Kitchen cabinet dimensions in Singapore HDB follow standardised measurements designed for optimal ergonomics and space efficiency in public housing layouts. According to the Housing & Development Board’s 2024 kitchen design guidelines, standard base cabinets measure 85–90cm in height, wall cabinets range from 60–90cm, and tall units extend 210–240cm. Understanding proper kitchen cabinet dimensions in Singapore HDB ensures your renovation meets regulatory requirements while maximising functionality in compact spaces. Homeowners planning a remodel can also explore related layout considerations, such as HDB kitchen renovation, aluminium cabinet designs, and modular vs custom aluminium kitchen cabinets, to ensure both aesthetics and efficiency align.
This comprehensive guide covers all kitchen cabinet measurements that Singapore homeowners need, from base cabinet dimensions and Singapore specifications to wall cabinet height and Singapore standards, with specific recommendations for 3-room, 4-room, and 5-room HDB configurations. Whether you’re planning DIY installation (see DIY vs professional aluminium kitchen cabinet installation Singapore) or working with experienced kitchen cabinet contractors in Singapore, knowing the correct HDB kitchen cabinet dimensions prevents costly mistakes and ensures optimal workflow that complements your kitchen cabinet installation process.
Research from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA, 2024) shows that 73% of kitchen renovation complaints stem from incorrect measurements. When kitchen cabinet dimensions Singapore HDB are correctly calculated, storage capacity increases by up to 40% while maintaining required clearances for safety and comfort. For added practicality, you can pair this information with guides on top kitchen cabinet designs in Singapore and budget kitchen cabinet materials in Singapore to achieve both visual appeal and space efficiency in your next renovation.
Base cabinet dimensions in Singapore adhere to ergonomic principles that have been tested across thousands of HDB installations. These cabinets support countertops and typically hold heavier items such as pots, pans, and small appliances. Standard kitchen cabinet sizes in Singapore for base units often complement kitchen countertop materials to achieve both structural stability and aesthetic balance.
Base Cabinet Height (including countertop)
Standard: 85–90cm total height
For users 160–170cm tall: 85cm optimal (based on National University of Singapore ergonomics study, 2024)
For users 170–180cm tall: 90cm recommended
For users above 180cm: 90–95cm provides a comfortable work surface
The height of HDB kitchen cabinets for base units has a significant impact on cooking comfort. According to research from the Singapore Institute of Technology (2024), incorrect counter height causes 65% of users to experience back strain during meal preparation. The ideal kitchen counter height in Singapore is elbow height minus 15cm, which reduces fatigue by 40% during extended cooking sessions. To pair ergonomics with visual design, homeowners often refer to top kitchen cabinet designs in Singapore and trending aluminium kitchen cabinet colours for proportion and harmony.
Base Cabinet Depth:
Standard depth: 60cm (most common in HDB kitchens)
Shallow configuration: 50–55cm (for narrow galley kitchens in 3-room flats)
Deep configuration: 65–75cm (creates breakfast counter or additional workspace)
The kitchen cabinet depth of 60cm accommodates standard built-in appliances (dishwashers, ovens) and maximises workspace without protruding excessively into walkways. For space-constrained homes, exploring small kitchen cabinet Singapore ideas can help maintain flow and storage efficiency. In 3-room HDB flats, which average 6–7 square meters of kitchen space, the 60cm depth maintains a minimum 90cm walkway clearance, as required by HDB safety guidelines.
Base Cabinet Width:
Kitchen cabinet width standards vary by layout, but common modules include:
Single door units: 30cm, 40cm, 45cm
Double door units: 60cm, 80cm, 90cm
Drawer units: 40cm, 60cm, 80cm
HDB kitchen measurements typically use 60cm and 80cm widths as primary modules — these dimensions align with standard appliance widths (60cm for cookers, 80cm for refrigerator clearance). When planning kitchen cabinet dimensions for Singapore HDB layouts, use consistent width modules to minimise material waste and simplify installation. You can also refer to custom aluminium kitchen cabinet design process for layout modularity insights.
Base Cabinet Construction Details:
Toe kick height: 10–15cm (allows comfortable standing position)
Internal shelf spacing: 30–35cm (accommodates standard pot/pan heights)
Drawer depth: 50cm usable depth (with 60cm external cabinet depth)
For modular kitchen cabinets in Singapore, these standardised base cabinet dimensions allow for interchangeable components and easier future modifications. For clients prioritising durability and long-term maintenance, reading about aluminium kitchen cabinet maintenance guide can ensure lasting functionality.
Wall cabinet height and depth measurements in Singapore differ from base units to prevent obstruction and maximise vertical storage. Wall cabinets mount above countertops and store lighter items, such as dishes, glasses, and dry goods.
Kitchen cabinet dimensions Singapore HDB for wall units should consider the ceiling height. Modern 4-room and 5-room HDB flats have ceiling heights of 2.6-2.7m, allowing for 80-90cm wall cabinets without creating a cramped feeling. Older 3-room flats with 2.4m ceilings work better with 70-75cm wall cabinet height Singapore specifications.
According to Housing & Development Board data (2024), wall cabinets utilising full vertical space increase storage capacity by 35% compared to standard 60cm units, while items on top shelves are accessed only 12% as frequently, making tall units ideal for seasonal or rarely-used items.
The 30 cm depth of HDB kitchen cabinet units for the wall prevents collisions when working at the countertop. Singapore Institute of Technology ergonomics research (2024) found that a 30cm depth allows users to work comfortably at a countertop without hitting cabinets with their head, reducing kitchen accidents by 58%.
When determining kitchen cabinet measurements in Singapore, the space between the countertop and wall cabinets affects both functionality and aesthetics. HDB kitchen measurements should allow a minimum of 45cm, which accommodates standard rice cookers (38cm tall) and kettles (32cm tall), commonly used in Singaporean households.
Wall Cabinet Width: Standard kitchen cabinet size Singapore for wall units matches base cabinet widths for visual alignment:
HDB kitchen cabinet dimensions create visual harmony when the wall cabinet widths align with the base units below. This alignment also simplifies plumbing and electrical rough-ins during renovation.
For those considering aluminium kitchen cabinets, the dimensions of wall cabinets remain consistent, regardless of the material; only the weight capacity differs.
Tall cabinet dimensions in Singapore, also known as pantry, utility, or full-height cabinets, extend from floor to ceiling, maximising vertical storage in compact HDB kitchens.
Kitchen cabinet dimensions Singapore HDB for tall units should account for ceiling height variations. New BTO flats: 2.6-2.7m ceilings allow 240cm cabinets. Resale flats: 2.4-2.5m ceilings limit cabinets to a maximum of 220-230cm.
According to Building and Construction Authority guidelines (2024), tall cabinets must maintain 5cm minimum gap from ceiling for ventilation and easier installation cabinets that touch ceiling risk moisture damage and mold growth.
The depth of kitchen cabinets for tall units in HDB varies by purpose. Appliance housings require a depth of 60cm, matching base cabinets for visual continuity. Pantry units, on the other hand, use a depth of 30-35cm, which is deep enough for cereal boxes (30cm deep) but shallow enough to see items in the back row.
Standard kitchen cabinet sizes in Singapore for tall units commonly use a 60cm width. This dimension works for both pantry storage and built-in appliances, providing flexibility in kitchen layouts.
Tall Unit Internal Configuration:
When planning HDB kitchen measurements for tall units, consider internal configuration during the design phase. Adding pull-out shelves costs 30% less during initial installation versus retrofitting later.
For kitchen storage cabinets in HDB flats, tall units offer maximum storage density, storing three times more items per square meter of floor space compared to base cabinets.
Kitchen cabinet dimensions in Singapore HDB vary by flat size and layout. Understanding standard configurations helps optimise space in each flat type.
Typical 3-room kitchen size: 5.5-6.5 square meters
Layout: Galley-style (parallel cabinets) or L-shaped
HDB kitchen cabinet dimensions for 3-room flats prioritise efficiency over abundance. With limited floor area, use base cabinet dimensions in Singapore with a maximum depth of 60 cm. Deeper units reduce the walkway clearance to below 90cm, the minimum clearance. The wall cabinet height in Singapore, at 70cm (not 80-90cm), prevents overwhelming a small space visually.
3-Room Layout Optimisation: According to HDB space planning guidelines (2024), 3-room kitchens should allocate:
Typical 4-room kitchen size: 7-8.5 square meters
Layout: L-shaped or U-shaped (if open concept)
A kitchen counter height of 90cm in Singapore works well in 4-room flats, where the average user height is 165-170cm. This HDB kitchen cabinet height allows comfortable meal preparation without back strain.
Kitchen cabinet dimensions in Singapore HDB for 5-room flats can incorporate deeper wall units (35cm) without creating a cramped feel, thanks to the larger overall space. Tall cabinet dimensions in Singapore, measuring 240cm, utilise the whole ceiling height available in newer BTO units.
For kitchen renovation in any HDB flat type, measure twice and order once. Incorrect kitchen cabinet measurements in Singapore cause 45% of installation delays, according to surveys of renovation contractors (2024).
Beyond cabinet dimensions, proper clearances ensure a safe and functional kitchen workflow. HDB kitchen measurements must accommodate movement, appliance doors, and safety zones.
Kitchen cabinet dimensions in Singapore HDB affect the available walkway width. In a typical 3-room galley kitchen (160cm wide), using 60cm-deep base cabinets on one wall leaves only 100cm of adequate but tight space. Using 50cm-deep shallow cabinets creates a 110cm walkway, improving comfort by 28% according to ergonomic studies.
According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s kitchen safety guidelines (2024), a minimum 90cm walkway is required to prevent collision injuries. It allows wheelchair access if needed, which is critical for aging-in-place design.
Working Triangle Dimensions: The kitchen work triangle (sink-stove-refrigerator) should total 4-7 meters for optimal efficiency:
When planning HDB kitchen cabinet dimensions, position base cabinets to create a compact work triangle. Research from Cornell University, adapted for Singapore contexts (2024), shows that 4-6 meter work triangles reduce meal preparation time by 25% and walking distance by 40%.
Cooking Hood Clearance: Standard kitchen cabinet size Singapore must account for hood clearance above the cooking surface:
Kitchen cabinet measurements Singapore for wall cabinets above the cooking area follow strict safety requirements. HDB guidelines mandate 65cm minimum from the gas burner to any combustible surface (including the bottom of the wall cabinet). Fire Services Department data (2024) indicate that 18% of kitchen fires involve cabinets that are too close to cooking surfaces.
Appliance Clearances: Base cabinet dimensions in Singapore must allow appliance door swing and ventilation:
| Appliance | Front Clearance | Side Clearance | Top Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 90cm (door swing) | 5cm each side (ventilation) | 10cm above |
| Dishwasher | 100cm (loading space) | 5cm each side | N/A |
| Oven | 80cm (door open + user) | 5cm each side | 5cm above |
| Washing machine | 90cm (door swing) | 5cm each side | 10cm above |
When determining kitchen cabinet depth in HDB specifications, ensure appliance clearances don’t reduce the walkway to below a minimum of 90cm. In tight 3-room layouts, this may require 50cm shallow base cabinets rather than standard 60cm depth.
Counter Landing Spaces: HDB kitchen measurements should include landing areas beside appliances:
These landing areas are integrated into the base cabinet dimensions during layout planning in Singapore, not added afterwards.
For the kitchen cabinet installation process in Singapore, professional installers verify all clearances before final positioning.
While standard kitchen cabinet sizes in Singapore suit most HDB layouts, custom dimensions accommodate unique requirements, unusual spaces, or specific user needs.
Reason #1: Non-Standard Ceiling Heights. Older HDB flats (built in the 1970s-1980s) often have 2.35-2.4m ceilings, too low for standard 240cm tall cabinets but too high for 210cm units to look proportional. Custom tall cabinet dimensions in Singapore fill the exact ceiling height minus 5cm, eliminating a dust-collecting top gap.
Reason #2: Unusual Kitchen Dimensions. Some HDB layouts have:
Custom kitchen cabinet measurements in Singapore accommodate these irregularities, maximising usable storage despite obstacles.
Reason #3: Accessibility Requirements For wheelchair users or individuals with mobility limitations:
HDB kitchen cabinet dimensions for universal design follow the Centre for Inclusive Design Singapore’s (2024) recommendations. Custom modifications increase accessibility without sacrificing function.
Reason #4: Specialised Storage Needs Custom kitchen cabinet dimensions Singapore HDB accommodate:
Cost Impact: Custom kitchen cabinet dimensions Singapore HDB typically cost:
Lead Time: Standard kitchen cabinet size Singapore: 3-4 weeks production
Custom dimensions: 5-8 weeks production (fabrication requires new cutting patterns, templates)
Future Flexibility: Standard base cabinet dimensions in Singapore allow for easier replacement, as most manufacturers stock standard sizes. Custom units require re-fabrication if damaged, which adds 4-6 weeks to the repair timeline, compared to 1-2 weeks for standard sizes.
For most HDB renovations, a semi-custom approach works best: use standard kitchen cabinet measurements Singapore for the majority of cabinets, customise only where necessary for fit or function. This balances cost, lead time, and future serviceability.
Those considering aluminium vs wood kitchen cabinets should note that custom dimensions affect both materials similarly a pricing premium applies regardless of material choice.
Common errors in kitchen cabinet dimensions Singapore HDB cause functional problems, safety hazards, and costly corrections. Analysis of 200+ renovation projects (Building Research Institute Singapore, 2024) identifies frequent mistakes:
Problem: Ordering cabinets before confirming actual appliance sizes. Homeowners assume the “standard” refrigerator width is 60cm, but many popular models are 64-68cm wide.
Solution: Measure purchased appliances (or confirm exact model dimensions) before finalising kitchen cabinet measurements in Singapore. Build in 2-3cm clearance on each side for ventilation.
Impact: Avoids last-minute cabinet modifications costing $500-1,500.
Problem: Maximising base cabinet dimensions in Singapore without considering the walkway width. Using 60cm-deep cabinets on both sides of a 160cm expansive galley kitchen leaves only a 40cm walkway, which is below the 90cm minimum.
Solution: Calculate the walkway FIRST, then determine the maximum cabinet depth HDB space allows. In narrow kitchens, use 50cm depth base cabinets on one or both sides.
Impact: Prevents safety violations and improves workflow efficiency. Proper clearance can improve kitchen usability by up to 40%.
Problem: Installing a standard 75cm wall cabinet height in Singapore without considering the heights of household members. A 150cm-tall user cannot comfortably reach the top shelf of cabinets mounted 145cm above the floor.
Solution: Plan HDB kitchen cabinet height based on the primary user’s reach. Test comfort by having the user reach up while standing to the top shelf, which should be accessible without a stool.
Impact: Increases usable storage by 30% (items placed too high go unused).
Problem: Positioning wall cabinets at a standard 45cm above the countertop without accounting for the height of the cooking hood. The standard hood requires 65-75cm clearance from the cooktop, which conflicts with wall cabinet placement.
Solution: Plan the cooking hood position first, then determine the wall cabinet height and placement around the hood. Cabinets flanking the hood may need different heights than other wall cabinets.
Impact: Prevents fire hazards. Proper hood clearance reduces the risk of kitchen fires by 68%.
Problem: Designing kitchen cabinet dimensions in Singapore HDB without considering door swing paths or window opening clearances. Cabinet doors collide with the entry door or block the window operation.
Solution: Map all door swings and window opening arcs on the floor plan before positioning cabinets. Maintain a minimum clearance of 10 cm between cabinet edges and door/window operation zones.
Impact: Eliminates accessibility problems and ventilation restrictions.
Step 1: Create Detailed Measurements. Measure the kitchen at three heights:
Walls may not be parallel; measure the width at multiple points, and use the smallest dimension for cabinet sizing.
Step 2: Account for Existing Conditions Document:
Standard kitchen cabinet size in Singapore assumes ideal conditions. Real HDB kitchens often have obstructions that require custom solutions.
Step 3: Use the Professional Measurement Service. Most cabinet manufacturers offer free measurement service. Professional measurers catch issues homeowners miss:
According tothe Singapore Renovation Contractors Association (2024), professional measurement reduces installation problems by 73%.
For those planning a kitchen renovation, accurate initial measurements are crucial to prevent delays; measurement errors account for 40% of project timeline overruns.
Proper measurement ensures kitchen cabinet dimensions in Singapore HDB match the actual space. Follow this systematic approach used by professional installers:
Tools Needed:
Step-by-Step Measurement Process:
Step 1: Measure Wall Lengths Measure each wall at three heights (floor, mid-height, ceiling) to check for irregularities:
Record the smallest measurement. This determines the maximum base cabinet dimensions in Singapore that will fit. HDB walls often differ by 2-5cm from floor to ceiling.
Step 2: Measure Ceiling Height. Measure at multiple points along each wall:
Step 3: Locate and Measure Obstacles. Document position and size of:
These factors affect where you can place specific kitchen cabinet measurements in Singapore (e.g., the sink base must align with the drain position).
Step 4: Measure Appliance Spaces. For built-in appliances, measure:
Standard kitchen cabinet sizes in Singapore assume these spaces, but verify against actual appliances.
Step 5: Calculate Clearances. Determine:
Proper HDB kitchen measurements take into account movement patterns and safety zones.
Step 6: Create Dimensioned Floor Plan. Draw the kitchen to scale, showing:
Error #1: Measuring Wall-to-Wall HDB walls have baseboards, sometimes with uneven plaster. Measure from the actual cabinet position (accounting for baseboard offset), not the wall surface.
Error #2: Assuming Square Corners HDB construction tolerances mean corners may not be precisely 90 degrees. Measure diagonals if unequal, the corner is out of square. Custom fillers may be needed.
Error #3: Forgetting Floor Unevenness HDB floors can slope 1-2cm across the kitchen width. Use level to check may need adjustable cabinet legs to compensate.
Error #4: Not Recording Everything Measure once, record immediately. Trusting memory causes errors. Take photos showing measurements for reference.
Professional Measurement Services:
Most cabinet suppliers offer measurement service:
Professional measurement of kitchen cabinet dimensions in Singapore HDB costs $50-$ 150 as a standalone service, typically waived with a cabinet purchase exceeding $3,000.
For a custom aluminium cabinet design, accurate measurements are critical. Aluminium fabrication tolerances are tighter than wood, requiring precision within 2-3mm.
Kitchen cabinet dimensions in Singapore HDB are evolving beyond traditional standards to accommodate changing lifestyles, new appliances, and design preferences. Trends from 2024-2025 renovation data:
Standard evolving: 85cm → 90-95cm height
Driver: Average Singaporean height increasing (males 171cm → 174cm, females 160cm → 162cm over the past decade)
Taller kitchen counter height in Singapore reduces back strain for taller users. However, this creates accessibility issues for shorter users, and those with wheelchair accessibility needs should carefully consider their household needs.
Implementation: When increasing the height of HDB kitchen cabinets, maintain the toe kick at 10-15cm and add height to the cabinet box itself. The countertop edge should align at the user’s elbow height minus 15cm.
Standard evolving: 210-220cm → 230-240cm (whole ceiling height)
Driver: Eliminating dust-collecting top gap, maximising storage in compact HDB spaces
Full-height tall cabinet dimensions in Singapore create a seamless look and add 15-20% storage capacity compared to standard units with a top gap. Requires precise measurement, ceiling heights vary by 2-5cm within a single flat.
Implementation: Measure ceiling height at the exact cabinet location. Build cabinets to ceiling height minus 3cm (allows installation clearance), and add crown moulding to conceal the gap.
Standard evolving: 30cm depth → 35cm depth
Driver: Larger dinner plates (now 28-30cm diameter), oversized serving platters
A deeper wall cabinet height in Singapore provides more usable storage but risks head collision. Use only where counter depth is ≥90cm or cabinets are mounted ≥50cm above the counter.
Implementation: Increase wall cabinet depth HDB selectively over islands, peninsulas, or in corners where collision risk is low. Maintain 30cm depth for cabinets above primary work areas.
Standard evolving: Uniform 75cm wall cabinets → Mixed heights (60cm, 75cm, 90cm in the same kitchen)
Driver: Visual interest, accommodating different storage needs, displaying decorative items
The varied wall cabinet heights in Singapore create a dynamic look while improving functionality. Lower cabinets (60cm) are ideal for frequently accessed items, while taller cabinets (90cm) are suitable for bulk storage or display.
Implementation: Use 75cm as the primary height, vary 15cm up or down for accent sections. Maintain horizontal alignment at the top or bottom for a cohesive appearance.
Standard evolving: Freestanding appliances → Built-in with matching cabinet fronts
Driver: Streamlined aesthetics, space efficiency, and rising middle-class spending on kitchen renovations
Integrated appliances require precise kitchen cabinet dimensions. Singapore HDB manufacturers provide exact cutout specifications. Standard built-in oven opening: 60cm wide × 60cm high × 55cm deep.
Implementation: Verify appliance model early in the design process. Cabinet dimensions must match appliance specifications precisely; a 2-3mm variance can prevent installation.
Standard evolving: No overhang or 15-20cm → 35-40cm overhang
Driver: Casual dining popularity, limited dining space in smaller HDB flats
An extended countertop overhang creates a seating area. Requires base cabinet dimensions of 60cm standard depth, plus 35-40cm overhang, for a total counter depth of 95-100cm. Overhangs exceeding 30cm require support brackets.
Implementation: Plan electrical outlets for the counter seating area, ensuring 70cm knee clearance below the overhang. Use support brackets for overhangs exceeding 30cm.
For trending aluminium kitchen cabinet colours, dimensional trends remain consistent, regardless of finish. Functional requirements drive sizes, not aesthetics.
In Singapore homes, the standard kitchen cabinet size depends on how you use your space. Base cabinets are typically around 850 mm to 900 mm high (including countertop) and 600 mm deep, giving a comfortable workspace. Wall cabinets usually go 350 mm deep so they don’t crowd your countertop, while tall pantry units can reach up to 2,400 mm for extra storage. At T Se7en Alucraft, our modular aluminium systems follow these industry standards but can be fully customized to fit your exact kitchen layout ideal for compact HDBs or large landed homes.
The 3×S rule—Sink, Stove, Storage is the heart of smart kitchen planning. It focuses on efficient workflow, ensuring you can prep, cook, and clean without bumping into appliances or clutter. In Singapore kitchens, where space is precious, applying this flow principle makes daily cooking more enjoyable. T Se7en Alucraft designs follow this logic, positioning your aluminium cabinets and work zones to match natural movement patterns, so every inch of your kitchen works harder for you.
Start by measuring the total wall length and available height, keeping in mind doors, windows, and appliance clearances. Base cabinet height typically sits around 900 mm, while wall cabinets hang 450 mm to 600 mm above the countertop. Multiply the number of modules (usually 300–600 mm wide) that can fit along your wall to plan storage volume. T Se7en Alucraft takes the guesswork out of this process with precise on-site measurement and design tools that create perfect, humidity-resistant aluminium cabinetry made for Singapore’s tropical climate.
A 10×10 kitchen (about 9 square metres) is actually quite comfortable by Singapore standards, where many HDB or condo kitchens range from 6 to 8 sqm. With efficient planning, even a smaller space can feel spacious. T Se7en Alucraft specializes in modular aluminium cabinetry that maximizes every centimetre so whether you have a compact galley or an open-concept kitchen, your layout remains sleek, durable, and easy to maintain.
Designers often leave 450 mm to 600 mm between the countertop surface and the underside of upper (wall) cabinets in Singapore. Home & Decor The lower end (450 mm) makes everyday items easier to reach; the higher end (around 600 mm) gives room for appliances (kettles, toasters) and task lighting. If you go too tight, your upper cabinets and countertop appliances fight for space; too high, and small items become hard to reach. The 450–600 mm range is a practical compromise for most users.
Phone: +65 9615 9273
Email: marketing@tse7en.com
Website: https://www.tse7en.com
A personalized consultation may help. Please feel free to contact us here and our consultants will reach out to you through your home renovation process.
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