Boost Your Kitchen Space with Unique Designs for Tall Ceilings
Kitchens with 10 foot ceilings present a unique challenge when it comes to storage space. While the high ceilings make the kitchen feel open and airy, the height limits the usefulness of standard base and wall cabinets. To maximize storage potential in a kitchen with high ceilings, custom cabinetry is key.
Custom cabinets designed to fit your exact ceiling height provide ample storage while also giving your kitchen a built-in, customized look.
Measuring Your Exact Ceiling Height
The first step when planning custom tall cabinets is to determine the exact height from floor to ceiling. Having accurate measurements ensures your cabinets will fit perfectly.
Use tools like a laser measure or standard tape measure to measure multiple points across your kitchen ceiling. Make note of any variations, drops, or soffits that lower the height in certain spots.
Tools You’ll Need
To measure ceiling height, have these tools on hand:
- Laser measure or standard tape measure
- Ladder or step stool
Use a ladder or step stool to reach the highest point of the ceiling. For the most accurate readings, measure in multiple spots where you plan to install cabinets.
Measure Multiple Points
Be sure to measure ceiling height in any potential problem areas, like where the ceiling drops for soffits around ductwork. Accounting for these lower spots will allow you to customize your cabinet heights.
Evaluate Your Storage Needs
Before deciding on cabinet heights, think about how you use your existing storage and what needs to be close at hand versus what can be tucked away.
Daily use items like dishes, cooking tools, and food staples should go in standard base and wall cabinets. Focus your custom cabinet design on maximizing space for bulk and special items.
Maximize Vertical Space
A floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinet provides ample storage for bulk goods and overflow appliances. Appliance garages to tuck away stand mixers and processors are also great options.
Use the hard-to-reach top spaces for items you rarely need like large pots, holiday dishes, or extra serving pieces.
Daily Use Storage
Standard 24-36 inch cabinets are best for items you use daily like:
- Pots and pans
- Plates, bowls, glasses
- Food staples like flour, sugar, spices
- Small appliances like coffee maker, toaster
Infrequent Use Storage
Custom cabinets give you room to stow away:
- Serving platters for holidays and parties
- Large stock pots and roasting pans
- Extra small appliances
- Bulk paper goods, condiments
Choosing Cabinet Heights
Once you know your room dimensions and storage requirements, it’s time to choose your cabinet heights.
Standard Cabinet Limitations
With 10 foot ceilings, standard cabinet sizes pose problems:
- Base cabinets typically max out at 36 inches tall
- Standard wall cabinets are around 30 inches high
This leaves a lot of empty, unusable space above your cabinets.
Custom Cabinet Options
For a custom fit, look for these taller cabinet sizes:
- 42-48 inch tall full-height base cabinets
- Wall cabinets 36 inches or taller
- Floor-to-ceiling pantry and storage closets
Leave Room for Moldings
Most designers recommend leaving at least 6 inches between the top of your tallest cabinets and the ceiling. This allows space for crown moldings, light rails, and other decorative trim.
Custom Cabinet Design Tips
When working with a designer on your custom cabinets, consider these design elements to maximize storage:
Full Extension Drawers
Opt for full extension drawers that allow you to access the entire depth of the drawer. This prevents having to reach to the back of deep cabinets.
Pull-Out Shelves
Incorporate pull-out shelves in lower cabinets to effectively double your storage space. Upper shelves can be used for small appliances.
Sturdy Hardware
Tall cabinets require durable hardware that can support the weight:
- Soft-close hinges and full extension drawer slides
- Roller trays in deep drawers
- Reinforced shelf pins
Hire Experienced Installers
Due to their size and weight, extra tall cabinets need special installation considerations.
Reinforcements
Builders will install blocking, cleats, or ledger boards to firmly anchor tall cabinets into the wall studs.
Fill Any Gaps
Filler strips and specialty trim pieces ensure tall cabinets fit flush to the ceiling for a seamless look.
Ensure Proper Level and Plumb
Precise installation is crucial to prevent issues like binding doors and drawers. Hire experienced kitchen remodeling pros to get it right the first time.
By investing in custom cabinetry sized to fit your 10 foot ceiling, you can gain back all that lost storage space above your old cabinets. Your kitchen will also get a built-in, designer look with storage sized just for your needs.
For more information on maximizing storage with custom cabinets, contact our team of kitchen design experts today.