Yahoo Lifestyle A Guide to Standard Kitchen Cabinetry Dimensions and Sizes
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Is 2025 finally the year for you to tackle that kitchen makeover? Or at least take the next step in planning the kitchen of your dreams? Given that the kitchen is one of the most popular spaces in a home, it’s an obvious choice to prioritize when budgeting for a remodel, especially if you plan to stay in your home awhile. In fact, kitchen designer Tom Knotts, owner of Adalay Cabinets & Interiors and member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association says, “Quality kitchens are built to last 20 years.” We know that makes for a big commitment, both of money and time, and we’re here to help.
The top—and most expensive—consideration for a kitchen remodel is the cabinetry. If you’re looking to do a smaller scale kitchen refresh, you may just want to paint your cabinets a different color or reface your cabinets. But, if a full kitchen cabinet upgrade is on your 2025 remodeling to-do list, then let this be your shopping guide.
Below, we break down kitchen cabinetry into manageable parts and share the average standard dimensions for upper, lower, and specialty cabinets. Note: There are many variables that can affect sizing that may require you to consider semi-custom or custom options.
First up: make sure you have accurate dimensions before you start planning. Remember the old adage, “measure twice, cut once?” The same can be said about ordering kitchen cabinetry. Start by taking accurate measurements of your space so you can better optimize the existing square footage. Television host and DIY expert Chip Wade recommends then using one of the free layout tools available online to create a 2D sketch of what your new kitchen design will look like using current wall dimensions, door and window placements, and window heights. Consider this the fun part of the process as you can play with different design schemes until you find the right arrangement of cabinets that checks all the boxes of your dream kitchen wish list.
Once you are ready to take the next step, choose if you plan to go the DIY route or hire a professional. If you are going to DIY, there are kitchen design experts at most big box home improvement and design centers that can help take your sketch from idea to reality and assist in ensuring you are ordering the right sizecabinets. If you prefer to hire a professional, look for a National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) certified kitchen designer (CKD) in your area. Online sources like Angi and Houzz are good places to start.
Kitchen Base Cabinets
Base cabinets anchor your kitchen layout and provide storage for kitchen essentials like small appliances, cookware, and food, while also supporting countertops and holding the sink in place. The standard height for base cabinets is 34.5 inches (35-36 inches with a countertop). The standard base cabinet depth is 24 inches, but, with a countertop overhang, the overall depth can be as much as 25-26 inches. The widths of standard base cabinets ranges from 12 to 48 inches, but are most commonly 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 48 inches wide. Of course, if you choose to go with custom cabinetry, your options are much more and the measurements might range 1-2 inches above or below these standard dimensions.
Kitchen Base Cabinets With a Sink
For a base cabinet that houses a sink, the standard width is typically 30 inches for a single basin and 36 inches for a double basin. But take in to account the shape and style of the sink, as well as its weight. You want to ensure your sink is fully supported and compatible with the cabinet frame. For example, with an apron-front farmhouse sink, you want to purchase an apron front cabinet that is designed to accommodate the deep basin and visible front panel.
Kitchen Upper Cabinets
When you think about the design and layout of your kitchen, the upper cabinets are the most prominent, so this is where you could splurge a bit on extras like glass or decorative panels or built-in lighting. Upper cabinets tend to range from 12 to 36 inches in width and 12 to 24 inches in depth (the depth is usually less and never exceeding the depth of the corresponding base cabinets). While kitchen upper cabinets can range from 12 to 42 inches in height, they are typically 30 or 36 inches in height unless they are placed above the refrigerator where they may likely be shorter, around 12 or 15 inches. Tom says to always factor in the ceiling height and crown moldings when determining a finishing height for upper cabinets. (Design tip: For a more finished look have the cabinetry extend all the way to the ceiling.) Another good measurement to note: a wall cabinet is usually positioned at 18 inches above the top of the counter
Kitchen Tall Cabinets
For optimal storage, tall cabinets are an essential component of most kitchen design schemes. Tall cabinets typically measure 84 to 96 inches in height and 12 to 36 inches in width and depth to provide ample space for internal shelving at varying heights. Tall cabinets also tend to be more narrow for easy storage of long and lean cleaning equipment like brooms and mops. It’s advisable for the height to match the line of the other cabinets so you have more uniformity.
Kitchen Pantries
In most kitchens, the pantry is where all the dry good essentials and surplus of snacks conveniently live. Sizes for these cabinets can vary dramatically depending on the depth of the space. Pantry units start at 12 inches wide but experts agree that 18 inches in width for slide-out shelves or 24 inches with doors is ideal for optimal storage. This is also where you might utilize optional organizational accessories like turntables, rolling drawers, stackable bins, and dividers.
Kitchen Islands and Appliances
The island is one place where your countertop height might fall above or below the standard height of 36 inches. When working around a kitchen island, the dimensions can vary if you are adding a bar (typically 42 inches tall) or a desk/table (typically 30 inches tall).
When considering larger appliances or built-in units, it is generally not recommended to try and modify standard cabinet sizes to fit the appliance, but rather save these for semi-custom options. “Prebuilt and mid-level cabinet brands offer standard cabinets that you will need to modify to the correct size to fit the appliance. When you move up to semi-custom and custom brands, usually found at local cabinetry design centers, they will build the cabinet to fit the appliance,” says Tom.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Cabinetry
Not Leveling Walls and Floors
Using your layout plan, be sure to accurately measure and mark location points and establish a solid reference point. “Leveling and prepping the space is one of the most often overlooked issues with a cabinet install,” says Tom. “Very few walls or floors are level, so it is very important to check the level of both. If the level of the base cabinets is not correct it will affect the countertop installation. If the level of the wall is not correct it will affect the way the doors open and close and they will fit tight to the cabinet body. Use wood or plastic shims to correct.” Chip also likes to use cabinet levelers from EZ-Level.
TIP: Very few walls or floors are level. It is very important to check the level of both the walls and floors before planning an installation. -Kitchen DesignerTom Knotts
Not Pre-Drilling
To avoid other issues that may arise, use the appropriate tools and hardware when installing the cabinets. “Pre-drilling through the frame of the cabinet before connecting is very important,” says Tom.
Using the Wrong Screws
Be sure to also choose the correct length and type of screw for the cabinet type. “Self-sinking screws work well or you may choose to use an appropriately sized drill bit and countersink before screwing the cabinets together to hide the head of the screw,” says Tom.
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