When designing a kitchen, one of the most important considerations is the thickness of the cabinets. Thinner cabinets can maximize storage space, while thicker cabinets tend to be more durable. So what is the thinnest kitchen cabinet thickness that still provides good functionality? Let’s take a closer look.
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Standard Cabinet Thicknesses
Most standard kitchen cabinets range between 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick. This thickness provides a good balance between maximizing interior storage space and maintaining sturdiness. Here are some typical kitchen cabinet thicknesses:
3/4 inch
A 3/4 inch thickness is the most common for stock or semi-custom cabinets. At this thickness, cabinets are still sturdy but don’t take up excessive space inside.
5/8 inch
Some more economical cabinets may run slightly thinner at 5/8 inch. While not quite as sturdy, this can be a good option for those prioritizing space over longevity.
1 inch
On the thicker end, 1 inch provides extra durability and heft. However, it does sacrifice a bit of interior room.
1 1/4 inch
High-end custom cabinets may go up to 1 1/4 inches for maximum sturdiness. But at this width, the inner capacity starts to diminish more significantly.
So in most standard kitchen settings, 3/4 to 1 inch offers the optimal balance. But for those wanting to maximize space or strength, going a bit thinner or thicker can be warranted.
Thinner Cabinet Options
While less common, some very thin cabinet options can exist too. Here are some examples of thinner-than-average kitchen cabinet sizes:
1/2 inch
Extremely thin options like 1/2 inch are possible, although quite rare. At this thickness, durability is compromised, but interior space is maximized. They require very careful handling and installation to avoid damage. Most homeowners opt for slightly thicker options.
5/8 inch frameless
Some modern, frameless cabinet designs can slim down to around 5/8 inches. The lack of front frame allows them to shave off some thickness while still retaining strength. This can be a good choice for contemporary kitchens wanting to maximize space.
1/2 inch to 3/4 inch ply cabinets
Plywood cabinets are an affordable DIY option. They are typically constructed from sheets of 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch plywood. While not as durable as wood, the thin ply allows for more interior room. DIYers may favor this for budget-friendly projects prioritizing storage over longevity.
| Cabinet Thickness | Considerations |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | Maximizes interior space but compromises sturdiness |
| 5/8 inch | Slightly thinner than average provides good space with moderate durability |
| 3/4 inch | The most common and balanced option between space and sturdiness |
| 1 inch | Thicker than average provides extra durability at the cost of interior room |
Factors to Consider
When determining the thinnest kitchen cabinets for your needs, keep the following factors in mind:
Usage
Will these cabinets need to stand up to heavy daily usage and wear-and-tear? Thicker cabinets around 1 inch would be best. Or will they be used more lightly in a rarely-used kitchen? You may be able to get away with thinner 5/8 inch cabinets.
Contents
What you intend to store inside the cabinets also matters. If they will hold heavy pots and pans or appliances, thicker shelves and frames are best. But cabinets holding lighter dishware can be a bit thinner.
Budget
Thinner stock or economy cabinets tend to be more budget-friendly. While ultra thick premium cabinets come at a higher price. Keep budget in mind when deciding between thin versus thick.
Installation
Be sure to consult your kitchen installer about the ideal thickness for your chosen cabinet style. Some thin cabinet designs may require specialized installation to ensure adequate support.
Aesthetics
The look you want to achieve also plays a role. Thin frameless contemporary cabinets create a sleek minimalist look. While substantial thicker cabinets can provide a more traditional feel.
Thin Cabinet Pros and Cons
Going with thinner kitchen cabinets has both advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- Maximizes available storage space and capacity
- Can create a lighter, sleeker aesthetic
- More affordable options available
Cons
- Durability and weight-bearing capacity diminished
- Susceptible to damage if improperly installed or handled
- Limited selection compared to standard sizes
Standard Thickness Cabinet Pros and Cons
Standard 3/4 to 1 inch cabinets also have their own set of pros and cons:
Pros
- Ideal balance between space and sturdiness
- Many options available for style and price point
- Can withstand heavy daily usage
Cons
- Not as space-efficient as thinner cabinets
- Mid-range options can have moderate cost
- Thicker cabinets limit capacity
Thin Kitchen Cabinet Options by Brand
Some brands offering thinner-than-average kitchen cabinet options include:
IKEA
IKEA stock cabinets are a very affordable choice, with sizes ranging from about 3/4 inch up to 1 inch thick. Slimmer options include the 12-inch deep FAKTUM line at 5/8 inches.
Merillat Cabinets
This brand offers a thin-profile line called Merrillat Coreguard. With 3/4 inch thick frames and 1/2 inch sides, doors, and drawers, it maximizes interior cubic capacity.
Mullican
Their Q-Line frames are just 5/8 inches thick but made of solid hardwood for strength. Mullican also offers a Slim-Line with 1/2 inch sides.
Wellborn Cabinetry
Select models in their Affinity collection can be ordered with 3/4 inch sides as a thinner customization option.
Custom Thin Cabinets
Many other brands offer custom or semi-custom lines that can be ordered with slimmer side measurements. These allow for tailoring the thickness for your exact kitchen needs.
Thinnest Cabinet Construction Types
From thinnest to thickest, here are some typical kitchen cabinet construction types:
Ply Cabinets – 1/2 inch
Plywood construction can be as slim as 1/2 inch thickness. Not the most heavy-duty option but provides decent storage space.
Frameless Cabinets – 5/8 inch
By eliminating the front frame, modern frameless cabinets can slim down to around 5/8 inches. Sturdy when properly installed.
Framed Stock Cabinets – 3/4 inch
Typical stock cabinets come with frames and range from 3/4 to 1 inch. Provides the best balance for most kitchens.
Custom Framed – 1 inch+
Custom cabinets allow you to order thicker, heavy-duty frames over 1 inch thick. Provides maximum durability.
How Cabinet Thickness Impacts Storage
The thickness of kitchen cabinets has an inverse relationship with storage capacity:
- Thinner 1/2 inch cabinets offer more cubic footage of storage space.
- Slightly thicker 5/8 inch has moderately good storage space.
- Average 3/4 inch thickness provides decent, compromise storage capacity.
- Thicker 1+ inch cabinets offer the least usable storage space.
Here is a rough table to illustrate:
| Cabinet Depth | Thickness | Usable Storage |
|---|---|---|
| 24 inches | 1/2 inch | Most usable cubic feet |
| 24 inches | 5/8 inch | Above average usable storage |
| 24 inches | 3/4 inch | Moderate usable storage |
| 24 inches | 1 inch | Least usable storage capacity |
So if maximizing usable storage space is your top concern, thinner cabinet sides around 1/2 inch would be the optimal choice. But you need to balance that with their lower durability and weight capacity. Going with slightly thicker 3/4 inch sides can give you good usable space while still being sturdy enough for most kitchens.
Conclusion
When shopping for new kitchen cabinets, the thickness of sides, frames, and panels is an important consideration. Thinner cabinets (around 1/2 inch) maximize valuable storage space. But at the potential expense of lower durability. Average thickness options (3/4 to 1 inch) provide the best compromise of space and sturdiness for most kitchens. And thicker custom cabinets (1 inch+) offer maximum strength when needed. Evaluate your kitchen usage, budget, and style preferences. And discuss options with kitchen designers to determine the ideal cabinet thickness to meet your needs. With some smart planning upfront, you can select cabinet dimensions that maximize both storage capacity and performance.