My Experience With Kitchen Base Cabinets

As someone who loves to cook and spend time in the kitchen, I know how important it is to have a functional and practical kitchen layout. When I first moved into my current home, I quickly realized that my kitchen base cabinets were not as tall as I would have liked them to be. This made it difficult to store larger items and caused me to constantly crouch down to reach items at the back of the cabinets. After doing some research, I learned more about the standard height of kitchen base cabinets and how to choose the right height for your needs.

How Tall Are Kitchen Base Cabinets?

The standard height for kitchen base cabinets is 34.5 inches, which includes the height of the cabinet and the countertop. However, you can also choose to have custom cabinets made that are taller or shorter to fit your specific needs. It is important to take into consideration the height of the people who will be using the cabinets, as well as the types of items that will be stored inside.

Step-by-Step Guide for Choosing the Right Height

1. Measure the height of the people who will be using the cabinets the most.
2. Determine what types of items will be stored in the cabinets and measure their height.
3. Add the height of the tallest person to the height of the tallest item and add a few extra inches for clearance.
4. This total height should be the minimum height for your kitchen base cabinets.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Consider installing pull-out shelves or drawers to make it easier to access items at the back of the cabinet.
2. Choose cabinets with adjustable shelves to maximize storage space.
3. Consider adding a toe-kick drawer for extra storage space.
4. Install cabinets with glass doors to display decorative items or dishes.
5. Choose cabinets with built-in dividers to keep items organized.
6. Use open shelves instead of cabinets for a more modern and open look.
7. Consider installing cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling for maximum storage space.
8. Choose cabinet hardware that is easy to grip and pull.
9. Install under-cabinet lighting to make it easier to see inside the cabinets.
10. Consider adding a pull-out trash can or recycling bin to keep the kitchen tidy.

Pros and Cons of Different Heights

Choosing the right height for your kitchen base cabinets can have a big impact on the functionality and overall design of your kitchen. Here are some pros and cons of different cabinet heights:

Standard Height (34.5 inches)

• Pros: Fits most people, easy to find pre-made cabinets, standard height for appliances.
• Cons: Not ideal for taller individuals or larger items, may require crouching or bending to access items at the back.

Taller Cabinets (36-42 inches)

• Pros: Ideal for taller individuals, provides more storage space, can be customized to fit your needs.
• Cons: May require custom cabinets, may be too tall for shorter individuals.

Shorter Cabinets (30-33 inches)

• Pros: Ideal for shorter individuals, provides more counter space, can be customized to fit your needs.
• Cons: May require custom cabinets, not ideal for taller individuals or larger items.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

After considering all of the options, I decided to have custom kitchen base cabinets made that were 36 inches tall. This allowed me to store larger items and eliminated the need to constantly crouch down to reach items at the back of the cabinets. I also added pull-out shelves and dividers to make it easier to organize and access items. Overall, I am very happy with my decision and would suggest considering custom cabinets if the standard height does not meet your needs.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can I install cabinets that are higher than the standard height?

A: Yes, you can have custom cabinets made that are taller than the standard height. However, it is important to consider the height of the people who will be using the cabinets and to ensure that the cabinets are still functional and practical for your needs.

Q: How do I know if I need taller or shorter cabinets?

A: Measure the height of the people who will be using the cabinets the most and consider the types of items that will be stored inside. Add the height of the tallest person to the height of the tallest item and add a few extra inches for clearance. This total height should be the minimum height for your kitchen base cabinets.

Q: Can I install open shelves instead of cabinets?

A: Yes, open shelves can be a great option for a more modern and open look. However, it is important to consider the amount of dust that may accumulate on the shelves and to ensure that the items being stored are aesthetically pleasing.