Cabinet Height From Countertop - 3 Essential Things to Know

Cabinet height from countertop is important for proper cabinet organization. We'll discuss three important areas that require an accurate measurement.

When you're looking at kitchen storage drawers, you'll notice that they are always placed directly against the countertop. You should always get a cabinet door that's wide enough to provide clearance for these drawers. Some drawers will extend to the center of the countertop, even though the manufacturer indicates that they are meant to be installed against the surface. If the drawer space is too short, the drawer itself will not fit and will hang out of the drawer's track.

Keep your freezer below the level of the countertop, as it will not reach. To measure cabinet height from countertop, stand directly under the door that faces the kitchen sink or toaster. Hold the bottom of the door with a sturdy flat object such as a pencil. Look into the opening, and make sure that the entire door is above the level of the countertop. If it's too low, the door won't even be able to close; it will remain partially open, and the freezer door will hang down off the countertop.

For drawer pullouts, do the same thing with the top drawer in each drawer. Pullout doors will usually be installed directly above the drawers, which means that the drawer's track will be above the countertop. Some drawer pullouts can be installed under the countertop, but unless it's just a small pullout, it shouldn't require this much clearance, so do not install it against the countertop.

Place a light fixture and other decorative items where you need them, and consider using ornamental posts or hanging lights for a head-turner to stop by and admire. If there's any movement or spillage, the screws holding the cabinet in place could move, tipping the cabinet. Placing the light fixture against the wall next to the door also helps prevent any shifting.

When planning a new kitchen, it's important to be aware of all of the factors involved in cabinet height from countertop. It's easy to forget the key things that affect a specific drawer pullout. Using these three basics will help you plan properly.

Countertops are typically finished in either white or cream, and they are available in several different finishes. The most popular finish is wood stain, which can have a gold, chocolate, or blue tone. If you prefer a shiny finish, look for a stain that matches the cabinets' finish or use your favorite color.

By being familiar with the basic elements that affect cabinet height from countertop, you'll ensure that your kitchen draws are installed correctly. This is one area where a simple preparation will really make a difference in the appearance of your home.