A good kitchen should feel like it was tailor-made for you.
Countertop height affects your body. When your forearm is at a 90° angle, the countertop height should be level with your wrist bone. For most people, this height is approximately 36 inches.
We believe that the ideal cabinets are those that perfectly fit your kitchen, taking into full consideration your height, usage habits, and the available space in your home.
Table of Contents
Cabinets Types & Typical Sizes
Tall Cabinets
Base Cabinets
Wall Cabinets
Send us the ceiling height, electrical equipment list, and house floor plans, and we will help you customize the cabinets that best suit your needs.
Oven Cabinets & Appliance Planning
Start with the oven, not the cabinet. Pick the exact model and read its spec sheet. Most wall ovens are 24/27/30 inches wide and need a 24″ deep cabinet.
The cut-out size is a little smaller than the oven’s outside size—follow the sheet exactly. Keep a place for the plug and cable so the oven doesn’t hit anything when it slides in.
For comfort, set a single wall oven so the bottom is about 30″–34″ above the floor. Put a microwave or speed oven at eye level (handle around 44″–48″ above the floor) so hot dishes are easy to lift.
In a tall oven tower, stack with a shelf or drawer between units for air flow. Leave vent space at the back/top/bottom, and make a small service panel so future repairs don’t mean taking the whole cabinet apart.
How to Lay Out Your Kitchen
Start with the way you move. Picture a smooth line: fridge → sink → prep → cooktop/oven. Put the fridge near the entry, keep the sink in the middle, and keep the cook zone away from busy walkways.
Leave room to move: about 42″ for one cook, 48″ for two. Around an island, aim for 42″–48″ clear. If you plan seating, allow 24″ width per stool and an overhang of 12″ (36″ counter) or 15″ (42″ bar).
Use a lazy susan or pull-outs so corner space isn’t wasted, and make sure doors don’t crash into each other. Group tall units—fridge, pantry, oven tower—on one wall and align the tops so the room feels calm and clean.
How to Measure Your Kitchen
Draw a floor plan of the room. Measure the net length of each wall (in millimeters if possible) and note the ceiling height. Mark the dimensions and opening directions of all doors and windows.
Label the locations of water, electricity, gas, and exhaust ducts (drainage, hot/cold water, gas, outlets, and exhaust hood pipes). Measure the planned locations for appliances and note the specific models.
Of course, this is a suggestion for homeowners with strong DIY skills. Generally, we recommend hiring a professional architect to create the drawings for you. This will result in more precise drawings.
How to Set Wall Cabinet Height
Start by measuring from the countertop. The standard countertop height is 36 inches. The common distance from the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets is 18 inches, so the bottom edge of the upper cabinets is approximately 54 inches above the floor.
At this height, most people can easily reach the first two shelves, accommodate a coffee maker and kettle, and leave space for a standard splash guard.
Adjustments can then be made based on height: for shorter individuals, the distance can be adjusted to 15–17 inches (bottom of wall cabinets 51–53 inches above the floor); for taller individuals or when appliances on the countertop are taller, use 18–20 inches (54–56 inches above the floor).
Finding Your Perfect Counter Height
The height of the island countertop depends on its use, your height, and whether you plan to sit at it. Most households choose 36 inches (the same height as the countertop).
If you frequently bake or roll dough, or if you need to make it easier for children, the elderly, or people with disabilities to reach, you can opt for a lower height of 34 inches to reduce strain.
Conclusion
The key to a functional kitchen lies in the right dimensions. Start with standard measurements (countertop 36 inches, countertop to wall cabinet approx. 18 inches, base cabinet depth 24 inches), then adjust based on your height and appliances.
Measure accurately and double-check, and your kitchen will be quiet, convenient, and durable. If necessary, send us your floor plan and appliance list, and we will help you get every dimension just right.
