Standard Height Kitchen Wall Cabinets

Factor in the height of ceilings and trim when determining cabinet size and position.

Standard height kitchen wall cabinets.

Add 1 1 2 for a standard countertop and 18 inches for a standard backsplash though some designers now want a 20 inch backsplash to make room for small appliances. Once installed over your base cabinets the top of your wall cabinets will be at 84 inches 90 inches or 96 inches respectively. In standard kitchens the wall cabinets are typically 30 or 36 inches tall with the space above enclosed by soffits. Most standard cabinets are 34 1 2 high.

When using 42 inch cabinets in an 8 foot ceiling there will be no room left for a crown molding. A 12 inch or 15 inch tall cabinet fits neatly over a refrigerator. With the standard upper cabinet 30 inches tall and 12 inches deep a 5 ft. With an 18 inch backsplash the total measurement should be 54 inches from the floor to the bottom of the upper cabinets.

If the kitchen has a 9 foot ceiling the largest standard size wall cabinets 42 inches high are used. Cabinets are sold in standard heights of 30 36 or 42 inches. Instead you can use a small height crown molding and drop the cabinets 1 1 2 2 inches but you ll sacrifice the backsplash height. With an upper cabinet mounting height of 54.

Anyone shorter may need a step stool or the assistance of a taller family member to easily access upper shelves. This leaves 18 inches of space between your base cabinets and your wall cabinets after the countertops. There are of course some exceptions to these standards. Where the cabinets run all the way to the ceiling 48 inch cabinets are the logical choice.