Cabinet sizes are mostly fixed in depth and height and variable in width. Base units run 150–900 mm wide at 600 mm deep; wall units 300–1,000 mm wide at 300–350 mm deep; tall units are 600 mm wide and 2,100–2,400 mm high. The width is where the design lives, and where custom cost starts.
Base widths run 150–900 mm, with 600 mm the most common.
Wall widths run 300–1,000 mm at 300–350 mm deep.
Drawer cabinets run 300–900 mm; above 900 mm they are usually split.
Blind corners use a 900 × 900 mm footprint.
Custom widths cost more; standard widths cost less and ship faster.
1. Base cabinets
| Width | Typical use | Door or drawer |
|---|---|---|
| 150–300 mm | Spice, tray, pull-out | Single door or pull-out |
| 400–500 mm | Narrow base, bin | Single door |
| 600 mm | Standard base, drawer stack | Single door or 3 drawers |
| 700–800 mm | Sink, hob | Double door |
| 900 mm | Wide drawer, corner | Double door or 2 drawers |
600 mm is the workhorse. Most kitchens are a mix of 600 mm units plus a few narrow or wide units to close the run. A run that is all custom widths is a design choice, not a necessity.
2. Wall cabinets
| Width | Typical use | Door |
|---|---|---|
| 300–400 mm | Narrow wall, spice | Single door |
| 500–600 mm | Standard wall | Single door |
| 700–800 mm | Double wall | Double door |
| 900–1,000 mm | Wide wall, plate storage | Double door |
Wall cabinets above 600 mm usually need double doors, because a single door that wide is heavy and swings too far.
3. Tall cabinets
Tall units are 600 mm wide and 2,100–2,400 mm high, with 2,400 mm the common height for a full-height larder. Widths of 600 mm fit ovens and fridge housings; 900 mm fits a fridge and a larder side by side. Confirm appliance dimensions before fixing the width.
4. Drawer cabinets
Drawer widths run 300–900 mm. A 600 mm drawer is the standard; 900 mm is the practical maximum before the box needs heavier runners and the face starts to flex. Deep drawers for pots are usually 600 mm wide and 500 mm deep.
5. Corner and sink cabinets
| Type | Footprint | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Blind corner | 900 × 900 mm | Carousel or pull-out recovers space |
| L-shape corner | 1,000 × 1,000 mm | Two runs meet |
| Sink base | 800–1,200 mm | Depends on sink size |
| Hob base | 600–900 mm | Depends on hob |
Corner cabinets are where the layout and the cabinet schedule must agree. A 900 mm corner with a 600 mm door leaves 300 mm blind, which is why carousel fittings exist.
6. Standard versus custom
Standard widths cost less because the factory amortises setup across many units. Custom widths are normal on projects, but each one adds cost and lead time. Use standard widths where the design allows and reserve custom widths for the places that matter. The dimensions guide covers depth and height.
7. Reading a size schedule
A size schedule should list type, width, height, depth and door configuration for every unit. If it lists only widths, the heights and depths are being assumed, which is where errors enter. Check the schedule against the appliance list before release.
8. Common sizing mistakes
Three mistakes recur: using a 600 mm base where a 500 mm would close the run, forgetting the filler at the wall, and specifying a 900 mm drawer without checking the runner rating. Each is cheap to fix on paper and expensive on site.
9. A checklist before you commit
Before you sign, confirm six things: the board grade, the hardware model, the finish system, the packing standard, the inspection scope and the payment schedule. Each should be in writing, not in a call. The quote checklist turns the six into a one-page comparison.
10. Common mistakes
The most common mistake is comparing a factory price with a landed cost. The second is leaving the inspection out of the budget. The third is paying the balance before the inspection is signed off. Each is avoidable with a written scope and a pre-shipment inspection.
11. How to measure the room
Measure each wall at three points, top, middle and bottom, and use the smallest. Walls are rarely square, and a 10 mm bow over three metres changes the filler. Measure the ceiling at each corner and note sockets, radiators and soil pipes before drawing. A measured survey saves more time than a faster drawing, and the measuring guide has a printable sheet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common base cabinet width?
600 mm (24 in). It fits a single door or a drawer stack and works with most standard appliances.
How wide can a drawer cabinet be?
300–900 mm. Above 900 mm the drawer box needs heavier runners and the face can flex, so wide drawers are usually split.
What size is a blind corner cabinet?
900 × 900 mm is the common footprint, with a 600 mm door and a blind panel. Carousel or pull-out fittings recover the lost corner.
How wide should a sink base be?
800–1,200 mm depending on the sink. A 600 mm sink needs at least an 800 mm cabinet to leave room for the tap and waste.
Can wall cabinets be deeper than 350 mm?
Yes, but they project over the worktop and reduce headroom. Above 350 mm, consider a tall unit instead.
Do cabinet widths have to be standard?
No. Custom widths are normal on projects, but every non-standard width adds cost and lead time. Use standard widths where the design allows.
