Cabinets
Cut List for Base Cabinets: Parts and Sizes
A base cabinet cut list: sides, bottom, stretchers, back, shelf, and toe kick with typical sizes. Plan kitchen base cabinet plywood parts the right way.
Research Lens
How can a personal builder use CutList to finish cut list for base cabinets: parts and sizes with fewer mistakes?
The hobby workflow is strongest when the app is used as a planning checkpoint: define the project, enter accurate stock and parts, generate a visual layout, then use cost, waste, grain, kerf, PDF export, project history, and offline access to control the real cutting session.
Decision Metrics
Standard Base Cabinet Dimensions
Most kitchen base cabinets are about 34-1/2 inches tall (to fit a 36-inch counter with a 1-1/2-inch top), 24 inches deep, and a chosen width. Those targets set the panel sizes. Starting from standard dimensions keeps your cabinets compatible with counters, appliances, and standard hardware.
The Core Panels
A base cabinet needs two sides, a bottom, a back, and usually top stretchers rather than a full top (the counter goes on top). Sizes follow from the cabinet dimensions and joinery: sides set height and depth, the bottom and stretchers set width, and the back keeps it square. Add an adjustable shelf if wanted.
The Toe Kick
Base cabinets sit on a recessed toe kick, usually about 4 inches tall and set back 3 inches, so you can stand close to the counter. The toe kick can be part of the sides (notched) or a separate base platform the boxes sit on. Decide which method before cutting, as it changes the side panel shape.
A Typical Parts List
For one 24-inch-wide base cabinet in 3/4-inch plywood with a 1/4-inch back: two sides at depth by height, one bottom, two top stretchers, a back panel, an optional shelf, plus toe-kick parts. Multiply by the number of cabinets and batch identical parts so they cut together cleanly.
From List to Sheets
Group the repeated parts, set your kerf, and lay them out to see how many sheets a run of base cabinets needs. A template gives you the structure; adjust widths to your kitchen and let the calculator pack the panels onto sheets.
Compare
Base cabinet parts (one 24-inch cabinet)
| Part | Qty | Material | Sets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side | 2 | 3/4 in plywood | Height, depth |
| Bottom | 1 | 3/4 in plywood | Width |
| Top stretcher | 2 | 3/4 in plywood | Width, racking |
| Back | 1 | 1/4 in plywood | Square |
Field Checklist
- Start from standard 34-1/2 by 24 inch dimensions.
- List sides, bottom, stretchers, back, and shelf.
- Decide the toe-kick method before cutting.
- Batch identical parts across cabinets.
- Lay the parts on sheets to get a sheet count.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the standard base cabinet dimensions?
About 34-1/2 inches tall and 24 inches deep, in a chosen width, so a 1-1/2-inch counter lands at 36 inches.
What parts are in a base cabinet cut list?
Two sides, a bottom, top stretchers, a back, an optional shelf, and toe-kick parts, sized from the cabinet dimensions and joinery.
How tall is a kitchen toe kick?
Usually about 4 inches tall and set back about 3 inches, either notched into the sides or built as a separate base platform.
Do base cabinets need a full top?
No. They use top stretchers because the countertop spans the top. A full top is unnecessary and wastes material.
How many sheets for a run of base cabinets?
It depends on widths and counts. Batch identical parts and lay them out on sheets with a calculator to get the number.
Sources