Explore Base Cabinets
Have you wondered what standard base cabinet sizes are? How about which cabinet line is the best option for you? Maybe you want to learn how to install base cabinets. If that’s you, explore our base cabinet guide below. We go over everything from ‘what is a base cabinet?’ to frequently asked questions and more.
What is a Base Cabinet?
Base cabinets are the boxes that sit on the floor and provide a countertop workspace. The base cabinet box carries most of the kitchen’s supplies including pots and pans, dry food storage, dishes and snacks. Drawer base cabinets, roll-out trays and pull-out trash cabinets are some of the most popular choices in kitchen remodels today.
Kitchen base cabinets come in a standard 34-½ inch height allowing room for a 1-½" countertop. This makes the overall work surface height 36 inches tall. In some cases, homeowners will request a baking center designed at a lower 30-inch height. The lower base cabinet sizes make it easier to roll cookie dough, bake bread and more.
Vanity base cabinets also come in both 30 and 36-inch heights. Lower heights used to be standard. However, as design standards have changed, more professionals are opting for taller base cabinets because of age-in-place standards and ergonomic reasons.
Explore a sampling of base cabinet accessories and some common differences between cabinet lines below.
RTA Base Cabinets
RTA cabinets are a great choice for anyone who wants to accomplish their project on a smaller budget. This cabinet line also offers faster shipping ranging from 1 – 3 weeks depending on the door style. This line is available to purchase online as a self-serve option.However, if you need help, CliqStudios designers would be happy to help you with your RTA cabinet design.
Custom Base Cabinets
Custom cabinets are the perfect option for someone who needs specific cabinet solutions. While these cabinets are not shoppable online, they offer almost unlimited cabinet accessories, door styles and finishes in addition to custom requests. All custom cabinets can be ordered with assistance from a CliqStudios designer.
How to Install Base Cabinets
To install base cabinets properly, use the following step-by-step instructions for the best results. Visit the CliqStudios video library for more cabinet installation tips today.
- Start base cabinet installation after all wall cabinets have been installed. Remove all cabinet doors, drawers from drawer base cabinets and accessories before starting the installation process.
- Identify all stud locations and mark them on your walls.
- Starting with your corner base cabinet, measure from the corner to the first wall stud on the back of your cabinet and make a mark. Repeat this step for the next stud location on each cabinet.
- Measure down 2 inches from the top of the stud location, and 2 inches up from the bottom of the stud location and draw a line intersecting the two measurements.
- Drill through the base cabinet back using a 3/32-inch drill bit and repeat this process for all stud locations.
- Move the base cabinet into place and check that it’s level and plumb.
- Follow the floor high-point levels and shim where necessary.
- Fasten the cabinet to the wall with #8 x 2-½" pan head trim screws, but don’t fully tighten them. As you move on to the sink base cabinet, always measure your base cabinet locations using the front face frame reveal if you purchased framed cabinets since it’s wider than the cabinet box.
- Align the next cabinet box up to the corner base cabinet shimming where necessary. Clamp the face frames together using a C-clamp and repeat the same installation process.
- Drill 3/32-inch pilot holes through the face frame followed by counter-syncing the drill holes.
- Use beeswax to coat the pan head trim screws to avoid resistance and cracking the face frames, then screw the cabinet face frames together.
- Continue around the room until all base cabinets have been installed.
- Return to each cabinet making sure once more they are level and plumb, then tighten all the screws and base cabinet installation is complete.
- Contact your CliqStudios designer with questions on your floor plan or installation.
Where to Buy Base Cabinets
CliqStudios offers base cabinets in standard and custom sizing with any type of cabinet storage. We offer drawer base cabinets, microwave base cabinets, roll-out trays and much more. Options are available in all CliqStudios cabinet lines from RTA to Craftsman so you can get your dream design in any style and budget. Shop our base cabinets to complete your kitchen and bath design now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a base cabinet?
Base cabinets are the boxes that sit on the floor in the kitchen. Countertops are placed on top of the base cabinet to provide a functional work surface to prep and cook food. These boxes contain most of the kitchen’s tools like cutlery, pots and pans, dry goods, dishes and snacks. Drawer base cabinets, roll-out trays and pull-out trash cabinets are some of the most popular base cabinets today. View CliqStudios wide assortment of base cabinets now!
Are all base cabinets 24 inches deep?
The industry standard for base cabinet dimensions is 24 inches deep. But if you choose a semi-custom or custom cabinet line most of the specifications are customizable. This is especially helpful in kitchen designs or bathrooms with odd layouts. Do you need custom base cabinets for your design? Contact a CliqStudios designer now!
Do base cabinets have to be perfectly level?
Yes, base cabinets need to be level for all countertops, but especially quartz and granite. Larger countertop slabs can become stressed when they are at odd angles. If you have concerns about level base cabinets, do your research about installation, watch videos and use plenty of shims to make sure they are level.
While installing base cabinets, do not tighten any screws into the walls until your cabinets are level. Once you verify everything is square, tighten all the screws. If you still find installation concerning, consider hiring an installation professional.
What is the minimum height for base cabinets?
Kitchen base cabinets come in a minimum height of 34-½ inches tall or 36 inches with countertop. Vanity base cabinets are similar, but still offer shorter options in 28-½ for an overall height of 30 inches. The height of base cabinets can be changed depending on your preferences, but kitchens and bathrooms also need to abide by certain codes and restrictions.
How shallow can a base cabinet be?
Overall depth of a base cabinet can be reduced to 6 – 9 inches generally, but this will vary by cabinet line. The best way to understand the limitations of your cabinet line is by speaking with a designer. CliqStudios designers have four cabinet lines to offer in varying price ranges to meet any design need. Contact a CliqStudios designer today to get started!
What are standard base cabinet sizes?
Standard base cabinet widths are 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36 and 42 inches. For more customized needs, consider custom cabinet lines. These lines are not limited to width, depth or even height. CliqStudios Craftsman line offers many customizations and almost limitless door styles and finishes. Contact a CliqStudios designer for more information on Craftsman cabinets now!
What is the standard base cabinet height and depth?
Kitchen base cabinets come in a standard 24-inch depth and 34-½ inch height allowing room for a 1-½" countertop. This makes the overall work surface height 36 inches tall. In some cases, homeowners will request a baking center designed at a lower 30-inch height. The lower height makes it easier to roll out cookie dough, bake bread and more.
Vanity base cabinet heights also come in both 30 and 36-inch heights and a standard 21-inch depth. Lower 30-inch heights used to be standard. However, as design has changed, more professionals are opting for taller base cabinets for their clients because of age-in-place standards and ergonomic reasons.
Can you use wall cabinets as base cabinets?
Yes, wall cabinets can be used as base cabinets and much more. Think of all cabinets as customizable puzzle pieces. They have standard functions but can be used elsewhere to create a unique and custom design.
Some popular ways to use wall-mounted cabinets are custom bookcases, shallow base cabinets on the back of an island, custom shallow pantries, built-ins and benches, entertainment centers and custom wall oven cabinets. If you need custom base cabinet solutions, talk to a CliqStudios designer today!
Can base cabinets be less than 24 inches deep?
Yes, base cabinets are customizable when you purchase them through custom and semi-custom cabinet companies. Semi-custom brands offer depth reductions in 1-inch increments with a typical minimum depth of 6 inches. Custom brands can accommodate any measurement you request. Keep in mind drawer base cabinets are limited in depth so talk to a designer for more information. For help with custom requests, contact a CliqStudios designer today!
