What is a Standard Kitchen Cupboard Size?

If you’re undertaking a kitchen renovation, sticking to standard kitchen cupboard sizes is a smart move that can help you avoid plenty of headaches down the track—but what is the standard kitchen cupboard size in Australia?

Read on and we’ll fill you in on everything you need to know so you can get your kitchen design on point from the beginning.

Key Summary

Standard kitchen cupboard size refers to the typical dimensions that most kitchen cabinets are manufactured to.

What is a Standard Kitchen Cupboard Size?

When designing a kitchen you’ll have the option between custom-designed cabinets which are built to your exact specifications and off-the-shelf cabinets which are manufactured to a standard set of dimensions.

While standard kitchen cupboard size can vary slightly between manufacturers, most manufacturers follow a standard set of width, depth and height measurements to ensure good ergonomics and compatibility between cabinets when used in combination with each other.

What Are the Standard Kitchen Cupboard Sizes in Australia?

Standard kitchen cupboards typically range in width from 300mm up to a maximum of 1200mm in the following increments:

• 300mm
• 350mm
• 400mm
• 450mm
• 500mm
• 550mm
• 600mm
• 700mm
• 800mm
• 900mm
• 1000mm
• 1100mm
• 1200mm

Kitchens typically include a variety of different types of cabinets to suit different purposes. While cabinet widths are relatively consistent between different cabinet types, the standard height and depth measurements can vary between base/floor, wall and tall/pantry cabinets.

Let’s take a look at the standard height and depth dimensions for each type of cabinet…

Standard Sizes for Base/Floor Cabinets

It’s important to note that standard depth measurements don’t include the width of the cabinet door, which adds an additional 20mm to the finished depth of the cupboard. 

The total depth of the finished cupboard including the door is typically 580mm, allowing the benchtop to project 20mm over the cabinetry below.

Standard Sizes for Wall Cabinets

Standard wall cabinets typically feature a shallower depth than base/floor cabinets to allow for greater headspace, making the area easier and more comfortable to work in.

Standard Sizes for Tall/Pantry Cabinets

Other Important Measurements to Consider

In addition to cabinet size, there are also some other measurements that are important to take into consideration when designing your kitchen.

• Standard Kickboard Height: Kickboard heights can range between 100mm to 200mm, however they are usually 150mm tall and sit 50mm behind the front of the base cabinet carcass.

• Standard Bench Height: A standard kitchen bench height will sit between 850mm to 1000mm from the floor, with a height of either 900mm or 950mm thought to be ideal.

• Standard Benchtop Depth: A standard benchtop is 600mm deep, allowing the benchtop to hang 20mm over the front of the finished floor cabinet (including the doors).

• Cupboard doors: Cupboard doors will add an additional 20mm to the total/finished depth of the cabinets. Cupboards with a width of 450mm or less will typically include a single door, cupboards with a width of 600mm will have the option of either a single door or double doors, and cupboards with a width of 750mm or more will include double doors.

• Internal clear cabinet space: Standard dimensions refer to the exterior measurements of the cabinet. You’ll need to subtract the width of each panel (20mm) from the exterior dimensions to calculate the internal clear cabinet space.

• The total kitchen height: Total kitchen height would ideally be around 2200mm, however this can vary. The total height is typically calculated by adding the kickboard height and pantry height (e.g. 2070mm + 150mm = 2200mm), or adding the heights of the kickboard, base cabinets, benchtop thickness, splashback and wall cabinets (e.g. 150mm + 720mm + 40mm + 600mm + 720mm = 2230mm).

• Splashback height: While splashback height can be as small as 450mm, the standard splashback height is 600mm. If the space includes a sink and wall units, the splashback should be at least 600mm tall. It’s also helpful to know that if your kitchen has a gas cooktop, the range hood will need to sit at least 650mm above a gas hob (however some manufacturers will recommend more).

Is It Smart To Deviate From Standard Kitchen Cabinet Size?

Opting for standard cabinet dimensions is beneficial from a design standpoint as it will ensure generally good ergonomics and that all of your selections will be compatible. However, if you like the idea of including built-in or integrated appliances in your new kitchen, this can’t be achieved using standard cabinets. 

Your kitchen also needs to be fit for purpose and tailored to the way you like to cook and use the space. For that reason, you shouldn’t be afraid to deviate away from standard dimensions, keeping in mind that your kitchen still needs to be usable and appealing to others should you ever decide to sell the property.

If you would prefer not to be restricted to following standard kitchen dimensions, it’s always best to work with a custom kitchen builder like Mint Kitchens who can guide you through the design process to make the right cabinetry selections, and ensure your kitchen is both beautiful and practical.

At Mint Kitchens, We Take Care of the Details

Are you planning a kitchen renovation in Melbourne? When you choose Mint Kitchens, we’ll pay attention to the finer details so you don’t have to.

As a fully custom kitchen builder, we aren’t restricted to following standard cabinet dimensions. This allows us complete flexibility to design your kitchen to be exactly how you want it, while fully utilising all available space. We’ll manage the entire project from start to finish while guiding you through the process of choosing your finishes and selections to help you create a space of true distinction.

Find out more about our kitchen renovations or book a tour of a showroom near you.

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