Essential Australian Kitchen Dimensions: A Complete Guide

Essential Australian Kitchen Dimensions: A Complete Guide

Designing your dream kitchen involves more than just choosing the right colour scheme and cabinetry. One critical aspect is ensuring that your kitchen dimensions are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. In Australia, where kitchen layouts can vary, having a grasp of standard dimensions is crucial. Let's dive into the essential guide covering Australian kitchen dimensions.



1. Cabinet Height: Typically set between 900mm to 950mm, the cabinet height is a fundamental consideration for ergonomic food preparation. Also, this will be dependent on your physical height.
2. Cabinet Depth: Standard cabinet depth is around 600mm, providing ample storage space while maintaining accessibility. However, sometimes you may want to make this slightly deeper so that your fridge depth doesn’t stick out too far. 
3. Overhead Cabinet Heights: Overhead cabinets can range from 300mm to 450mm in height. To create a seamless ceiling height. Consider inserting bulkheads. The clearance between the overhead cabinets and the base cabinets will need to be 600mm for standard cooktops and around 650mm for gas cooktops. It is recommended to check with your appliance installation guide.
4. Kick Board Height: The space beneath base cabinets, known as the kick board, is usually around 90mm to 150mm high for a comfortable stance. Don’t forget that this measurement will also be included in your base cabinet height. And you will need to factor in the overall height.
5. Island Bench Width: If you have an island, a minimum width of 1200mm is recommended for practical use and circulation. Especially if you are planing to have barstools on the other side. The overhang should have at least 250mm to 300mm for comfortable seating. If the overhang is more than 300mm, it will need additional support.
6. Clearance Space: Allow a minimum of 1000mm between countertops, island benches and obstacles for comfortable movement in your kitchen. If you have the room, a maximum of 1200mm clearance space will work sufficiently.
8. Pantry Depth: Pantries typically have a depth of 600mm, accommodating standard shelf sizes for efficient storage. Any deeper and you will find that things may get lost or become harder to reach.
9. Fridge Space: Allow a minimum clearance of 50mm on each side and 25mm on top for proper ventilation around your fridge. To allow for your fridge to be completely pushed back. Opt to have the electrician install the power point higher than your fridge. With single door fridges, consider the direction which way the door will be opening. 
10. Dishwasher Space: Dedicate about 600mm of width next to the sink for the dishwasher, streamlining your kitchen's workflow. Also consider the space between the dishwasher door and other cabinets when it’s opened.
11. Sink Placement: Allocate a minimum of 600mm on one side and 450mm on the other for the sink area, ensuring convenient dishwashing. And also away from any bench top joins. This will prevent any water damage from occurring. Of course, this size will be dependent on the overall dimensions of your chosen sink.
12. Power Outlet Placement: Strategically place power outlets every 300mm to 600mm along the backsplash for convenient appliance use. You can never have to many power outlets.


There are many other dimensions when renovating or building a kitchen but these will serve as a solid foundation for creating that functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen you always dreamed of. Remember to customise based on your specific layout and personal preferences, ensuring your kitchen is tailored to your unique needs.

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