The depth of a "deep" cabinet depends heavily on its intended use and location. There isn't one single answer.
Standard Cabinet Depths
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Wall Cabinets: Standard wall cabinets are typically 12 inches deep, but deeper options up to 24 inches exist, particularly for pantry or utility storage. A maximum depth of 24 inches is often cited as a limit for wall cabinets because they cannot exceed the depth of base cabinets. [Source: Cabinet Coatings]
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Base Cabinets: Standard base cabinets are generally 24 inches deep, although some are available at 21 inches. This depth is also influenced by factors like appliance integration (e.g., refrigerators). Deeper cabinets, such as those incorporating a Lazy Susan, can measure 33 inches deep. [Source: CabinetCorp, Re-New Cabinets]
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Tall Cabinets: Tall cabinets, often used as pantries, commonly range from 12 inches to 24 inches in depth, mirroring the dimensions of base cabinets. The depth is dictated by whether it is designed for pantry or utility storage. [Source: Various sources]
Deeper Cabinets for Specific Needs
There is a clear trend toward deeper cabinets in certain situations:
- Over-the-Refrigerator Cabinets: In some cases, a 26-inch depth is desired for over-the-refrigerator cabinets to ensure a clean integration with countertops. [Source: Reddit r/cabinetry]
- Office Cabinets: Office cabinets might need to exceed the standard 12-inch depth to accommodate the typical depth of desks, which often measures 27 inches. Therefore, office wall cabinets are often customized to meet specific requirements. [Source: Sawmill Creek forum]
- Server Rack Cabinets: The depth required for server rack cabinets depends on the size of the servers and whether rails are used. A depth of 600mm or 800mm may be considered standard but isn't sufficiently deep in all scenarios. [Source: TrueNAS Community]
Conclusion: Context Matters
The depth of a "deep" cabinet is relative and depends entirely on its application. While 24 inches is commonly seen as a deep option for base cabinets, wall cabinets rarely exceed this due to limitations in typical kitchen designs.
