the door). Deeper wall cabinets (e.g., 15 or 18 inches) are available and offer more storage, but they can make the counter feel more enclosed.
H5: How high should kitchen cabinets be for a disabled person?
For someone using a wheelchair, standard cabinet height is not suitable. Accessible design standards recommend lower countertop heights (around 30-32 inches) with clear knee space underneath. Upper cabinets should be placed much lower, within reachable range from a seated position. Specific standards like ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) provide detailed cabinet height measurements for accessibility. Custom cabinets are usually needed to meet these requirements.
H5: Does ceiling height affect base cabinet height?
No, ceiling height does not affect the standard base cabinet height. Base cabinets sit on the floor. Their height is set for comfortable use while standing. Ceiling height affects your choices for wall or upper cabinets and how they fit in the room visually and functionally.
H5: Are there different heights for kitchen islands?
Yes, kitchen islands can have different heights. A standard island counter height is 36 inches, just like other kitchen counters. However, islands often include seating areas. Seating areas can be at the 36-inch counter height, needing counter-height stools. Or, a raised bar area can be built onto the island, usually at 42 inches high, which uses bar-height stools. The working side of the island typically follows standard base cabinet height.
H5: What is the space between the counter and upper cabinet called?
The space between the counter and upper cabinet is often called the backsplash area or simply the space above the counter. This area is typically covered with tile or other material, which is called the backsplash. The standard height of this space is 18 inches.
H5: How do I measure for kitchen cabinets accurately?
To measure for kitchen cabinets, you need a tape measure, a level, and a notepad. Measure the height from the floor to the ceiling in several places. Measure the length of each wall where cabinets will go. Note the location and size (width and height) of windows, doors, and any other features like pipes or vents. Mark where appliances will be. Double-check all cabinet height measurements and widths before ordering or beginning kitchen cabinet installation. Find the highest spot on the floor to ensure base cabinets are leveled correctly.
Getting the height of your kitchen cabinets right is a crucial step in designing a kitchen that is both beautiful and practical. Whether you choose standard sizes for ease and budget or go custom for a perfect fit and specific needs, thoughtful planning around cabinet height measurements ensures a kitchen you can enjoy for years.