Common Standard Height of Upper Kitchen Cabinets
When designing a kitchen, determining the ideal height for upper cabinets is an important consideration. While there are some general guidelines, the standard height can vary depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Understanding Standard Upper Cabinet Height
Most standard upper kitchen cabinets are installed approximately 18 inches above the countertop. This equates to a height of around 54 inches from the floor to the bottom of the upper cabinets.
This height is considered within the typical range that allows most adults comfortable access without excessive bending or reaching. It also provides adequate clearance between the countertop and upper cabinets for most backsplash and crown molding designs.
Typical Height Range for Upper Cabinets
While 54 inches is common, the standard height for upper cabinets can range from as low as 48 inches to as high as 60 inches depending on your needs.
Here are some typical upper cabinet height measurements:
- 48-52 inches - Lower end of standard height range
- 54-57 inches - Common standard height
- 57-60 inches - Upper end of standard height range
Factors to Consider When Determining Height
There are a few key factors that influence the ideal upper cabinet height:
- Base cabinet height
- Countertop thickness
- Backsplash height
- Crown molding dimensions
- User height
For example, if you have a thick 3 cm granite countertop, you may prefer taller 60 inch upper cabinets. Or if your base cabinets are 36 inches, 60 inch uppers may overwhelm the space.
Advantages of Proper Standard Upper Cabinet Height
Choosing an upper cabinet height in the standard 54-57 inch range offers several benefits:
- Comfortable access for most users
- Sufficient clearance for 8-10 inch backsplashes
- Visually balanced proportions
- Works with most countertop heights
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Some common mistakes to avoid when installing upper cabinets:
- Hanging cabinets too low - Can look unbalanced and allow insufficient backsplash clearance
- Installing uppers too high - Makes cabinets hard to reach for some users
- Not accounting for countertop thickness - Leads to awkward height differences
- Ignoring crown molding impact - Can reduce clearance between cabinets and counter
Always measure carefully, account for all factors, and use spacers during installation to avoid these errors.
Measuring Your Kitchen For Proper Upper Cabinet Height
To determine the optimal upper cabinet height for your kitchen, careful measurement is essential. Here is an overview of the measuring process:
Tools Needed for Accurate Measurements
These basic tools will help you measure correctly:
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Laser measure (optional)
- Step ladder
Make sure your tape measure can extend to at least 60 inches to measure for the upper cabinets.
Measuring from Countertops to Ceiling
Start by measuring from the top of your base cabinets or countertop to the ceiling:
- Mark the underside of your wall cabinets on the wall.
- Measure from the countertop to this mark to find the base cabinet height.
- Then measure from the countertop to the ceiling.
- Subtract the base cabinet height. This gives you the space for the uppers.
Accounting for Soffits, Vents and Obstructions
Be sure to account for any soffits, ceiling vents, pipes or other obstructions in your measurement. You want to measure to the lowest overhead obstruction:
- Mark any obstructions with painters tape.
- Measure space available under these obstructions.
Allowing for Sufficient Clearance
Remember to allow sufficient clearance between your countertop and upper cabinets - at least 18 inches is recommended. Consider any factors that impact clearance:
- Crown molding depth
- Thick countertops
- Tall backsplashes
- High apron fronts on sinks
Use spacers sized for these elements when marking and installing upper cabinet locations.
Installing Upper Cabinets at the Standard Height
Once you determine the optimal upper cabinet height for your kitchen, use proper installation techniques to hang the cabinets correctly:
Use Spacers When Marking and Drilling
Spacers allow you to temporarily install cabinets at the right height:
- Use plywood or composite spacers equal to clearance needed.
- Attach spacers to wall studs at desired cabinet height.
- Rest cabinets on spacers while marking drill locations.
Various Mounting Methods to Achieve Proper Height
A few ways to mount upper cabinets at standard height:
- Rail mounting: Secure horizontal hanging rail to wall at proper height. Hang cabinets from rail.
- Cleat mounting: Install horizontal wood cleats at desired height. Screw cabinets into cleats.
- Direct mounting: Attach cabinets directly to wall studs at correct height.
Tips for Ensuring Cabinets Are Level and Secure
To achieve an optimal installation:
- Use a spirit level to double check cabinet is plumb and level.
- Secure cabinets to wall studs for strength.
- Use shims to adjust if necessary to make cabinets level.
- Install upper cabinets first before base units.
Troubleshooting Uneven or Improper Installations
If your upper cabinets end up uneven:
- Check for high points or gaps with a straightedge.
- Adjust shims between cabinet and wall to raise/lower as needed.
- Fill larger gaps with additional shims or scrap wood pieces.
Achieving Ergonomic Upper Cabinet Height
While 54-60 inches is standard, you may want to fine tune the height for maximum ergonomic convenience and access:
Anthropometric Data for Convenient Access
Consider average user heights and reaches:
- Women - Average height 64-66 in. Vertical reach approx 47 in.
- Men - Average height 69-73 in. Vertical reach approx 50 in.
Adjusting Height for Users of Different Heights
To maximize comfort and access:
- Lower upper cabinets 1-2 inches if homeowners are under 5' 4".
- Increase upper cabinet height to 60 inches for very tall users.
- Minimize reach by keeping commonly accessed items in lower cabinets.