When designing or remodeling a laundry room, one of the most important considerations is the height of the cabinets. The standard height for laundry room cabinets allows for ergonomic loading and unloading of the washer and dryer, as well as providing plenty of storage space above the appliances. However, if the cabinets are too high or too low, it can cause back strain and make doing laundry an uncomfortable chore. So what is the ideal standard height for laundry room cabinets? Read on for recommendations from cabinet experts.
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Standard Laundry Room Cabinet Height
The standard height for installing laundry room base cabinets is 36 inches. This leaves a good amount of room under the cabinets for front-loading washers and dryers, which need more clearance than top-loaders. It also makes a comfortable height for accessing the contents of the cabinet without excessive bending or reaching.
Some things to keep in mind regarding the 36 inch standard laundry cabinet height:
– It is measured from the floor to the bottom of the cabinet.
– This height is ideal for the average person. Taller individuals may prefer 38-40 inches.
– Standard cabinet depths in laundry rooms are around 24 inches deep.
– For stand-alone laundry cabinets, somerecommend going up to 42 inches high.
So in most laundry rooms, you’ll want to install your base cabinets at 36 inches high unless you require adjustments for very tall or short users.
Laundry Room Wall Cabinet Height
In addition to base cabinets for storage and countertops, many laundry rooms also have wall cabinets for maximizing vertical storage space. The standard height for wall cabinets above the washer and dryer is 84 inches.
This 84 inch laundry room wall cabinet height has some important advantages:
– It positions the wall cabinets 6 inches above the washer and dryer, leaving you room to open the appliance doors fully without hitting the bottom of the cabinets.
– You can store large detergent bottles, supplies, and other laundry necessities in the cabinets.
– It creates a comfortable reach height for accessing the contents of the wall cabinets.
– The wall cabinets align with standard 8 foot ceilings, leaving a nice look of continuous cabinets around the room.
The standard placement is to install laundry wall cabinets starting 6 inches above the washer and dryer, putting the bottom of the wall cabinet at 84 inches. This gives you accessible storage without impeding appliance use.
Factors That Affect Laundry Room Cabinet Height
When determining your ideal laundry room cabinet height, there are a few factors to consider beyond the standard recommendations:
Ceiling Height
If your laundry room has higher or lower ceilings than the standard 8 foot height, adjust your cabinets accordingly. For example, a room with a 7 foot ceiling may need shorter wall cabinets.
Appliance Type
Front-loading washers and dryers need more clearance underneath than top-loaders. Factor your appliance types into the cabinet height.
Users’ Heights
Accommodate very short or tall users with adjusted cabinet heights. Standard works for most people, but make changes as needed.
Countertop Uses
If you will fold or sort laundry on the countertops often, raise base cabinets for a more comfortable working height.
Stacking Appliances
Sometimes washers and dryers are stacked in small laundry rooms. Adjust cabinet height to allow room for appliance doors.
Taking these factors into account will help you determine the ideal laundry room cabinet heights for your unique space and needs.
Standard Dimensions for Laundry Room Cabinets
Beyond just the height, the standard dimensions and layout for laundry room cabinets follow typical kitchen cabinet conventions:
– Base cabinets are 36 inches tall and 24 inches deep. Width varies.
– Wall cabinets are 30 inches tall and 12-24 inches deep. Width varies.
– Standard interior shelves are adjustable every 2 inches.
– Toekicks raise base cabinets 4-6 inches above the floor.
– Countertops are usually 24-26 inches deep.
Using these standard cabinet dimensions in your laundry room design will result in an optimized functional space.
Tips for Measuring and Installing Laundry Cabinets
Follow these tips for a successfully measuring and installing your laundry room at the proper standard cabinet height:
– Mark stud locations for drilling into wall framing.
– Confirm room dimensions; measure twice to be sure.
– Mark the cabinet height on the wall with painter’s tape.
– Use a level to ensure cabinets will be straight.
– Measure for filler strips if the cabinet run isn’t a standard width.
– Allow for extra height if appliances sit on pedestals.
– Use shims during installation to adjust to uneven walls or floors.
– Take care not to mount screws through washer/dryer electrical, gas, or venting.
Taking precise measurements and using caution during installation will help your cabinets fit your laundry room correctly.
Standard Laundry Room Cabinet Height Comparison Table
| Cabinet Type | Standard Height |
|---|---|
| Base Cabinets | 36 inches |
| Wall Cabinets | 84 inches |
This table shows the standard recommended heights for base and wall mounted laundry room cabinets. Following these standard dimensions will provide you with maximum function and storage.
Conclusion
When designing your laundry room, be sure to follow the standard guidelines for installing base cabinets at 36 inches high and wall cabinets at 84 inches high. This allows for comfortable use of your appliances and accessible storage. Adjust cabinet heights as needed to accommodate very tall or short users. Taking ceiling height, countertop use, and appliance types into account will result in an optimally functional laundry room. Following standard cabinet dimensions and using good measuring and installation techniques will ensure your laundry cabinets are perfectly suited to your space.