How much space should be between counter and upper cabinets?

Author: Lelia Wolff  |  Last update: Monday, March 3, 2025

How High Upper Cabinets Should Be From The Counter. The standard height for upper cabinets from the counter is 18 inches, or 1 foot and 6 inches. They shouldn't be less than 15 inches away or more than 20 inches away.

How far should upper cabinets be from the countertop?

The typical measurement for the spacing between cabinets and countertops is 18 inches. It's generally advisable to maintain a minimum clearance of 15 inches and a maximum of 20 inches.

What is the clearance between countertops and cabinets?

The standard space between countertops and upper kitchen cabinets is typically 18 to 24 inches, providing ample room for appliances and an ergonomic workspace. Exceptions may be made for compact kitchens, where the gap can be reduced to 15 inches.

How much space between counter and upper cabinets reddit?

Standard is 18” (but between 15” and 20” can be acceptable).

How far should countertop hang over cabinet?

Standard countertop overhang is 1 ½ inches.

Keep in mind that this is 1 ½ inches over the front edge of the base cabinet. While some countertops may have different overhang measurements, this is the number that is seen as standard for homes. While 1 ½ inches is the most common, it's far from mandatory.

KITCHEN DESIGN MEASUREMENTS | Ideal Clearances for Kitchen Counters, Islands, Cabinets, & More

Is 8 inch overhang enough?

An 8-inch overhang is usually not enough for comfortable seating. While it might work in a pinch, most people will find it too shallow. With an 8-inch overhang, there is not enough legroom, and people's knees are likely to hit the cabinets underneath, making it uncomfortable to sit for any length of time.

What is the minimum distance from the countertop it needs to be?

The Guidelines require a clearance of at least 40 inches between all opposing base cabinets, countertops, appliances, and walls.

How much space should be between full overlay cabinets?

Notice how the 1/4" reveal allows the doors to cover most of the face of the cabinet giving it a nice updated look. Notes: Make sure you have at least 1/4" reveal (gap between doors). If you go less than 1/4", then you may run into problems with the operation of the doors.

How much space should be between two kitchen counters?

The minimum space required for a parallel kitchen is around 8 feet in width, and ideally 10-12 feet in length, with a minimum of 4 feet distance between the two parallel counters. This space allows for the installation of basic appliances and storage solutions.

Is 30 inches enough space between counter and island?

The industry standard is that you need at least 36 inches of space around each edge of the kitchen island. Three feet of clearance is enough so that you can comfortably walk between the island and countertops and should provide enough clearance for cabinet doors.

What is the standard height of kitchen counters and cabinets?

Kitchen base cabinet manufacturers, for example, typically design their products with a height of 34.5 inches. Countertops come with a standard thickness of 1.5 inches. Add the two together and you've got your standard kitchen counter height of 36 inches — no expensive customization needed.

How level do cabinets need to be for countertops?

The problem, though, is that stone countertops are much less forgiving of out-of-level cabinetry than laminate countertops are. The Marble Institute of America recommends the top surface of the cabinets be within 1/8 inch (3mm) of flat and level across a distance of 10 feet (3 meters).

What is the minimum distance between countertop and upper cabinets cm?

To ensure comfortable movements, the recommended distance between the upper cabinet and countertop is an average of 55/60 cm. This dimension is both necessary and legally mandated, in order to guarantee the proper exhausting of vapours, when the upper cabinets feature an integrated exhaust hood above the cooktop.

What is the standard depth of upper cabinets?

Standard upper cabinets usually have a depth of 30 cm (approximately 12 inches), but if you're looking for a deep cabinet that offers more storage, you might want to consider choosing cabinets that can be customised to create a depth of 30 - 56 cm (approximately 12 to 20 inches).

What is the distance between workbench and upper cabinets?

A common recommendation is to install cabinets approximately 18-24 inches above the workbench surface.

What is the gap between counter and upper cabinets?

How High Upper Cabinets Should Be From The Counter. The standard height for upper cabinets from the counter is 18 inches, or 1 foot and 6 inches. They shouldn't be less than 15 inches away or more than 20 inches away. This also means the height to where the bottom of your upper cabinets starts.

Which is better full overlay or partial overlay cabinets?

Full overlay cabinets offer a polished and contemporary look, especially with the concealed hinges. Comparatively, partial overlays are excellent for many kitchen styles, such as rustic, vintage, and traditional. They are also more budget-friendly than full overlays since they use fewer materials.

Are partial overlay cabinets outdated?

With partial overlay cabinets, a portion of the face frame is visible around the doors and drawers. This is sometimes considered to be a more dated look. The openings of these cabinets tend to be smaller because they have face frames that protrude into the interior.

What is the code for outlets over countertops?

In kitchens, electrical outlets should be placed no farther than 48 inches apart, so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. Any countertop 12 inches wide or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop.

What height should kitchen cabinets be from the floor?

The standard height of cabinets is 36 inches but you are free to adjust within reason.

How high should sockets be above kitchen counter?

As a standard rule, plug sockets should be placed at least 150mm from the worktop surface. This distance is measured from the top of the surface to the bottom of the socket. When choosing the height for the plug sockets, you should also consider how you intend to finish the wall.

How high should upper cabinets be from the counter?

The most common height that contractors follow is 18 inches above the countertop. However, for clients that request some extra space, 20 inches was the usual measure. Under 18 inches, small appliances may not fit below the cabinets, or if you're taller the upper cabinets can block your view of the countertop.

What is the ideal amount of counter space?

Many experts suggest that any kitchen should have at least a minimum amount of 13 feet of countertop surface. Trying to squeeze more countertop than this into a small kitchen could rob the room of other features like a sink or stove large enough to meet your needs. Or it may make the room hard to safely walk around in.

What is the code for space between cabinets and island?

In pass-through kitchens where counters, appliances or cabinets are on two opposing sides, or where counters, appliances or cabinets are opposite a parallel wall, clearance between all opposing base cabinets, countertops, appliances, or walls within kitchen work areas shall be 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum.

Previous article
How do you flush a toilet without a flapper?
Next article
Which side of parchment paper goes against the food?