42” upper cabinets are a very common selection for 9' ceilings. You will have 12” of space above 42” cabinets; if you want them to meet the ceiling you will have to install 12” of crown molding.
You can either use 36" tall upper cabinets, which allows for crown molding to be used along the top or you can use 42" tall upper cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling without any molding. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each choice.
Ceiling Height
Many manufacturers of stock cabinetry offer wall cabinets in heights of 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 32, 36, and 42 inches. If you have 8-foot-tall ceilings and want cabinets that run to the ceiling, 42-inch-tall wall cabinets will fit perfectly.
It depends on personal preference. Cabinets that go to the ceiling will of course detract dust and are easier to clean. They also provide the illusion of a larger kitchen space. However, cabinets that do not go to the ceiling are less costly and potentially easier to reach.
So if you have 10ft foot ceilings, consider bringing your cabinets all the way to the top. Not only does it look grand, but there is no room for dust to fall on top of your cabinets in hard-to-reach areas.
If Your Kitchen is Small
While the storage is a benefit, ceiling-height cabinets can create a claustrophobic feeling in a small kitchen. On the other hand, the streamlined look might make the room feel more open!
Kitchens are similar to bathrooms in that the walls and ceiling typically provide space to run plumbing, gas, and drain lines. The standard ceiling height for a kitchen is about 8 to 9 feet.
It's important for homeowners to easily reach items in their kitchen cabinets, regardless of their height. The average folk's height plays a role in the standard height of kitchen cabinets. If the cabinets were to touch the ceiling, most people would need a step stool or ladder to access top-shelf items.
Wall cabinets should be 18 inches from the floor to avoid obstructing counter space and range hood access. Cabinets higher than 18 inches above the countertop may not leave enough space underneath them for a cooktop and will require a taller cabinet to be installed in its place.
In a typical family home, wall-hung kitchen cabinets measure between 32 and 36 inches tall, leaving a space of around one or two feet above. There is a valid reason for the gap between the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling; this is the height that most people can reach by standing on the floor or by using a ladder.
Are 42” cabinets are worth it? In our opinion, YES, especially if you are already using a step stool from time to time to access your current top-shelf. You will increase storage space by 25% adding another shelf. People with extra storage space can store items they don't use very often in the extra cabinets up top.
I went with a small crown molding (1.5″) since I swapped out my existing 30″ upper cabinets for 42″ ones. If I had used a larger crown, it would have dropped my cabinets too low, and the space between the counter tops and the bottom of the cabinets would have been too small.
The space between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling is called “Soffit”. A kitchen soffit is specifically a boxy shape designed to cover up pipes, wiring, and other mechanical or to fill the gap between the top cabinets and the ceiling.
For 8-foot ceilings, 42-inch wall cabinets or 96-inch tall cabinets will reach the ceiling, creating a clean, cohesive look. Functionality: Base cabinets should be at a height that allows for comfortable food preparation. Wall cabinets should be easily accessible without needing a step stool.
Cost to Add Kitchen Cabinets to the Ceiling
You can expect the cost of kitchen cabinets to run between $50 and $450 per linear foot for labor and installation.
Installing DIY laundry cabinets that reach the ceiling is the best way to maximize your storage space. However, the cabinets don't need to be this tall if it doesn't suit your needs.
42” upper cabinets are a very common selection for 9' ceilings. You will have 12” of space above 42” cabinets; if you want them to meet the ceiling you will have to install 12” of crown molding.
This ensures that you don't hit your head when working at the benchtop! The standard height for overhead cabinets is 720mm but can be custom made if you are wanting to achieve a full height look where the cabinets reach the ceiling.
Wall cabinets are usually hung around 54 inches from the floor, but when hanging them above a washer and dryer, make sure this measurement gives you enough space to open and close the washer lid. The addition of crown molding along the top of the cabinets creates a finished look.
“Leave a foot or more between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling. This looks intentional and gives your kitchen the polished, elevated look you're seeking.” “Your designer will work with the lines of your kitchen to make the cabinet line look natural,” she adds.
Traditionally, upper cabinets come in standard heights of 30 inches, 36 inches wide, 42 inches, and 48 inches. Using upper cabinets for 9 foot ceilings often leaves a gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling itself.
Homes with higher ceilings, typically 9 feet or more, are often considered more luxurious and can increase property value. Studies indicate homes with higher ceilings can sell for 5-25% more than those with standard heights.
MY KITCHEN CABINETS
We didn't want our cabinets to go clear up to 9', so our custom cabinet maker added a soffit that matched the cabinets. It all is one continuous piece from the cabinets up to the crown molding. This is your most sophisticated option if you do not want your cabinets to go to the ceiling.
Let's Recap. The standard counter height is 36 inches for kitchens and 32 inches for bathrooms. People frequently deviate from these norms, however, to create a custom design that works for their needs or desires.