What height should kitchen cabinets be above counter?

Author: Preston Mayert  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

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. This gives enough space to put things like toaster ovens and blenders.

How high should cabinets be above a countertop?

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.

Is 37 inches too high for a kitchen countertop?

The standard height should be between 38”-39” for people above-average height. 32” is good for below-average height people. In case of disabled people and wheelchair users, the height of countertop should be 31”-34”.

What is the standard height for upper cabinet blocking?

Achieving the perfect blocking height can make a world of difference in how you use your kitchen. So, what is the ideal height for blocking your kitchen cabinets? Typically, the standard height for upper kitchen cabinets is around 54 inches from the floor, which allows for a comfortable reach for most people.

What is the average height of upper kitchen cabinets?

The average wall or upper kitchen cabinets are 30”-42” in Height, 12”-24” in Depth, and 9”-36” in Width.

KINRAZ- A Basic Size Kitchen Cabinet Wall Layout

What is code height for upper cabinets?

The standard height for upper cabinets from the floor is 54 inches, or 4 feet and 6 inches. This means the bottom of the upper cabinets should be this far from the floor. This comes from the sum of 34-and-a half-inch base cabinets, a 1-and-a-half inch thick countertop, and an 18-inch backsplash.

What is the standard height of overhead kitchen cabinets?

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.

What height pull for upper cabinets?

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.

What is the height of a kitchen from the floor?

Kitchen – The standard kitchen counter height is 36 inches (3 feet) above the floor. Kitchen islands designed for bar-style seating can climb as high as 42 inches.

Should cabinets go to the ceiling?

In the past, upper cabinets were generally either 32” or 36” tall, and so leaving a gap between them and the ceiling was standard. Today, many people prefer cabinets that reach the ceiling. It can give a cleaner, more streamlined look, and it increases a cabinet's storage capacity.

What is the most common kitchen counter height?

The average kitchen countertop height is typically around 36 inches from the floor to the top surface of the countertop. Most base cabinets are 34.5 inches high, and most countertop materials are around 1.5 inches thick, totaling 3 feet for overall counter height.

What is the code for kitchen counter height?

The industry standard for kitchen countertop height is about 36 inches above the floor. In fact, this standard is so universal, cabinetmakers build all cabinets to a height of 34-1/2 inches as the average countertop thickness is about an inch and a half.

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 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.

What is the difference between 30 and 36 kitchen cabinets?

30-inch Cabinets: These are ideal for kitchens with lower ceilings or where additional space above the cabinets is desired for decorations or open shelving. 36-inch Cabinets: Common in kitchens with standard 8-foot ceilings, offering a good balance between storage and appearance.

What brands of kitchen cabinets does Lowes carry?

Lowe's offers a variety of custom cabinets and semi-custom cabinets from several different manufacturers to meet your style and construction preferences and exceed your every expectation. Shop KraftMaid cabinets, Shenandoah cabinets, Diamond cabinets and Schuler Cabinetry cabinets.

How high should kitchen cabinets be off the floor?

However, a good rule of thumb is to have your kitchen wall cabinets be somewhere between 36 and 42 inches from the floor. Wall cabinets should be 18 inches from the floor to avoid obstructing counter space and range hood access.

What is the height of a dishwasher?

WHAT IS THE STANDARD DISHWASHER SIZE? The standard dishwasher size is typically 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches tall.

What is the counter height for stools?

Counter-Height Stools

Slightly higher than a dining table, the height of a counter-height table or eating surface will be between 35 and 40 inches tall. A counter-height bar stool will have a seat height from 22 to 26 inches.

What is the 1 3 rule for cabinet pulls?

According to this rule, the length of the pull should be approximately one-third the width of the drawer or cabinet door. This creates a visually pleasing ratio that complements the overall design while maintaining functionality. For example, on a 30-inch-wide drawer, a 10-inch pull would follow the 1/3 rule.

What is the average height of kitchen cabinets?

For the cabinet box, the standard height is 34.5”. When combined with the countertop, the standard kitchen cabinet is 36” in height.

What ceiling height do upper kitchen cabinets need to be?

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.

What is the minimum walkway in a kitchen?

The work aisle (where you stand while working in the kitchen) should be at least 42 inches wide. Walkways within the kitchen should be at least 36 inches and should not cross the work triangle.

What is the ADA height for kitchen cabinets?

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.

What is the space between counter and overhead cabinets?

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. This measurement accounts for the distance from the counter's surface to the lower edge of the upper cabinets.

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