The standard upper cabinet depth in most modern kitchens is 12 inches. This measurement refers to the depth of the cabinet box itself, not including the door thickness, and it is the most common size found across various kitchen designs.
Deciphering Kitchen Cabinet Depth Dimensions
The depth of your kitchen cabinets matters a lot. It affects how much you can store. It also changes how much space you have left on your counter. Getting the depth right is key for a good kitchen layout.
Why Cabinet Depth Varies
Not all cabinets are the same depth. You see different depths for different jobs. Base cabinets are deeper for better storage and stability. Upper cabinets are usually shallower so you can reach things. They also need to leave room for movement near the counter.
The Rule of Thumb for Upper Cabinets
Kitchen designers follow a main rule. Upper cabinets should not stick out too far over the base cabinets. If they do, you bump your head. You also lose precious workspace. This balance leads to the standard upper cabinet depth of 12 inches.
However, this is not the only depth available. Sometimes, you need different depths for special needs.
Common Upper Cabinet Depths
| Cabinet Type | Typical Depth (Inches) | Primary Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Upper | 12 inches | Balances storage and workspace. |
| Shallow Upper Kitchen Cabinets | 9 to 10 inches | Used in narrow spaces or hallways. |
| Full Depth Upper Cabinets | 15 to 18 inches | Offers extra storage, often above refrigerators or pantries. |
Analyzing the Standard: 12 Inches Deep
Most pre-made cabinets use 12 inches as the standard depth for wall units. This size works well with standard kitchen needs.
Storage Capacity at 12 Inches
A 12-inch depth lets you store most plates, glasses, and bowls easily. These items are rarely deeper than 11 inches. You can stack them neatly without wasting space at the back.
Workspace Clearance
This depth is crucial for the upper cabinet to counter distance. Standard countertop depth is 24 inches. If your uppers are 12 inches deep, they leave 12 inches of clear workspace below. This is a comfortable distance for chopping and mixing food.
If the uppers went deeper than 12 inches, the workspace shrinks fast. This makes working at the counter feel cramped.
Examining Non-Standard Depths
While 12 inches is the norm, sometimes you need to look at other options. These variations help solve specific design puzzles.
Shallow Upper Kitchen Cabinets
Shallow upper kitchen cabinets are often 9 or 10 inches deep. When should you use them?
- Narrow Rooms: In very small kitchens or galley styles, every inch counts. Shallow uppers save floor space.
- Above Sinks or Windows: Sometimes, a standard 12-inch depth hits a window frame or looks awkward over a sink. A shallower cabinet fits better visually.
- Display Cabinets: If you only plan to store very small items or display décor, you don’t need full depth.
Using shallower cabinets means you might need to stack items differently or use tiered shelving inside.
Full Depth Upper Cabinets
Full depth upper cabinets usually mean 15 inches or more. These are less common but very useful in specific spots.
- Above Refrigerators and Tall Units: Cabinets placed high above appliances often extend the full depth of the appliance below them. This makes the upper cabinet look continuous and hides the appliance tops neatly.
- Pantry Cabinets: Wall pantry cabinets often go deeper to maximize food storage.
- Custom Applications: Some homeowners prioritize maximum storage space over counter clearance, though this requires careful planning.
If you use 15-inch deep uppers over a standard 24-inch counter, you reduce your work area to 9 inches. This is generally too little space for comfortable work.
The Role of Appliances in Cabinet Depth
Certain appliances dictate the required depth for surrounding cabinets. The over the range microwave cabinet depth is a prime example.
Microwave Cabinet Requirements
Most over-the-range microwaves are built to fit perfectly above a standard range or cooktop.
- Standard Range Width: Usually 30 inches.
- Standard Countertop Height: 36 inches from the floor.
- Required Clearance: Manufacturers recommend a specific space between the cooktop surface and the bottom of the microwave. This is usually 13 to 16 inches.
Because of these requirements, the cabinet designed to house an over-the-range microwave often dictates a deeper upper cabinet structure. The microwave unit itself usually has a depth close to 15 to 16 inches to fully cover the control panel and venting area. Therefore, the cabinet built to support it often matches this depth, especially at the bottom section.
If the cabinet housing the microwave is deeper (say, 15 inches), the cabinets next to it should ideally match that depth to maintain a clean, continuous line across the top. This is a major reason why designers sometimes opt for depths greater than 12 inches for upper units.
The Critical Measure: Upper Cabinet to Counter Distance
The vertical gap between the bottom of the upper cabinet and the countertop is vital for kitchen function. This gap determines comfort and safety when cooking.
Standard Heights and Measurements
The upper cabinet to counter distance is typically set between 18 and 20 inches.
- 18 Inches: This is the most common minimum height. It works well for most people using standard 12-inch deep upper cabinets.
- 20 Inches: Taller individuals or those using very deep base cabinets (like 27 inches deep custom bases) might prefer 20 inches for extra elbow room.
How Depth Affects Height
If you choose deeper upper cabinets, you must increase the upper cabinet to counter distance to maintain comfort.
- If you use 15-inch deep uppers, you may need to raise them to 20 or 22 inches off the counter.
- If you keep the height at the standard 18 inches with 15-inch uppers, the bottom of the cabinet hangs very low over the workspace, creating shadows and a cramped feeling.
This is why mixing depths requires careful alignment, usually by aligning the bottom edge of the upper cabinets.
Typical Kitchen Cabinet Height
When we talk about depth, we also need to consider height, as it affects the overall look. The typical kitchen cabinet height for wall units is based on ceiling height.
Standard Wall Cabinet Heights
Wall cabinets are usually stocked in specific heights: 30 inches, 36 inches, and 42 inches.
- 30-Inch Cabinets: These are used when the ceiling is lower (8-foot ceilings) or when you want a large space above the cabinet for decorative molding.
- 36-Inch Cabinets: This is the most popular choice for standard 8-foot ceilings. It leaves about 6 inches of space above the cabinet for crown molding, which gives a finished, custom look.
- 42-Inch Cabinets: These reach closer to the ceiling in 8-foot rooms, minimizing the gap. They are essential for 9-foot or taller ceilings if you want cabinets that look built-in all the way up.
The depth (12 inches standard) stays the same regardless of whether the cabinet is 30 or 42 inches tall.
Customized Upper Cabinet Depth: When to Break the Mold
While standard sizes are easiest and cheapest, sometimes your kitchen demands customized upper cabinet depth. Custom work allows you to perfectly tailor the fit.
Designing for Specific Needs
Customization becomes necessary when:
- Unique Architecture: Sloped ceilings, odd wall angles, or existing structural beams force non-standard sizing.
- Special Storage: You have deep specialty items, like large commercial-style stand mixers that need a specific depth.
- Aesthetic Goals: Some modern designs favor very deep, flush-to-the-wall storage, often using a 15-inch depth all around for a monolithic look, accepting the reduced counter space.
How Far Should Upper Cabinets Stick Out? (Visual Alignment)
A key element of custom design is deciding how far should upper cabinets stick out relative to the base cabinets.
The goal is usually visual harmony:
- Standard Flush Look: Base cabinets are 24 inches deep. Standard uppers are 12 inches deep. They do not stick out at all; they are set back 12 inches. This is the common, safe design choice.
- The “Full Depth” Look: If you opt for 15-inch deep uppers (perhaps for microwave accommodation), designers often suggest making the base cabinets deeper too, perhaps 25 or 27 inches deep. If the base cabinets remain 24 inches, the 15-inch uppers will stick out 3 inches past the base. This is usually avoided unless it is a very intentional, modern design feature.
Fathoming the Maximum Depth for Upper Cabinets
Is there a limit to how deep upper cabinets can be? Yes, two main factors limit the maximum depth.
1. Ergonomics and Safety
The main limit is human usability. If upper cabinets extend past 18 inches deep, they start encroaching severely on the work area. Working under an 18-inch deep upper cabinet over a 24-inch counter leaves only 6 inches of clear space—too little room to maneuver a large mixing bowl or stand upright comfortably.
For standard residential use, depths beyond 18 inches for general storage are rarely practical for uppers.
2. Building Codes (Indirect Impact)
While building codes don’t usually specify the exact depth of a wall cabinet, they do specify minimum clear workspace requirements around cooking areas (usually 30 to 36 inches wide, and requiring certain clear space for appliance doors). Very deep uppers can violate the spirit, if not the letter, of these clearances if they make the walkway too narrow.
For most standard cabinetry runs, 15 or 16 inches is the practical maximum depth you will encounter on a production line, often only used directly above appliances.
Comparing Depth to Other Kitchen Dimensions
To truly grasp the implications of upper cabinet depth, we must compare it to the other main kitchen cabinet depth dimensions.
Base Cabinets Depth
Base cabinets (the ones on the floor) are almost always 24 inches deep. This depth is required for several reasons:
- It perfectly fits standard appliance depths (ranges, dishwashers).
- It provides a stable 24-inch work surface.
- It allows for standard plumbing runs behind the sink.
Drawers vs. Shelves in Different Depths
The depth affects what works best inside the cabinet:
- Shallow (10 inches): Best for shelves where items are often single-stacked. Great for spices or narrow pantry goods.
- Standard (12 inches): Ideal for standard dinner plates stacked two deep or glasses.
- Deep (15+ inches): Requires drawers or pull-outs to access items at the back efficiently. Shelves in deep cabinets often become “dead space” unless accessories like lazy Susans are installed.
Practical Design Tips for Managing Upper Cabinet Depth
Choosing the right depth involves balancing storage needs with safety and style.
Tip 1: Keep It Consistent Where Possible
For a seamless, custom look, try to keep the bottom edge of all your upper cabinets on the same line. If you must use a deeper cabinet (like the microwave cabinet), ensure the cabinets next to it either match that depth or step back neatly. Never have a shallow cabinet stick out past a deeper one.
Tip 2: Prioritize the Work Zone
When the stove and sink are primary work zones, always prioritize the upper cabinet to counter distance being comfortable (18-20 inches). Sacrifice a few inches of storage depth if necessary to keep this area open.
Tip 3: Use Open Shelving for Visual Relief
If you feel the need for deeper storage, consider using open shelving instead of closed cabinets in certain areas. Open shelves can be shallower (8 or 10 inches) and don’t visually weigh down the space as much as a heavy block of deep upper cabinetry.
Tip 4: Plan for Appliance Needs First
If you know you want an over-the-range microwave, measure its exact required depth before ordering any wall cabinets. Let that appliance dictate the depth of the cabinets immediately adjacent to it.
Summary of Key Depth Concepts
Kitchen design relies on standard measurements for efficiency, but customization allows for personalization.
- The Standard: 12 inches deep is the most common depth for wall cabinets.
- The Constraint: The depth is limited by the need to maintain sufficient workspace (18 to 20 inches clearance) between the counter and the cabinet bottom.
- Appliance Influence: The over the range microwave cabinet depth often pushes the surrounding cabinets to be deeper (15 inches) to maintain a clean line.
- Customization: Customized upper cabinet depth is used for maximizing space in tricky spots or matching specific aesthetic goals.
By paying attention to the standard upper cabinet depth and how it interacts with counter depth and ceiling height, you can ensure your upper cabinets are both beautiful and highly functional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I install upper cabinets deeper than 12 inches in a standard kitchen?
Yes, you can install upper cabinets deeper than 12 inches, but you must increase the upper cabinet to counter distance. If you go to 15 inches deep, you should raise the cabinet height significantly, perhaps to 20 or 22 inches above the counter, to avoid bumping your head while working.
Q: What is the standard depth for base cabinets?
The standard upper cabinet depth is 12 inches, but base cabinets are almost universally 24 inches deep. This larger dimension accommodates plumbing and standard appliance installation.
Q: Are there advantages to using shallow upper kitchen cabinets?
Yes, the main advantage is saving space in the work area. Shallow cabinets (9 or 10 inches) make the room feel less closed in, which is great for small kitchens or galley layouts. They also create a more generous upper cabinet to counter distance if the height remains standard.
Q: How do I determine the right upper cabinet to counter distance if I am tall?
If you are over 5’10”, the standard 18-inch clearance might feel cramped. Aim for 19 to 20 inches. If you install taller cabinets (like 42-inch units) and have higher ceilings, you can often raise the entire bank of cabinets higher, which naturally increases the clearance space below.
Q: If I have an 8-foot ceiling, what is the typical kitchen cabinet height I should choose?
For an 8-foot ceiling (96 inches), the typical kitchen cabinet height for wall units is 36 inches. This leaves a 6-inch gap above the cabinet for decorative crown molding, giving the installation a high-end, finished look.
Q: Does the depth of the upper cabinet affect the microwave installation?
Yes, significantly. The over the range microwave cabinet depth often requires the cabinet structure to be 15 or 16 inches deep to support the appliance correctly and hide its bulk. This is a primary driver for using deeper uppers in modern kitchens.