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How High Should Kitchen Cabinets Go?

July 16, 2018

Getting your kitchen cabinets installed signifies that you are close to the end of the renovation process. It’s exciting and gratifying, but there are still decisions to be made — it’s no time to rush.
kitchen cabinets

The Standard Measurements

For upper kitchen cabinets, the standard placement is 54 inches above the floor and 18 inches above the countertops. Standard upper cabinets are usually 30 inches tall and 12 inches deep, which allows a person 5 feet, 8 inches tall to reach all items without the help of a stepstool.

Of course, cabinets placed above a refrigerator will be a different size and height, but this will depend on the size of the appliances in the space.

Do You Want a Custom Design?

While it’s not usually recommended to go too far off the standard cabinet design measurements in terms of both size and placement, there are instances when it might be the right choice for you.

If you or the main cook in your family is unusually tall or short, changing the cabinet height a bit could be a more ergonomic choice. But remember, going more than a few inches off the recommended height might prove detrimental to your home’s resale value.

Is Your Sink Larger Than Normal?

Some sinks have tall faucets with arching wands that might run into cabinets that are too low. If you’ve opted for this industrial-style sink, stay aware of how it will affect the look and function of the cabinets!

Are You Making a Backsplash Statement?

The backsplash always adds a level of wow to the final look of a kitchen renovation, and if the space between the upper and lower isn’t enough to create this effect, consider raising the uppers to give more room to the backsplash design.

Is Storage Less of an Issue?

If you happen to have a pantry close by or other storage options for dishes and equipment, you might not need as much cabinet space. Smaller cabinets that start higher up might give you the look you’re going for.

The Final Call

At Swirl Woodcraft, we always defer to our clients after we’ve offered our advice about kitchen cabinets. You make the final call; you have the power to customize the positioning and design of your kitchen cabinets, with our help. Get a quote from Swirl Woodcraft today!

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