Kitchen Bench Height in Australia: Standard Sizes, Depths and Island Dimensions

Ideal kitchen bench height (Australia)

The standard kitchen bench height in Australia is 900 mm from finished floor to the top of the benchtop. That’s the long-standing benchmark for comfort and ergonomics in most homes.

When to adjust the standard kitchen bench height

• 850–880 mm: Suits shorter users, accessible needs and some wheelchair-friendly designs (check AS 1428.1 guidance and a qualified designer/OT).
• 900–920 mm: Everyday sweet spot for most households and kitchen renovations in Perth.
• 920–950 mm: Taller users, heavy-duty prep or where thicker benchtops (e.g., 40 mm profiles) and levelling need to be accommodated.
• Breakfast bar: Often 1,050 mm high (with bar stools, see below).

In custom cabinetry WA projects, Joyce Kitchens often sets benchtops between 900–920 mm depending on appliance heights (e.g., dishwashers), flooring build-ups and user height.

Standard kitchen sizes and dimensions (Australia)

Here’s a concise reference for standard kitchen unit sizes and practical allowances. Use these as a starting point—custom solutions often optimise your space far better than strict “stock” sizes.

Benchtops and islands

• Standard kitchen bench height: 900 mm (typical range 880–950 mm)
• Standard kitchen bench depth: 600 mm to 650 mm overall
• Standard kitchen bench width (front-to-back “depth”): 600–650 mm for wall runs; islands vary
• Kitchen bench overhang (seating): 250–300 mm
• Kitchen island size (common): 900–1,200 mm deep x 1,800–3,000 mm long
• Kitchen island sizes dimensions: Allow 1,000–1,200 mm walking space around (see clearances below)
• Breakfast bar height: ~1,050 mm; stools with 750–780 mm seat height
• Counter stools for ~900 mm benches: 650–680 mm seat height

Cabinets and cupboards

• Base cabinet carcass height: 720 mm
• Toe kick (kickboard): 140–160 mm
• Benchtop thickness: 20–40 mm (commonly 20 or 40 with mitred edge)
• Standard kitchen carcass sizes (base depth): 560 mm (plus benchtop overhang to ~600–620 mm)
• Standard kitchen cabinet width modules: 300/400/450/500/600/700/800/900 mm
• Standard kitchen cabinet dimensions (overheads): 720 or 900 mm high; 300–320 mm deep
• Pantry/tall cabinet depth: 580–600 mm (doors flush to ~600–620 mm)
• Distance benchtop to overhead cupboards: 600–700 mm (check rangehood specs)
• Rangehood clearance: Often 600 mm electric / 650–750 mm gas from cooktop to hood underside—always follow manufacturer/NCC guidance

Appliances

• Ovens/cookers: 600 mm and 900 mm widths are most common in Australia
• Dishwasher: 600 mm wide; install height 820–870 mm depending on model/feet
• Fridge cavity: Aim 900–1,000 mm wide x 1,750–1,900+ mm high; confirm your model specs
• Microwave housing: 500–600 mm wide; allow ventilation as per manufacturer

Clearances and circulation

• Work aisle (cooktop/sink runs): 1,050–1,200 mm for comfortable movement
• Island perimeter: 1,000–1,200 mm each side
• Door/drawer swing: Avoid collisions by staggering big drawers/appliances

These figures align with common standard kitchen unit sizes, standard kitchen cupboard sizes and kitchen cabinet sizes and dimensions used across Australia. While there’s no single law for standard kitchen carcass dimensions, many Australian manufacturers follow similar kitchen unit measurements for efficiency and compatibility with appliances.

Our renovation and design process

1. Measure and brief: We record the actual kitchen dimensions on site, including window heights, plumbing, electrical and floor levels.
2. Concept design: Layouts for galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, peninsula or island; we model kitchen bench size and kitchen island size options to suit your space and lifestyle.
3. Materials and hardware: Choose from engineered stone benchtops, porcelain/sintered stone, solid timber, laminate, 2-pack, melamine and more with quality hardware (soft-close drawers, pull-outs).
4. Compliance: We design to product specifications and relevant guidance (e.g., manufacturer rangehood clearances; NCC; AS/NZS cabinetry guidelines such as AS/NZS 4386 for domestic kitchen assemblies).
5. Quote and timeline: Transparent pricing and a schedule that minimises downtime in your home.
6. Installation and handover: Perth-based installers deliver a neat, durable finish. We can integrate sculleries, butler’s pantry solutions and laundry/wardrobe designs for a cohesive home.

WA case examples

Case 1 – North Perth family galley: Replaced a tired 880 mm bench with a new 915 mm engineered stone benchtop for taller users, widened the work aisle to 1,100 mm, and added a 2,400 x 1,000 mm island with 300 mm seating overhang. Result: better ergonomics and school-lunch prep space.

Case 2 – Cottesloe coastal apartment: Compact L-shaped kitchen with a 2,100 x 900 mm peninsula, 600 mm deep cabinets and 20 mm porcelain top. Overheads set at 650 mm above benchtop to suit a gas cooktop and rangehood spec, while preserving ocean views.

Materials and finishes (WA-ready)

Perth’s climate and lifestyle call for durable, easy-care surfaces. Here’s a snapshot comparing two popular benchtop choices.

Engineered Stone vs Laminate Benchtops

Other excellent options include porcelain/sintered stone (high heat and UV resistance), solid timber for warmth, and stainless steel for commercial-grade durability. For cabinetry, choose from 2-pack polyurethane, premium laminates, melamine or vinyl wrap with soft-close drawers and quality hinges.

WA note: High-UV areas near windows benefit from UV-stable finishes and benchtops like porcelain. For rangehoods over gas, always meet the manufacturer’s minimum clearance (often 650–750 mm) and NCC guidance.

Useful Australian resources:
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA,
Australian Building Codes Board (NCC),
Safe Work Australia.

Layouts and styles that work

Popular layouts

• Galley kitchen: Efficient for narrow rooms; ensure 1,050–1,200 mm between runs.
• L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen: Great for families; islands add social seating and prep zones.
• Peninsula: A smart alternative to an island in compact homes.
• Butler’s pantry / scullery: Hide mess, add storage and secondary prep/small appliance zones.

Style directions

• Shaker kitchen / Hamptons: Framed doors, classic profiles, engineered stone or solid timber tops, feature handles.
• Contemporary kitchen: Handleless or finger-pull, flat doors, integrated appliances, LED task lighting, waterfall edges.
• Industrial/Urban: Stainless tops, concrete-look porcelains, black fixtures, open shelving.

Whatever your style, correct kitchen cabinet measurements, dimensions of kitchen cupboards and kitchen cupboard depth ensure appliances sit flush, doors swing freely and your size of the kitchen feels right.

Costs and budgeting in Perth/WA

• Cosmetic update (new doors/handles/laminate benchtop): from $8,000–$20,000
• Mid-range renovation (custom cabinetry, engineered stone, new appliances): $20,000–$40,000
• Premium renovation (bespoke joinery, porcelain stone, reconfiguration): $40,000–$80,000+

Indicative component pricing (installed):

• Custom cabinetry: $900–$1,800 per linear metre (spec-dependent)
• Laminate benchtops: ~$200–$450 per linear metre
• Engineered stone: ~$700–$1,200 per linear metre
• Porcelain/sintered stone: ~$1,200–$2,000 per linear metre
• Solid timber: ~$650–$1,100 per linear metre

Every project is unique—finals depend on scope, materials, appliance selection and site conditions. Joyce Kitchens provides detailed quotes and timeline planning for kitchen renovations Perth homeowners can trust.

Practical planning checklist

• Confirm preferred kitchen bench height (test with cutting/food prep motions)
• Measure existing floors to finished levels (tiles/timber add height)
• Lock in appliance sizes early (600 or 900 mm cooktop/oven, fridge cavity width/height)
• Decide island seating vs storage; allow 250–300 mm overhang
• Plan 1,050–1,200 mm aisles around island and between runs
• Check rangehood clearances for gas vs electric
• Choose benchtop material (see table) and edge profile
• Cabinet door style: shaker, flat, handleless; finish: 2-pack, laminate, melamine
• Storage internals (pull-out pantry, corner solutions, bins, tray dividers)
• Task lighting (LED strips under overheads), splashback height and outlets
• Consider adjacent spaces: laundry, bathroom or wardrobe designs for a cohesive home
• Book your in-home design consult with Joyce Kitchens to finalise kitchen cabinet sizes and details

FAQ

What is the standard kitchen bench height in Australia?

The standard kitchen bench height is 900 mm from finished floor to benchtop. Many Perth homes choose 900–920 mm for comfort; shorter users may prefer 880–900 mm and taller users 920–950 mm.

What is the standard kitchen bench depth and width?

Typical benchtop depth is 600–650 mm from front edge to splashback. For width across an island, common sizes are 900–1,200 mm deep, with lengths from 1,800–3,000 mm depending on room size and clearances.

How high should a breakfast bar be?

A breakfast bar is often around 1,050 mm high. Pair with bar stools of about 750–780 mm seat height, leaving comfortable knee clearance (overhang 250–300 mm).

How wide should walkways be around a kitchen island?

Allow 1,000–1,200 mm around an island for comfortable movement and appliance door swing. In busy cook zones, 1,050–1,200 mm is recommended.

Do Australian Standards specify kitchen cabinet dimensions?

Standards such as AS/NZS 4386 focus on cabinet performance and assembly rather than fixed sizes. Common “standard” cabinet widths and depths exist, but custom designs typically fit your space best.