How To Choose The Perfect Kitchen Cabinet Height

When remodeling or building a new kitchen, one of the most important design decisions is selecting the right cabinet height. The height of your base cabinets and wall cabinets impacts the ergonomics, functionality and even the look of your kitchen. Choosing cabinet heights that suit your needs and preferences can make cooking and using your kitchen much easier.

Standard cabinet heights exist, but you also have flexibility based on your own needs. By assessing your storage requirements, accessibility needs, workflow and more, you can zero in on ideal heights for your unique kitchen.

Typical Cabinet Heights: The Standards

While customization is possible, there are some standard measurements for base and wall cabinet heights that are commonly used.

Standard Base Cabinet Height

The typical height for most base kitchen cabinets is 34-36 inches. This leaves room for a standard 36 inch tall countertop when you combine base cabinets and countertops. Many pre-fabricated and stock cabinets come in heights around 35-36 inches.

The benefit of this relatively short cabinet height is it fits the average person's height and reach. Most people find it comfortable to work at a 36 inch counter without excessive bending or strain.

The downside is that shorter cabinets equate to less storage space overall. So if maximizing storage is a priority, you may prefer taller cabinetry.

Typical Wall Cabinet Height

For wall mounted cabinets, standard height is often 12-18 inches above the counter. If you have a 36 inch countertop, a 15 inch wall cabinet height would mean cabinets installed 51 inches off the ground. The exact height within the 12-18 inch range comes down to personal preference.

12 inch walls cabinets sit lower on the wall so may be easier to reach. But they also have less usable space due to their shallow depth.

18 inch cabinets provide greater storage capacity though can be slightly harder for some people to access comfortably.

Countertop and Island Height

In addition to cabinet heights, the height of countertops and islands are also an important consideration.

Standard Countertop Height

As mentioned above, the most common standard countertop height is 36 inches. This works well with typical 34-36 inch tall base cabinets. If you opt for standard cabinetry, chances are you'll end up with a 36 inch countertop height.

At 36 inches, the counter is short enough for most people to comfortably use for food prep and other kitchen tasks. For universal accessibility, ADA guidelines actually recommend a slightly lower countertop height of 34 inches.

The drawback of standard counter height for some is that taller people may need to hunch over slightly, causing back strain over time.

Benefits of Counter Height

For expanded comfort, many choose to go with a taller counter height of 38-42 inches. This works well with base cabinets that are a few inches taller than standard at about 38-40 inches.

The benefits of the taller counter height include reduced bending and less strain for those over 5' 8". A higher countertop can make kitchen work more comfortable.

The downside is that lowering and lifting items onto taller countertops may be harder. And accessibility is reduced compared to standard heights.

Factors To Consider When Selecting Cabinet Height

To choose the ideal cabinet heights for your kitchen, take the following factors into account:

Storage Needs

If maximizing kitchen storage space is important to you, opting for taller base and wall cabinets can help you fit more items. Take measurements to see if going a few inches above standard provides noticeable storage gains.

Conversely, if you don’t need a lot of space, standard or even slightly shorter cabinetry could work well.

Ergonomics

Consider the primary users of the kitchen and what heights allow comfortable use based on their heights. Standard heights often work well for average size adults and children.

Taller counter heights around 38-40 inches can provide an ergonomic workspace for taller adults. Just confirm reach to wall cabinets is still comfortable.

For even greater ergonomics, some recommend installing different height cabinets and counters throughout the kitchen tailored to different tasks.

Accessibility

If wheelchair accessibility is needed, base cabinets and counters generally need to be lower. ADA guidelines recommend a maximum cabinet height of 34 inches and countertop height between 28-34 inches.

Cabinets under sinks, prep areas and ranges should be open underneath for knee clearance too.

Aesthetics

The visual look and flow of your kitchen can also impact cabinet height selections. Standard heights often align well with appliances and fixtures.

Counter height cabinets make a bolder visual statement. Ensure they align with other elements like windows and range hoods.

Steps for Choosing the Perfect Cabinet Height

Follow these steps to land on your ideal cabinet heights:

Assess Your Needs

Consider the factors above like storage, ergonomics and accessibility along with your other kitchen goals. This will point you toward standard, counter or custom heights.

Select Standard or Counter Height

Decide whether you want to go with the typical 36 inch countertop height or taller 38-42 inch counter height. This also informs your base cabinet height.

Choose Exact Cabinet Heights

Dial in exact cabinet dimensions by selection stock sizes or going custom. Consider fine tuning upper and lower cabinet heights.

Design and Remodel Kitchen

Work with a contractor or do it yourself using your selected height specifications. Enjoy your new kitchen!

FAQs About Kitchen Cabinet Heights

What are standard kitchen cabinet heights?

Standard base cabinet height is 34-36 inches. Standard wall cabinet height is often 12-18 inches above the counter.

What countertop height goes with standard cabinets?

The typical countertop height paired with standard 34-36 inch base cabinets is 36 inches.

What if I need a wheelchair accessible kitchen?

For wheelchair users, base cabinets and counters should be 34 inches or lower per ADA guidelines. Open underneath cabinet space is needed too.

How do I choose between standard and counter height?

Assess your storage needs, ergonomics for main users, accessibility requirements and visual goals. This will help choose between standard or counter height.

When selecting your kitchen cabinet heights, start by understanding standard measurements. Then consider your own priorities like storage, comfort, aesthetics and accessibility. Optimal cabinet heights are highly personal for each homeowner’s needs.

Carefully weighing all the factors allows you to select cabinetry heights that fit your lifestyle and tastes. Minor adjustments of just a few inches can make your kitchen much more enjoyable to use for years to come.