Ready-to-assemble (RTA) pantry cabinets provide a convenient and affordable way to organize your kitchen storage. When shopping for RTA pantry cabinets, one important consideration is the depth of the cabinets. The depth determines how much storage space the cabinets provide and how far they will extend into the room. In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the standard depths for RTA pantry cabinets and the factors to consider when selecting the right depth for your needs.
Standard Depths for RTA Pantry Cabinets
RTA pantry cabinets are available in a range of standard depths, typically starting around 12 inches and going up to 24 inches deep. Here are some of the most common depths for RTA pantry cabinets:
12-Inch Deep RTA Pantry Cabinets
- The shallowest common depth for RTA pantry cabinets is 12 inches.
- 12-inch deep cabinets take up very little floor space while still offering organized storage.
- Best for narrow spaces or as filler cabinets next to refrigerators and appliances.
- Provide enough room for some food boxes and cans but limited space for bulky items.
15-Inch Deep RTA Pantry Cabinets
- 15-inch depth is popular for RTA pantry cabinets.
- Provides a nice balance of space without protruding too far into the room.
- Accommodates most common pantry items including cereals, pasta boxes, cans, and some small appliances.
- A standard depth suitable for many kitchen layouts.
18-Inch Deep RTA Pantry Cabinets
- 18 inches is a widely available and versatile depth.
- Comfortably fits larger boxes and bulkier items like rice dispensers and mixers.
- Still fits well along walls and in corners without dominating space.
- Deeper than base cabinets so provides expanded storage capacity.
24-Inch Deep RTA Pantry Cabinets
- At 24 inches, this is the deepest common size for RTA pantry cabinets.
- Maximizes storage space for large supplies and big appliances.
- Great for dedicated pantries and walk-in closets.
- The deep cabinets extend far from the wall so measure space carefully.
Within this range, 12, 15, and 18 inches are the most popular standard depths that provide flexible options for most kitchens. 24-inch deep pantry cabinets create abundant storage for pantries and large spaces but may be too deep for smaller kitchens.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pantry Cabinet Depth
Several factors come into play when selecting the right depth for your RTA pantry cabinets:
Kitchen Layout and Space Available
- Consider the dimensions of your kitchen and placement of cabinets.
- Shallow 12-inch cabinets are great next to appliances while 15 to 18 inches usually fits well along walls.
- Deeper cabinets may be too protrusive in a galley kitchen but usable in a large open layout.
Usage and Storage Needs
- What you intend to store affects the depth needed. For limited items, 12 inches could suffice but deep cabinets fit large supplies.
- Count the types of items you want to store from cereal boxes, cans, and mixers to aid selection.
Access and Reach Considerations
- Cabinets that are too deep can make items in back difficult to access.
- Standard depths under 18 inches are easily reachable.
- For deep cabinets, consider pull-out shelves and rollout trays.
Appliance Clearances
- If pantry cabinetry is next to appliances like refrigerators, ensure proper clearance depths.
- Cabinet doors should fully open without colliding into adjacent appliances.
Walking Space and Aisles
- In walk-in pantries and closets, measure aisle space to avoid cramped access from deep cabinets.
- Leave adequate walking space, at least 30-36 inches between cabinets.
Standard Interior Dimensions and Storage Capacity
The interior dimensions and storage capacity also vary based on the pantry cabinet depth:
12-Inch Deep RTA Pantry Cabinets
- Interior height and width are typically around 11 1⁄2 inches.
- Provide around 1.2 to 1.5 cubic feet of storage space.
- Limit storage to smaller items and a few small appliances.
15-Inch Deep RTA Pantry Cabinets
- Roughly 14 1⁄2 inches interior height and width.
- Around 2.1 to 2.4 cubic feet of storage capacity.
- Fit most common pantry items including boxes, cans, and small appliances.
18-Inch Deep RTA Pantry Cabinets
- Interior dimensions about 17 1⁄2 inches high and wide.
- Approximately 3 cubic feet of storage space.
- Accommodate a wide variety of bulky supplies and large appliances.
24-Inch Deep RTA Pantry Cabinets
- Around 23 1⁄2 inches of interior height and width.
- Provide the most storage at 5 cubic feet or more.
- Fit even extra-large items like big mixers and stock pots.
Matching your needs with the right interior storage capacity ensures your RTA pantry cabinets are deep enough without wasting space.
Standard Cabinet Heights Pair Well with Different Depths
RTA pantry cabinets come in a range of heights from short 12-inch cabinets to tall 84-inch floor-to-ceiling versions. The typical heights include:
- 30 to 36 inches – Great for lower cabinets and countertop matching. Pairs well with 12 to 18-inch depths.
- 42 to 48 inches – Medium height uppers work with most depths from 12 to 24 inches.
- 60 to 72 inches – For tall pantries, these heights allow even deepest cabinets while reaching items.
- 84 inches – Full floor-to-ceiling height maximizes storage but hard to access deepest cabinets. Best for shallow to medium depths.
Selecting the pantry cabinet height and depth in tandem ensures your combination fits your space functionally.
Door Styles to Enhance Different Depth Cabinets
The door style you choose can accentuate or downplay the depth of your pantry cabinets:
Shallow Cabinets
- Swing doors, roll-up doors, framed panel doors, and glass doors all nicely complement shallower pantry cabinets.
- Barn doors can also slide out of the way without needing door swing space.
Medium to Deep Cabinets
- Solid slab doors and unfussy designs give a streamlined look to balance out deeper cabinets.
- Pocket doors that slide into the cabinetry maintain a clean, built-in look.
Extra Deep Cabinets
- Glass doors, mirrored doors, and open shelving temper the boxy look of oversized deep cabinets.
- Bi-fold doors that collapse into the cabinet frame reduce protrusion into the room.
Matching cabinet depths and door styles harmonizes the look and function of your kitchen storage solution.
RTA Pantry Cabinet Options by Depth
To summarize the range of depths suitable for RTA pantry cabinets:
- 12 inches – Best for narrow spaces and limited storage needs.
- 15 inches – Provides versatile storage for most pantries.
- 18 inches – Ideal standard depth to maximize space while fitting most layouts.
- 24 inches – Only for dedicated pantries with deep storage requirements.
Within this spectrum, also consider cabinet height and door style to complement your chosen depth for both aesthetics and utility. Carefully measuring your kitchen and thinking through storage needs makes selecting the ideal RTA pantry cabinet depth straightforward. With the proper depth and well-designed storage, your kitchen will offer years of organized function.
How Deep are RTA Pantry Cabinets? – FAQ
Still have some questions about how deep RTA pantry cabinets typically are? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the standard depth for RTA pantry cabinets?
The most common standard depths for RTA pantry cabinets range from 12 inches to 18 inches. 15-inch and 18-inch depths are popular sizes that provide versatile storage for most kitchens.
What is the shallowest depth for RTA pantry cabinets?
The shallowest depth for RTA pantry cabinets is usually 12 inches. A 12-inch depth provides limited storage but fits well in narrow kitchen spaces.
What is the deepest depth available?
The deepest depth commonly available for RTA pantry cabinets is 24 inches. At 24 inches deep, the cabinets offer maximum storage capacity for large pantries and walk-in closets.
What depth fits best in a small kitchen?
For a smaller kitchen, 12 or 15-inch deep RTA pantry cabinets are best. The shallow cabinets take up minimal floor space and avoid protruding too far into the room.
What depth works well for standard kitchen layouts?
A 15 or 18-inch depth fits nicely into most standard kitchen layouts. These medium depths give you great storage without dominating the room.
What depth should I get for a walk-in pantry?
For a spacious walk-in pantry, consider selecting deeper RTA cabinets around 18 or 24 inches deep to take advantage of the available floor area. Just be sure to measure carefully to allow walking space between cabinets.
Can I customize the depth of RTA pantry cabinets?
Most RTA pantry cabinet brands offer some degree of customization, though availability varies. Many let you adjust height and width but limit depth options to their standard sizes. Discuss any custom needs with the manufacturer.
Carefully considering how you intend to use the space and matching with an appropriate depth makes choosing RTA pantry cabinets much easier. Evaluating your kitchen layout, storage requirements, height, and style needs guides you to pick the perfect depth to meet your organizational needs.
Conclusion
When selecting RTA pantry cabinets for your kitchen, one of the most important decisions is choosing the ideal cabinet depth. Standard RTA pantry cabinets typically range from 12 to 24 inches deep, with the most popular options being 15 and 18-inch depths. Choosing the right depth depends on factors like your kitchen layout, storage needs, reach considerations, and appliance clearances. Allowing adequate aisle space is also critical for walk-in pantries. Matching pantry cabinet height and door style to your selected depth completes the coordinated look. With an understanding of standard RTA pantry cabinet depths and the available options, you can confidently choose cabinets with the perfect amount of storage for your unique space.
