When it comes to renovating or designing your dream kitchen, one of the early decisions you’ll make is selecting the perfect cabinets. But with countless options available, where do you begin? A great starting point is understanding the standard kitchen cabinet sizes in New Zealand, measured in millimetres.
Knowing the typical dimensions will help you plan your kitchen layout more efficiently, ensure proper fit, and make the most of your space. Let’s delve into the world of cabinetry, exploring the standard sizes you’ll find in the Kiwi market.

Standard Depth Cabinets in New Zealand
In New Zealand, kitchen cabinets typically come in two standard depths: 300mm and 600mm.
depths cater to different storage needs and kitchen designs. Shallower cabinets, for instance, work well for under-the-counter appliances and upper cabinets, while deeper ones accommodate larger items and create more overall storage space.
300mm Deep Cabinets
At 300mm deep, these cabinets are perfect for upper cabinets, above work surfaces, and where space is at a premium.
Common width combinations: 300mm, 600mm, and 900mm wide. For instance, you might have a 900mm wide cabinet over a cooktop with two 450mm wide cabinets flanking it, creating a 1800mm run.

600mm Deep Cabinets
Offering more storage depth, 600mm deep cabinets are ideal for base cabinets, pantries, and areas where you want to maximise storage.
Common width combinations: 450mm, 600mm, 750mm, 900mm, and 1200mm wide. A common configuration involves having two 600mm deep cabinets side by side, totalling 1200mm, to fit the standard width of a benchtop.
Standard Kitchen Cabinet Heights
The vertical dimensions of cabinets determine how much wall space they occupy and how accessible the contents are.

In New Zealand, standard cabinet heights typically fall into three categories: under-bench, under-counter, and upper cabinets.
Under-Bench Cabinets
These cabinets sit under benchtops and commonly have a height of 720mm or 820mm.
souvent, under-bench cabinets are 600mm deep and provide ample storage below work surfaces for items such as cookware, appliances, and food.
Under-Counter Cabinets
Slightly shorter than under-bench cabinets, under-counter cabinets usually measure 560mm in height and fit underneath countertops without overhanging space.

Additionally, they typically have a depth of 300mm, making them ideal for use as upper wall cabinets, providing easy access to everyday items.
Upper Cabinets
Upper cabinets, also known as wall cabinets, offer additional storage height, reaching up to the ceiling or the underside of the kitchen’s pitched or flat roof.
Typically, they are 300mm deep and have a standard height of 720mm. However, if your kitchen has a standard 2400mm ceiling height, you might find upper cabinets measuring 900mm or 1200mm in height to utilise the space more effectively.
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to standard kitchen cabinet sizes in New Zealand. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to embark on your cabinetry journey, creating a functional and visually appealing space to call your own. Happy planning!







