Choose the Perfect Base Cabinet Sizes for Your Kitchen Remodel
When renovating your kitchen, selecting the right size base cabinets is one of the most important decisions. Base cabinets set the foundation for your kitchen's storage, layout and style. Whether you are going for a modern, transitional or traditional look, having properly sized base cabinets will ensure your kitchen is both functional and beautiful.
You'll learn standard dimensions, how to customize for your space, what factors impact size selection, and expert tips to choose the perfect base cabinet sizes for your kitchen remodel.
Standard Base Cabinet Dimensions
Most base cabinets conform to general height, depth and width standards that have been optimized for typical kitchen designs. Here are the standard base cabinet size measurements:
- Height: 34-1/2 inches
- Depth: 24 inches
- Widths: 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36 inches
This 34-1/2 inch height leaves ample room for most countertop thicknesses and backsplashes. The 24 inch depth fits most kitchen floorplans without eating up floor space. Widths range from compact 12 inch units for tight spots to spacious 36 inch cabinets for appliances and voluminous storage.
Sticking with these standard sizes makes it easy to mix and match stock cabinets. Customization is also simpler since manufacturers are equipped to modify standard dimensions. The trained designers at your local kitchen cabinet supplier can assist with selecting standard sizes that work for your specific kitchen layout and storage needs.
When to Use Non-Standard Dimensions
While standard cabinet sizes work for many kitchens, you may require some customization. Non-standard sizes allow you to truly customize your kitchen. Reasons you may consider cabinet sizes outside the norms include:
- Unusually shaped kitchen space
- Need for extra storage capacity
- Accommodating special appliances
- Matching existing cabinet footprints
- Achieving a unique look
For example, older homes often have quirky kitchen dimensions that require creative cabinet solutions. If your heart is set on a pro-style range, you may need a deeper cabinet to accommodate it. Or if your taste leans modern, customize taller cabinets for a sleek look.
Custom Cabinet Size Options
Many homeowners prefer customizing at least some of their base cabinets. The two main categories of customization are:
- Semi-custom: Modify standard cabinet sizes
- Fully custom: Build completely custom cabinets
With semi-custom, you tweak standard dimensions such as adjusting the height or depth. Opting for full-custom means designing cabinets from scratch rather than modifying existing sizes. Customization ranges from changing a few units to customizing your entire cabinetry order.
Customization Considerations
Keep these factors in mind when weighing custom cabinet sizes:
- Budget - Custom is more expensive than stock standard sizes
- Lead times - Custom cabinets take longer to produce
- Corner units - Harder to customize corner cabinets
- Mix and match - Can combine custom and standard sizes
Your designer can advise you on the right balance of customized and standard sizes to maximize function and your budget. Keep the most visible spots like your kitchen island for splurging on custom.
Measuring Your Kitchen
Now that you understand the basic size options, it's time to measure your kitchen. Accurate measurements are essential for both standard and customized cabinets. Here's how to measure your kitchen:
- Sketch your kitchen layout to scale on graph paper
- Measure length and width room dimensions
- Measure window and door openings
- Note position of appliances, plumbing, outlets etc.
- Mark existing cabinet locations and sizes
Make sure your drawings and measurements precisely represent your kitchen. These numbers will be used to plan cabinet sizes and positions. Having your kitchen's dimensions is key for both designing and ordering cabinets.
Planning Your Layout
Next, use your measurements to experiment with different kitchen layouts. Make sure to follow kitchen design best practices for workflow and ergonomics. Your cabinet sizes can then be determined by the final layout.
Focus first on positioning the major components like the sink, stove, fridge and island. Then determine base cabinet sizes needed in each area. Optimize your layout so standard widths make the most sense. But don't be afraid to customize units as needed.
Cabinet Height Factors
While standard 34-1/2 inch height works for most kitchens, you may want to consider adjusting your cabinet height. Reasons to modify height include:
- Accommodating taller appliances
- Increasing storage with taller cabinets
- Ergonomic factors based on homeowners' height
- Upper cabinets out of reach if ceilings are high
- Aesthetic reasons - modern look with taller cabinets
Custom Height Considerations
Guidelines for custom cabinet heights:
- Standard counter height is 36 inches
- Standard bar height is 42 inches
- Typical cabinet height range is 30 to 42 inches
- Match the lines of other kitchen components
- Consider accessible storage if older adults use kitchen
Your designer can help find the ideal custom height. Just be mindful of costs, lead times and potential installation challenges with deviating too far from the standard 34-1/2 inches.
Cabinet Depth Options
While most base cabinets are 24 inches deep, you can also choose more shallow or deep cabinet depths. Reasons to consider different depths include:
- Smaller kitchens: Shallower 18-21 inch depth maximizes floor space
- Large appliances: Deeper 27-30 inch depth fits pro-style ranges
- More storage: Deeper cabinets add storage capacity
- Ergonomics: Shallower cabinets easier to access contents
Finding the Right Depth
Guidelines for selecting cabinet depth:
- Measure appliance depths to ensure fit
- Allow minimum 15 inches for countertop workspace
- Deeper cabinets harder to access for shorter people
- Consider traffic flow through work triangle
Again, your kitchen designer can dial in the ideal depth. Balance maximize workspace and storage with functionality and comfort. Also factor in costs since custom depths increase cabinet pricing.
Design and Style Choices
Beyond just dimensions, also consider how your chosen design style impacts cabinet sizes. Some guidelines when selecting sizes:
- Traditional: Standard sizes, deeper base cabinets
- Transitional: Mix of standard and custom sizes
- Modern: Sleek custom sizes, hidden hardware
- Farmhouse: Standard widths, taller base cabinets
Door styles and finishes also influence size perceptions. For example, larger Shaker-style doors can make cabinets feel bigger. Contrasting finishes help delineate cabinet sections. Your kitchen designer can recommend sizes to achieve your preferred style.
Coordinating Cabinets and Counters
Make sure to coordinate your base cabinet dimensions with countertop measurements. Standard counter height is 36 inches. Bar height is usually 42 inches. Cabinet height should align with the counter height for a cohesive look.
Also allow adequate countertop workspace next to appliances. At minimum 15 inches clearance is recommended. But deeper countertops can be helpful for prep work. Optimizing cabinet and counter sizes together results in an integrated kitchen design.
Selecting base cabinet sizes that balance functionality and your aesthetic is key for your new kitchen. Follow this process:
- Understand standard kitchen base cabinet sizes
- Determine when to customize dimensions
- Accurately measure your existing kitchen
- Plan an optimal layout for efficiency
- Choose appropriate cabinet heights, depths and widths
- Coordinate cabinets with counter sizing
Proper base cabinet sizes establish the foundation upon which you can build your dream kitchen. With some smart planning and expert help, you can choose base cabinets with dimensions that are just right for your space and needs.