Standard cabinet measurements accommodate regular-sized appliances, plumbing and other components.
Kitchen and bathroom renovation projects often include installation of new cabinetry to update the room's style and maximize space and efficiency. Although custom-made cabinetry often breaks the rules, most factory-made and stock cabinets are built to standard measurements that accommodate regular-sized appliances, counter tops and other components. Does this Spark an idea?
Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets, or upper cabinets, hang above kitchen counter tops and usually are fastened to the wall with screws. From front to back, these cabinets are usually 12 inches deep, not including the door. Standard height usually measures 30 or 42 inches, although 24- and 33-inch heights are also common. Height of the wall cabinet depends also on ceiling height and whether any space will be left above the cabinets. Although cabinet width varies greatly, most factory-made cabinets are sold in 3-inch increments, including 9-inch, 12-inch, 15-inch and wider.
Base Cabinets
A kitchen's base cabinets, or lower cabinets, include the storage space from floor to counter-top level. These are generally 34 1/2 inches high, with the thickness of the counter top adding another 1 1/2 inches for an overall height of 36 inches. Included in the 36-inch height is a 4-inch "toe kick" between the bottom of the cabinet and the floor. From front to back, cabinets are generally 24 inches deep. Width of these cabinets varies, but most outlets stock them in 3-inch increments, such as 9-inch, 12-inch, 15-inch and bigger.
Special Cases
Tall closet or pantry cabinets generally measure about 84 or 96 inches in height. Other special sizes include the base cabinets under the kitchen sink and shorter wall cabinets that fit over the refrigerator and stove. Cabinets above refrigerators are generally 12 to 15 inches high, while cabinets above the stove usually measure 18 inches high. To accommodate most double-bowl sinks, base cabinets here usually measure 36 inches wide.
Vanity Cabinets
Vanity cabinets, or storage beneath bathroom sinks, are usually 21 inches from front to back, not including the thickness of the door. This accommodates the size of the sink without occupying too much space in the bathroom. Cabinet width can vary dramatically, but outlets generally make them available in 6-inch increments, including 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, on up to 72 inches for a double-bowl vanity. Although standard height for vanity cabinets is 30 inches, they can measure as tall as 36 inches, and most allow for a 4-inch toe kick.
Tags: base cabinets, front back, generally inches, inches high, inches inches, 12-inch 15-inch
