How To Choose The Right Kitchen Cabinet Sizes For Your Remodel

When remodeling your kitchen, choosing the right cabinet sizes is crucial for maximizing storage and achieving your ideal layout. Proper kitchen cabinet dimensions allow you to optimize every inch of space. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the standard base and upper cabinet sizes, popular customization options, and key measurements to consider.

First, focus on selecting suitable dimensions for base and upper cabinets. Then, look at ways to tweak the sizes to best fit your kitchen. Accurate measurements and smart storage solutions will help you make the most of your new cabinetry.

Standard Base Cabinet Dimensions

Base cabinets have the biggest impact on your kitchen's workflow and storage capacity. Focus on practical widths, standard heights, and common depths when choosing the right base cabinet sizes.

Opt for widths that make the most of your available space without limiting traffic flow. The most popular options are 36, 42, and 48 inches wide. Just ensure ample room remains for multiple cooks.

A height of 34 1/2 inches is the norm for base cabinets. This leaves ample room for most countertop tasks. For extra storage, some homeowners opt for 36-inch tall base cabinets.

When selecting a depth, 24 inches is standard. It provides ample storage without shelves and contents getting lost deep inside cabinets. Consider deeper 27-30 inch sizes if maximizing storage is your top priority.

Toe Kick Height

The toe kick is the empty space under your base cabinets. Standard toe kick height is 3-4 inches. This creates clearance to slide your feet and chairs under the cabinets.

Other Base Cabinet Considerations

Take into account drawer stack configurations, which alter usable heights. Also factor in interior adjustments needed for options like crown molding and lazy susans.

Standard Upper Cabinet Dimensions

While base cabinets offer storage volume, upper cabinets provide easy access to frequently used items. Keep reach and visual harmony in mind when selecting upper cabinet sizes.

Widths of 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 inches are prevalent. Work within your room layout constraints when deciding. Wider upper cabinets can make a small kitchen seem cramped.

The typical upper cabinet height is 30 inches. This leaves 18 inches of open space between your countertop and cabinets for a balanced look.

For depth, 12 or 15 inches are common standards. Avoid going too deep or you'll lose easy access to items in back. Filler cabinets are great for filling uneven gaps.

Wall Clearance

Factor in the wall space taken up by cabinet sides, around 1 1/2 inches. Leaving 2 inches between cabinet sides and walls is ideal.

Customization Options

While standard cabinet sizes work for many, customization can better suit unique spaces. Semi-custom gives preset options for tweaking dimensions. Fully custom cabinets are made to your exact specifications.

Simple adjustments to standard layouts can also optimize fit. Some cabinets can be resized without a full custom set. Just ensure cabinets integrate cohesively.

Measurements to Consider

Carefully measure your existing kitchen space before finalizing cabinet dimensions. Note window and door placements that can limit cabinet sizes. Think about appliance sizes and how base cabinets will integrate with them.

Consider the storage needs for the cookware you own. Envision how much space plates, glasses and food packages will require. Measure twice for accuracy before making any purchases.

Optimizing Storage

Smart base cabinet configurations can ensure you have specialized storage for pots, pans and more. Include drawers suited for utensils and pull-out shelves for spices. An island with a deep base cabinet can act as a walk-in pantry.

In upper cabinets, adjustable shelves allow you to accommodate various item sizes. Deep cabinets fitted with pull-out racks keep everything visible and within reach.

Keep kitchen workflow, design style and storage needs in mind as you choose cabinet sizes. Traffic flow is key - allow space for multiple cooks. Aim for an efficient work triangle between your sink, fridge and stove.

Be open to changing your room layout to better suit updated cabinetry. An L-shaped kitchen layout can maximize every inch of space.

By understanding the standard kitchen cabinet sizes and knowing your room, storage and style needs, you can make informed choices for your remodel. With accurate measurements and customization where practical, you can achieve a kitchen layout that is both functional and visually harmonious.