How Thick Should a Wood Kitchen Cabinet Be

Standard Width Cabinets

• The thickness of the entire kitchen cabinet depends on the type of cabinet being built. Floor cabinets located underneath the kitchen countertop are 9 inches thick or wide, if they are single-door cabinets. Double-door cabinets are upwards of 21 inches thick. However, these floor cabinets increase by 3-inch increments, meaning the thickness may also be 12, 15, and 18 inches. Single-door hanging kitchen cabinets have the same thickness as single-door floor cabinets, while double-door cabinets have a thickness of 24 to 36 inches.

Wood Thickness

• The term "thickness" may also refer to the thickness of the wood used in the cabinet construction. The thickness depends on what type of wood is used, as thicker wood may indicate better quality. Particle boards, for example, provide a higher quality with a larger thickness, whereas plywood sheets provide solid support whether it 1/2 inch or a full inch thick. The same is true for hardwood and softwood, such as oak or mahogany.

Depth Measurements

• The thickness may also refer to the depth of the kitchen cabinets. The depth differs depending on the type of kitchen cabinet in question. Floor cabinets are the largest with a 24-inch depth, whereas hanging cabinets are 12 inches deep. This means that floor cabinets provide more storage space than hanging cabinets, although both cabinet types may have the same amount of shelves.

Measurement Variations

• Some factors may influence the thickness of kitchen cabinets. For example, the width of a cabinet may be influenced by a countertop that protrudes the sides of the cabinet units by 1/4-inch or less. In addition, the cabinet door overlap may influence the depth measurement of the cabinet, as the door is placed on top of the frontal frame, adding the thickness of the wood to the overall depth. Lastly, any additional trimming or molding added to the cabinet door will also influence the total depth of the cabinet.