30 inch or 36 inch wall cabinets are ideal for kitchens with 8 foot ceilings. The height you decide on may be based on the presence of crown molding or soffits in your kitchen design. 42 inch wall cabinets work well in kitchens with ceilings that are 9 feet or taller.
If you have an 8-foot ceiling, you can use 39” or 42” upper cabinets and reach the ceiling (since wall cabinets are mounted 54” up from the floor). Which size you use will depend on the height of the crown molding that you use at the top of the cabinet.
It eliminates the awkward gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, which is often a dust collector and can be challenging to clean. The seamless flow of cabinetry from floor to ceiling creates a visually pleasing, uncluttered appearance.
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.
Some go to ceiling, some sit lower, some have the 12'' stacked cabinet. I would go with 8' ceilings for cost savings, but if you are past design phase and into build phase then stick with the 9'. Consider having tops finished with wood shelves for easy clean surfaces. Display pottery or treasured collectibles.
The most common heights available are 30cm, 70cm and 90cms. However, your overhead cabinet height is influenced by what is happening below it. For example, overhead or upper cabinets near cooktops need a minimum clearance of 600mm, or 700mm if near a gas stove.
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.
Upper cabinets should have bottom shelves no more than 48 inches above the floor so wheelchair users can easily access them. Bottom cabinets must not exceed 34 inches from the floor, including counters. The lower height makes it easier for those with mobility issues or who use wheelchairs to reach and utilize them.
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.
Size and space: Consider the size and space of your kitchen. In smaller kitchens, lighter cabinets and walls can create the illusion of space and make it feel larger and more airy. On the other hand, in larger kitchens, darker cabinets can anchor the space and prevent it from feeling too expansive.
You can also anchor the cabinet to the drywall using French cleats or toggle screws, but only if you also secure it to a stud. Heavy cabinetry shouldn't be attached solely to drywall.
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.
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.
For pulls (having two screws) on upper cabinets, the pull should be centered horizontally on the door stile and the bottom hole should be placed 2-1/2” up from the bottom of the door. For lower cabinets the upper hole should be placed vertically, 2-1/2” down from the top of the door.
Most homes built in the last 50 years have kitchen cabinets that are 32 or 36 inches tall, installed so there is a gap of 1 to 2 feet between the tops of the cabinets and 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.
The ceiling height- cabinets that run to ceiling height can be simple standard cabinets, or they can be bespoke. For 8-foot tall ceilings, 42-inch-tall wall cabinets will fit perfectly, while for 9-foot tall ceilings, you will need to stack cabinets which can be achieved very effectively.
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.
Occupiable spaces, habitable spaces and corridors shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm). Bathrooms, toilet rooms, kitchens, storage rooms and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).
32 ½” of overall cabinet height: Cabinets need to be an overall height of 32 ½” in order to be compliant with the ADA. 9” deep/high toe kick: The toe kick of your kitchen cabinets needs to be at least 9”. The toe kick is the space under the bottom cabinets that the cabinet hangs over.
Since the 1970's, the traditional ceiling height in American homes has been 8 feet or 96 inches. If your kitchen is outfitted with 36” cabinets, then you are left with about a foot space above the cabinetry.
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.
Ceiling heights for kitchen cabinets – Things to consider
Typically, kitchen ceilings are either 9 feet (108 inches) high or 8 feet (96 inches). The two heights give you a few options.