Above the working surface of the kitchen is usually a long row of upper cabinets. When using the lower shelves of the upper tier, problems should not arise, however, it is more difficult to interact with the upper ones. Small people often have to stand on a chair to get an object from the top shelf. Nevertheless, proper planning of this section of the kitchen will avoid such inconveniences. If the height is correctly calculated, then for a low housewife only objects near the back wall of the uppermost shelf will be inaccessible. Many countries have also developed systems of standards regarding how high to hang kitchen cabinets. They took several years to form and take into account the different features of the kitchen facilities. The small height of the upper cabinets themselves can be compensated. In this regard, deep versions of the upper sections and roomy lower pedestals will come in handy.Open storage between the top of the headset and the ceiling is another alternative to high awnings.
Basic rules and standards for determining the mounting height
Under the height of the hanging cabinet is meant 2 indicators: the distance from the floor to the lower shelf and the upper level of placement. GOSTs have exact recommendations, however, it is easier to select the parameters yourself. Building standards differed at different times, so you have to "reckon" with the features of the premises, especially with the height of the ceiling. When deciding on the height of kitchen cabinets, there are 3 main factors to consider.
First of all, the purpose of the pedestals is taken into account: they can accommodate special modules. The second point is the location: above the lower tier or above free space. However, all these calculations are useless, if you do not take into account the growth of the person involved in cooking. From a design point of view, it is easier to install standard furniture - it successfully fits into the space.
Dimensions and height of the lower cabinets
Gosstandart provides for the height of the lower edge of the wall cabinets at the level of 135-150 cm, if they are mounted above the floor tier. The lower pedestals are always set flush, and their height is consistent with the growth of the owners. Usually the result is about 85-95 cm. The distance between the top of the lower tier and the lower edge of the upper is in the vast majority of cases within 45-60 cm, and leaving less than 45 cm is unacceptable. This interval (45-60 cm) is the normal distance for the apron of the kitchen working area.On this site, there should be a place for household appliances like a multicooker, microwave, food processor. If the supply to the bottom row is too small, then a person can bang his head when washing dishes. For the convenience of tall people, the distance can be more than 60 cm. If the owners are very tall, then the lower and upper rows of furniture are bought much higher.
Standard dimensions of the lower cabinets:
Height - 80-95 cm.
Depth - 50–70 cm.
The width (of one section) is 35–80 cm. However, there are narrow options, such as bottles.
The deeper the headset sections, the lower you need to place the top.
Height from the floor
Regardless of whether there is a lower tier of cabinets or not, there is a universal rule for placing the lower edge of wall-mounted cabinets - it should be below the shoulder level by about 5-7 cm. In this case, it makes sense to calculate the average for all adults. If the lower tier is absent, then the height of the lower edge at the level of 130-135 cm will allow to get accessories from the upper shelves without obstacles. It is estimated that a housewife of medium height (160-170 cm) in a standing position will be convenient to use a cabinet at a height of 1300-1900 mm. If you use a chair - it will become fully accessible box at the level of 1900-2400 mm. The placement height can be matched with optimal and best visibility. For a hostess with the above parameters, this is 140 and 165 cm, respectively. For her, a height of about 180 cm separates the zones of limited (lower) and least accessible (higher).
Upper limit of cabinet placement
They are repelled primarily by the distance between the hinged structure and the countertop. Otherwise, it all depends on the height of the sections. However, you should initially look for options for an optimal position along the upper boundary. There is no need for shelves at a height of 210-220 cm - even for tall housewives they will be uncomfortable. In kitchens with a ceiling below 2.6-2.7 m, a high headset placement will prevent the arrangement of the upper zone, if this was planned. In any case, before buying furniture on the wall, it is better to draw marks of the maximum allowable height at the top.It should be 20-25 cm above the growth of the tallest member of the family or the average height of adults. The indicator of the ideal height of the upper edge of the cabinets does not depend on compliance with the triangle rule or the configuration of the kitchen, whether it is U-shaped, angular, linear or double-row.
Important nuances to consider when choosing a height
Important aspects for determining height are:
adult growth;
dimensions of the upper modules;
dimensions of the lower cabinets;
location of the hob.
First of all, it is necessary to start from the dimensions of furniture elements, which is why they should be bought after preliminary calculations are made regarding the possible location and convenience for family members. Right at the point of sale, you can check the ergonomics of the wall and choose the configuration of the shelves. The highest of them should ideally be accessible to all adults and at least to the highest family members. It is important to determine the ideal height of the kitchen apron. If nothing prevents you from working conveniently with the sink, cutting surface and hob, you can leave only 45 cm on this element. This option is acceptable even for tall people. We should not forget about the spaciousness of both rows of the headset, and even more so, “sacrifice” it for the sake of accessibility of the upper shelves.
Cabinet Dimensions
Typical parameters of wall cabinets in the kitchen wall are within the following limits:
height - 35–70 cm;
width - 15-80 cm;
depth - 25–45 cm.
The height of the hinged tier depends on the size of the sections. And this applies not only to the upper, but also the lower elements of the headset. The standard height of the lower tier is 80–95 cm and consists of the height of the base, frame and tabletop thickness. The depth of the lower cabinets is usually 55-60 cm, but can be 10 cm less or more. The countertop extends beyond the edge of the pedestals by 3-5 cm. The lower boundary of the placement of the hinged structure is selected taking into account the above features.As for the upper cabinets themselves, regardless of height, it is customary to align them in a line along the upper edge. It is undesirable for the lower shelf of short drawers to be higher than 80–90 cm above the countertop. Cases with a height of 70 cm are hung so that the lower edge is not more than 65 cm from the tabletop, and 55 cm is a convenient option for most people. The second and third shelves should be at the optimum and maximum height, respectively.
Cooker hood and cooker hood
It is not recommended to mount cabinets above the stove itself, but this can be done over the hood. This solution in the interior has already become a classic. During installation, the minimum permissible height from the hob should be taken into account - 60 cm. It is most likely impossible to hang the cabinet flush with the adjacent sections. However, this is not all the difficulties - when heated, some materials emit hazardous compounds. Treated wood (e.g. chipboard) can emit formaldehyde and phenols from temperature exposure. The placement height also depends on the type of plate. It is recommended to leave a margin of 65–70 cm above the electric one, and a minimum of 75–80 cm above the gas supply. At this level, it is advisable to just place the hood, and just above the lockers. To accommodate furniture modules above the thermal extractor, special options for its configuration are provided.
Cabinets above the working surface of the hood practically do not increase the usable space - usually there is little space in them.
Take human growth into account
Be sure to take into account the growth of adult hosts. We measure precisely the average indicator. Moreover, if only one person regularly cooks in the kitchen, then there is no need to take into account average height. But still, the lower the shelves, the easier it is to operate them, regardless of the purpose for which they are used. So, if the average adult height is below 178 cm, we place the lower edge of the cabinets 155 cm from the floor.When the indicator is within the range of 178-185 cm, the sections are hung at the level of 160 cm. With a larger average growth, the bottom of the modules should be in the corridor 160-175 cm, in proportion to the result. It is advisable that the upper shelves are located no higher than 20-25 cm above the head of the lowest of adults. Shelves above 210 cm from the floor are non-functional. The minimum low placement of the hinged tier of furniture is 135 cm, but some recommend placing them at least 145-150 cm for people of average height.
Ways of mounting wall cabinets
There are 2 ways in total:
On the mounting plate.
On the hinges.
To hang cabinets, it is necessary not only to determine the optimal height, but also to make the correct and reliable fastening. Fixing parts must be designed for heavy weight. The correct technology and sequence of actions are also important - to check the functionality, assembly and regulation to the finished state. Installation should begin correctly from the corner section or from the wall into which the structure should abut. If the method of mounting on the bus (bar) is used, a different installation direction is not possible in principle. This rule cannot be ignored when mounting on loops. Otherwise, there will be problems with aligning the height of the sections. The distances between them will be unequal or incorrect. Unnecessary gaps may appear. In addition, you can "not calculate" the distance and as a result do not find space for another locker.
On mounting plate
This is a more modern method of attachment. In this case, the load is distributed evenly along the entire length of the facade. This type of installation makes it possible to adjust the hinged structure in height. Elements are set in turn, so even one person will cope with the task. Work must be carried out strictly in a certain order. First, the upper and lower borders of the cabinet are marked on the wall. Then marking is applied under the bar.Then the holes are drilled and the accessories for the rail are fixed. After that, the rail itself is installed and the elements are hung. They are fastened first without shelves and doors. It is better to mount cabinets closely - for this, special fasteners are used. At the end, shelves are installed and facade surfaces are attached. The latter can be immediately adjusted if they are slightly tilted to the side.
Hinges
On the hinges you can hang a cabinet of any configuration. This method is convenient, including for the installation of single structures. If there are a lot of elements, then a level will be needed in the work. In the event that several boxes have been connected, the installation will require working together. The algorithm of actions of this method and the method with the mounting plate are partially similar. However, in this case, a hole is drilled under the dowels. It will be necessary to fix the hinges on the rear walls of the cabinets (above). As fixing elements it is better to use self-tapping screws. You can make fasteners in advance. Sections are mounted on dowels. Adjacent modules are better to fasten. To reduce the likelihood of chip formation to a minimum, you should drill narrow holes for the screws, and then expand them. You can also apply the bar on the other hand to reduce vibration from drilling. The final stage is the installation of shelves and doors.
Conclusion
To choose the optimal upper and lower boundary of the installation of kitchen furniture, it is not necessary to have special knowledge or skills. Owners should first of all build on the experience of previous years, expressed in GOSTs with detailed recommendations and norms. Determining the desired height does not end there, because you will need to take into account individual factors. This is the average growth of homeowners, and the dimensions of the modules, and priorities in the placement of kitchen utensils. The greatest difficulty lies in the need to coordinate the arrangement of 5 elements at once: the lower edge of the mounted row, its upper edge, the countertops of the lower tier,hob, as well as the height of the apron of the working area. The installation itself is performed in one of two ways: on a rail or separate loops. The first one is lighter. All actions should be carried out without haste and according to the generally accepted algorithm.
Above the working surface of the kitchen is usually a long row of upper cabinets. When using the lower shelves of the upper tier, problems should not arise, however, it is more difficult to interact with the upper ones. Small people often have to stand on a chair to get an object from the top shelf. Nevertheless, proper planning of this section of the kitchen will avoid such inconveniences. If the height is correctly calculated, then for a low housewife only objects near the back wall of the uppermost shelf will be inaccessible. Many countries have also developed systems of standards regarding how high to hang kitchen cabinets. They took several years to form and take into account the different features of the kitchen facilities. The small height of the upper cabinets themselves can be compensated. In this regard, deep versions of the upper sections and roomy lower pedestals will come in handy.Open storage between the top of the headset and the ceiling is another alternative to high awnings.
Content
Basic rules and standards for determining the mounting height
Under the height of the hanging cabinet is meant 2 indicators: the distance from the floor to the lower shelf and the upper level of placement. GOSTs have exact recommendations, however, it is easier to select the parameters yourself. Building standards differed at different times, so you have to "reckon" with the features of the premises, especially with the height of the ceiling. When deciding on the height of kitchen cabinets, there are 3 main factors to consider.
First of all, the purpose of the pedestals is taken into account: they can accommodate special modules. The second point is the location: above the lower tier or above free space. However, all these calculations are useless, if you do not take into account the growth of the person involved in cooking. From a design point of view, it is easier to install standard furniture - it successfully fits into the space.
Dimensions and height of the lower cabinets
Gosstandart provides for the height of the lower edge of the wall cabinets at the level of 135-150 cm, if they are mounted above the floor tier. The lower pedestals are always set flush, and their height is consistent with the growth of the owners. Usually the result is about 85-95 cm. The distance between the top of the lower tier and the lower edge of the upper is in the vast majority of cases within 45-60 cm, and leaving less than 45 cm is unacceptable. This interval (45-60 cm) is the normal distance for the apron of the kitchen working area.On this site, there should be a place for household appliances like a multicooker, microwave, food processor. If the supply to the bottom row is too small, then a person can bang his head when washing dishes. For the convenience of tall people, the distance can be more than 60 cm. If the owners are very tall, then the lower and upper rows of furniture are bought much higher.
Standard dimensions of the lower cabinets:
Height from the floor
Regardless of whether there is a lower tier of cabinets or not, there is a universal rule for placing the lower edge of wall-mounted cabinets - it should be below the shoulder level by about 5-7 cm. In this case, it makes sense to calculate the average for all adults. If the lower tier is absent, then the height of the lower edge at the level of 130-135 cm will allow to get accessories from the upper shelves without obstacles. It is estimated that a housewife of medium height (160-170 cm) in a standing position will be convenient to use a cabinet at a height of 1300-1900 mm. If you use a chair - it will become fully accessible box at the level of 1900-2400 mm. The placement height can be matched with optimal and best visibility. For a hostess with the above parameters, this is 140 and 165 cm, respectively. For her, a height of about 180 cm separates the zones of limited (lower) and least accessible (higher).
Upper limit of cabinet placement
They are repelled primarily by the distance between the hinged structure and the countertop. Otherwise, it all depends on the height of the sections. However, you should initially look for options for an optimal position along the upper boundary. There is no need for shelves at a height of 210-220 cm - even for tall housewives they will be uncomfortable. In kitchens with a ceiling below 2.6-2.7 m, a high headset placement will prevent the arrangement of the upper zone, if this was planned. In any case, before buying furniture on the wall, it is better to draw marks of the maximum allowable height at the top.It should be 20-25 cm above the growth of the tallest member of the family or the average height of adults. The indicator of the ideal height of the upper edge of the cabinets does not depend on compliance with the triangle rule or the configuration of the kitchen, whether it is U-shaped, angular, linear or double-row.
Important nuances to consider when choosing a height
Important aspects for determining height are:
First of all, it is necessary to start from the dimensions of furniture elements, which is why they should be bought after preliminary calculations are made regarding the possible location and convenience for family members. Right at the point of sale, you can check the ergonomics of the wall and choose the configuration of the shelves. The highest of them should ideally be accessible to all adults and at least to the highest family members. It is important to determine the ideal height of the kitchen apron. If nothing prevents you from working conveniently with the sink, cutting surface and hob, you can leave only 45 cm on this element. This option is acceptable even for tall people. We should not forget about the spaciousness of both rows of the headset, and even more so, “sacrifice” it for the sake of accessibility of the upper shelves.
Cabinet Dimensions
Typical parameters of wall cabinets in the kitchen wall are within the following limits:
The height of the hinged tier depends on the size of the sections. And this applies not only to the upper, but also the lower elements of the headset. The standard height of the lower tier is 80–95 cm and consists of the height of the base, frame and tabletop thickness. The depth of the lower cabinets is usually 55-60 cm, but can be 10 cm less or more. The countertop extends beyond the edge of the pedestals by 3-5 cm. The lower boundary of the placement of the hinged structure is selected taking into account the above features.As for the upper cabinets themselves, regardless of height, it is customary to align them in a line along the upper edge. It is undesirable for the lower shelf of short drawers to be higher than 80–90 cm above the countertop. Cases with a height of 70 cm are hung so that the lower edge is not more than 65 cm from the tabletop, and 55 cm is a convenient option for most people. The second and third shelves should be at the optimum and maximum height, respectively.
Cooker hood and cooker hood
It is not recommended to mount cabinets above the stove itself, but this can be done over the hood. This solution in the interior has already become a classic. During installation, the minimum permissible height from the hob should be taken into account - 60 cm. It is most likely impossible to hang the cabinet flush with the adjacent sections. However, this is not all the difficulties - when heated, some materials emit hazardous compounds. Treated wood (e.g. chipboard) can emit formaldehyde and phenols from temperature exposure. The placement height also depends on the type of plate. It is recommended to leave a margin of 65–70 cm above the electric one, and a minimum of 75–80 cm above the gas supply. At this level, it is advisable to just place the hood, and just above the lockers. To accommodate furniture modules above the thermal extractor, special options for its configuration are provided.
Take human growth into account
Be sure to take into account the growth of adult hosts. We measure precisely the average indicator. Moreover, if only one person regularly cooks in the kitchen, then there is no need to take into account average height. But still, the lower the shelves, the easier it is to operate them, regardless of the purpose for which they are used. So, if the average adult height is below 178 cm, we place the lower edge of the cabinets 155 cm from the floor.When the indicator is within the range of 178-185 cm, the sections are hung at the level of 160 cm. With a larger average growth, the bottom of the modules should be in the corridor 160-175 cm, in proportion to the result. It is advisable that the upper shelves are located no higher than 20-25 cm above the head of the lowest of adults. Shelves above 210 cm from the floor are non-functional. The minimum low placement of the hinged tier of furniture is 135 cm, but some recommend placing them at least 145-150 cm for people of average height.
Ways of mounting wall cabinets
There are 2 ways in total:
To hang cabinets, it is necessary not only to determine the optimal height, but also to make the correct and reliable fastening. Fixing parts must be designed for heavy weight. The correct technology and sequence of actions are also important - to check the functionality, assembly and regulation to the finished state. Installation should begin correctly from the corner section or from the wall into which the structure should abut. If the method of mounting on the bus (bar) is used, a different installation direction is not possible in principle. This rule cannot be ignored when mounting on loops. Otherwise, there will be problems with aligning the height of the sections. The distances between them will be unequal or incorrect. Unnecessary gaps may appear. In addition, you can "not calculate" the distance and as a result do not find space for another locker.
On mounting plate
This is a more modern method of attachment. In this case, the load is distributed evenly along the entire length of the facade. This type of installation makes it possible to adjust the hinged structure in height. Elements are set in turn, so even one person will cope with the task. Work must be carried out strictly in a certain order. First, the upper and lower borders of the cabinet are marked on the wall. Then marking is applied under the bar.Then the holes are drilled and the accessories for the rail are fixed. After that, the rail itself is installed and the elements are hung. They are fastened first without shelves and doors. It is better to mount cabinets closely - for this, special fasteners are used. At the end, shelves are installed and facade surfaces are attached. The latter can be immediately adjusted if they are slightly tilted to the side.
Hinges
On the hinges you can hang a cabinet of any configuration. This method is convenient, including for the installation of single structures. If there are a lot of elements, then a level will be needed in the work. In the event that several boxes have been connected, the installation will require working together. The algorithm of actions of this method and the method with the mounting plate are partially similar. However, in this case, a hole is drilled under the dowels. It will be necessary to fix the hinges on the rear walls of the cabinets (above). As fixing elements it is better to use self-tapping screws. You can make fasteners in advance. Sections are mounted on dowels. Adjacent modules are better to fasten. To reduce the likelihood of chip formation to a minimum, you should drill narrow holes for the screws, and then expand them. You can also apply the bar on the other hand to reduce vibration from drilling. The final stage is the installation of shelves and doors.
Conclusion
To choose the optimal upper and lower boundary of the installation of kitchen furniture, it is not necessary to have special knowledge or skills. Owners should first of all build on the experience of previous years, expressed in GOSTs with detailed recommendations and norms. Determining the desired height does not end there, because you will need to take into account individual factors. This is the average growth of homeowners, and the dimensions of the modules, and priorities in the placement of kitchen utensils. The greatest difficulty lies in the need to coordinate the arrangement of 5 elements at once: the lower edge of the mounted row, its upper edge, the countertops of the lower tier,hob, as well as the height of the apron of the working area. The installation itself is performed in one of two ways: on a rail or separate loops. The first one is lighter. All actions should be carried out without haste and according to the generally accepted algorithm.