To keep things ergonomic and reachable, cabinet depths typically don’t go deeper than a couple of feet. Here are the standard depths for base, wall, and tall cabinets.
Base Cabinet Depth
Standard base cabinets are typically 24 inches deep, excluding any countertop overhang. Deeper base cabinets can make it challenging to access the back of the counter or plug in appliances. Since countertops typically extend beyond the front of the base cabinets, the overall depth, including the countertop, usually measures between 25 and 26 inches, depending on the edge detailing.
There are also 12-inch, 15-inch, and 18-inch deep cabinets available, although not all manufacturers carry them in stock. Keep in mind that seeking custom or uncommon widths can drive up the cost of kitchen cabinets, which run between $2,000 to $10,200.
Wall Cabinet Depth
Wall cabinet depths are usually 12, 15, 18, or 24 inches. Typically, wall cabinets have a depth of 12 inches, striking a good balance between effective storage space and usable countertop area. When positioned above microwave ovens, it is common to have wall cabinets with a depth of 15 to 18 inches.
Tall Cabinet Depth
Tall cabinets typically come in either 12-inch or 24-inch depths. A 12-inch depth is the standard for basic tall cabinets that store canned foods, dry goods, and other nonperishable food items. On the other hand, a 24-inch depth works well as a utility cabinet that stores brooms, mops, and countertop appliances.
Standard Kitchen Cabinet Widths
Cabinet widths are much more customizable, with measurements spanning across a wide variety of numbers. These are the standard widths to consider when factoring cabinets into your total kitchen remodel cost.
Base Cabinet Width
Standard base cabinet widths range from 9 to 48 inches, with measurements in three-inch increments. Base cabinets and wall cabinets will typically come in the same width sizes.
Wall Cabinet Width
Similar to base cabinets, wall cabinets come in standard widths ranging from 9 to 48 inches, with measurements going in three-inch increments. However, widths that go any higher than 36 inches are far less common.
Tall Cabinet Width
Tall cabinets are commonly offered in widths of 12 inches, 24 inches, and 36 inches. A 12-inch cabinet is suitable for a narrow pantry in a tight space, with 24-inch widths being the most common and versatile size.
Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets cost $6,195 on average to install, but the size, material, and type of cabinets will greatly impact the price. Prefabricated cabinets cost $100 to $300 per linear foot, while custom cabinets cost between $13,000 and $30,000 to install. Wood veneer is a less expensive cabinet material, but stainless steel is extremely costly.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Labor for cabinet installation costs between $50 and $150 per linear foot, so if you choose to DIY, you can save some money. However, you’ll need tools and experience to install your own kitchen cabinets, as well as some help. Leveling, cutting, and hanging cabinets is a big job, and many homeowners find hiring a local cabinet contractor is well worth the cost.
