How much space should there be between counter and upper cabinets?

Author: Dr. Nia Tromp  |  Last update: Saturday, December 16, 2023

The standard space between the countertop and upper cabinets is around 18 inches. This measurement allows for convenient use of countertop appliances and provides ample space for food preparation.

How far should upper cabinets be from countertop?

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.

What is the standard height between counter and cabinets?

The Standard Kitchen Cabinet Height

Past cabinets show that it is standard to install cabinets about 18 inches off the countertop, but it's becoming more popular to hang cabinets a bit higher for more space, such as 20 inches or more.

How do you fix a gap between cabinets and countertops?

If you've come this far and the little gap is still haunting you, there are a few routes you can take. 1) You can ask the installer to seal the gap with caulk, or silicone. 2) You can buy and ornamental molding, and have a handyman cover the gap right up!

What is the ideal amount of counter space?

For minimum space requirements, the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a countertop that is 158 inches wide and 24 inches deep. This results in a little more than 26 square feet of total countertop space. It's important to keep in mind, however, that this is a general recommendation.

Space Between The Counter Top And Wall Cabinet

What is the minimum prep space in a kitchen?

A Prep Zone needs to include a minimum of 36″ of uninterrupted countertop. The most important element of the Prep Zone is its countertop space. An efficient Prep Zone needs a minimum of 36″ to 48″ of uninterrupted countertop frontage. This will allow the cook to spread out efficiently while prepping food.

What is the average amount of countertop space in a kitchen?

You need to know what the average square feet of countertop is in most kitchens. The answer? 30 square feet. In case you can't envision it, 30 square feet has an area of 5.48 feet by 5.48 feet.

Should I leave a gap above kitchen cabinets?

It's not necessary that the kitchen cabinets have to touch the ceiling. It's completely dependable on your choice. So do you prefer the smooth, continuous appearance provided by cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling? Some people prefer the look of a continuous wall cabinet with no space above it.

Should countertop be flush with wall?

Usually, the conventional overhang of a countertop should be placed at 1 to 1 ½ inches above the cabinet. At the same time, the bared and exposed ends of a countertop should usually have a ½ inch overhang. The edges that suffice to a wall should not have any overhang to retain the fit flush to the wall.

Why is there a gap above cabinets?

Mainly it is a matter of cost and ease of installation. Most kitchen cabinets are built in standard sizes and, when mounted on the wall, they leave space up above which gives the installer some wiggle room when leveling the cabinets.

How far should counter overhang?

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.

How high should cabinets be for a 9 foot ceiling?

Generally, upper cabinets are mounted with the bottom edge being 54-inches above the floor. That means if you have 8-foot ceilings, your upper cabinets would be 42-inches tall, while a 9-foot ceiling has 54 inches available.

What is the most common kitchen counter height?

Standard Kitchen Countertop Height Measurements

Most kitchen countertops are 36 inches high. The countertop box is 34.5 inches high, and most countertop materials are 1.5 inches thick, making the complete measurement 36 inches or 3 feet.

Do countertops sit on top of cabinets?

Countertops are typically installed after flooring, cabinets, and appliances. This is true for both new builds, and remodeling projects. Since countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation.

How high should cabinets be for an 8 foot ceiling?

8 Ft Ceilings – use a 39″ or 42″ upper cabinet

It is generally recommended that wall cabinets be mounted 54 inches up from the floor, which means that for 8 foot ceilings, a 39 or 42 inch upper cabinet will reach the ceiling, depending on the height of the crown molding used at the top of the cabinet.

How high should cabinets be for a 10 foot ceiling?

Also, you could use 12” cabinets above the 42” ones and then fill the gaps with crown moldings or other decorative work. → For 10-foot-tall ceilings, the best option would be to have cabinetry makers build the custom cabinets to fit the space perfectly.

How far do countertops come out from wall?

In general, the recommended countertop overhang is between 1 and 1.5 inches. 'The standard overhang measurement is based on the fact that most people find this distance be the perfect place to rest their forearms while food prep is taking place,' notes Chris Alexakis, founder of CabinetSelect.

Should countertop be lighter or darker than backsplash?

So, if you have lighter cabinets and countertops, you should incorporate a darker backsplash to provide more visual interest and depth to your space. When you have darker cabinets and countertops, you should bring in a lighter backsplash to make your kitchen feel fresh and inviting.

What is it called when the countertop goes up the wall?

For years now, the 4-inch backsplash has been standard in most spec homes and continues to be a popular choice. If you're not familiar with the concept, it's that slab of countertop that goes up the wall about 4 inches.

Why do kitchen cabinets not go to the ceiling?

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.

What to do with kitchen cabinets that don t go all the way to the ceiling?

  1. Fill in the space with trim. If the gap between your upper cabinets and the ceiling isn't particularly large, you can fill it in with trim running along the top of your upper cabinets. ...
  2. Fill in the space with a furr down. Furr down? ...
  3. Fill the space with trim in a contrasting color. ...
  4. Install really tall upper cabinets.

What is the empty space above kitchen cabinets called?

By Admin May 28, 2021. Kitchen soffits are usually installed above your cabinets, closing the gaps between the cabinets and ceiling.

How wide should kitchen be between counters?

Kitchen workspaces, which may include both perimeter counters and kitchen islands, should be spaced apart at the following distance: In a single-cook kitchen, at least 42 inches is required. In a kitchen where multiple cooks may be employed, the minimum working space is 48 inches.

Why are kitchen counters 36 inches?

3 foot or 36 inches rule for standard kitchen dimensions

Broadly speaking, the average height of people falls between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 8 inches. On this standard, there is a concept that the top of worktop to fall about 92 cm (36 inches or 914 mm) above the floor will make average people feel comfortable.

How do I arrange my kitchen space?

  1. Add dividers to give cabinets order. ...
  2. Use pull-out shelves. ...
  3. Rack and stack baking sheets and cutting boards. ...
  4. Organize lids with dividers. ...
  5. Employ a lazy Susan for a kitchen cabinet or countertop. ...
  6. Use a divider to stack pots and pans. ...
  7. Add a rolling can holder. ...
  8. Use risers to get more storage in each shelf.

Previous article
Can Dawn and vinegar unclog drain?
Next article
Is veneer stronger than laminate?