What Are The Standard Kitchen Base Cabinet Sizes? A Helpful Guide
When designing a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, determining the right sizes for your base cabinets is an important decision. The standard dimensions for kitchen base cabinets impact the layout, storage capacity, and aesthetics of your kitchen.
Base cabinets make up the foundation of any kitchen design. They provide essential storage space close to countertop level for items like dishes, pots and pans, food items, and small appliances. Choosing the right base cabinet dimensions allows you to optimize your kitchen's functionality and flow.
Standard Base Cabinet Heights
The most common standard height for kitchen base cabinets is 34 1⁄2 inches. However, 36 inches is also a very popular option. The typical height range falls between 33 to 36 inches.
Typical Base Cabinet Height
A height of 34 1⁄2 inches is considered the standard for base cabinets in most kitchens. This size allows sufficient room between the countertop and upper cabinets for easy access and use. 36 inches is another commonly used base cabinet height, providing a little more space underneath.
Factors That Impact Cabinet Height
When determining the ideal height for your base cabinets, consider factors like:
- Ceiling height - Lower ceilings may require shorter base cabinets
- Upper cabinet needs - The required space between base and wall cabinets impacts total height
- ADA compliance - Minimum 34 inch height for wheelchair accessibility
Toe Kick Height Under Cabinets
The toe kick refers to the empty space between the floor and bottom of the cabinets, usually 3 to 5 inches tall. This allows room for your feet when standing at the counter and clears space for baseboard trim.
Standard Base Cabinet Depths
For base cabinet depth, the most common standard is 24 inches. However, base cabinet depths can range anywhere from 20 to 26 inches deep in 2 inch increments.
Typical Depth Dimensions
The standard 24 inch depth offers a good amount of storage space while still allowing ample room for kitchen traffic. But shallower and deeper options are also available.
Shallow vs. Deep Cabinets
Compared to deep cabinets, shallow cabinets provide less storage capacity but better accessibility. Deep cabinets maximize storage but shelves and contents can be harder to reach. Consider your needs when choosing between shallow and deep.
Toe Kick Depth
The toe kick depth should match the overall cabinet depth. A deeper cabinet requires a deeper toe kick to maintain the open space between the floor and cabinet.
Standard Base Cabinet Widths
For base cabinet widths, the standard 36 inches is the most popular choice. But many other width options exist to suit different kitchen layouts.
Common Width Options
While 36 inches is standard, some other typical base cabinet widths include:
- 24 inches
- 18 inches
- 15 inches
- 12 inches
Choosing Cabinet Widths
Choosing the right base cabinet widths depends on your kitchen layout and design. Optimize the widths to make the most of your unique space in terms of storage capacity and accessibility.
Specialty Cabinet Widths
In addition to standard widths, there are more specialty base cabinet sizes like:
- Corner cabinets (usually 24 inches wide)
- Sink base cabinets (often 36-48 inches)
- Drawer base cabinets
How Cabinet Size Impacts Kitchen Design
The dimensions you choose for your kitchen base cabinets impact several aspects of your kitchen design.
Layout Considerations
Allow enough room for fully opening doors and drawers without cabinetry collisions. Meet ADA requirements and other kitchen design clearance standards based on your layout.
Storage Capacity
Optimize corner base cabinet storage with lazy susans. Balance cabinet sizes to meet your storage needs - more drawers vs shelves, some narrow vs standard widths, etc.
Aesthetics
Create a visually appealing kitchen by mixing up cabinet widths, depths, and heights. Achieve balance through proper proportions and layout.
When planning your new or remodeled kitchen, carefully consider the options for base cabinet sizes. Standard height is typically 34 1⁄2 to 36 inches, depth around 24 inches, and width 36 inches. But customize these dimensions as needed to create your ideal kitchen layout and storage. Use this guide to help demystify base cabinet sizing as you design your perfect kitchen.