Kitchen Highboard Dimensions, Solutions, and Ideas

A kitchen highboard is a mid-height cabinet, typically between 100 cm and 150 cm high, that serves as ergonomic storage space or as a complement to the kitchen run.

In contrast to classic wall cabinets or full-height tall units, the highboard offers an additional surface at a comfortable height. Whether used as a coffee station, for storing provisions, or as a crockery cupboard, planning requires careful consideration of dimensions, materials, and internal fittings. This guide walks through the essential criteria for selection and installation.

Dimensions and Room Planning: Focus on Depths and Widths

The available space in the kitchen dictates the dimensions of the unit. Whilst traditional kitchen base units feature a depth of 60 cm, highboards are often designed to be slimmer. This prevents them from visually overpowering the room or obstructing walkways.

• Shallow depth (30 cm to 35 cm): A slim highboard with a depth of 30 cm or 35 cm is ideal for narrow galley kitchens or as a transitional piece towards the hallway. Mugs, glasses, tinned food, or flat storage jars can be stored in a single row here, which enhances visibility.
• Classic widths (50 cm to 75 cm): For alcoves, units that are 50 cm wide are ideal. They often accommodate exactly one door or one pull-out. When more wall space is available, widths of 70 cm or 75 cm wide are optimal. These formats usually allow for two doors (twin overlay hinge configuration) and provide sufficient volume for larger pots or small kitchen appliances.

Materials and Finishes: From Matt Black to Wotan Oak

Kitchen furniture must withstand moisture, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical wear. The carcass generally consists of chipboard or MDF that is melamine-coated. This synthetic resin surface seals the timber and makes it easy to wipe clean.

Two main trends currently dominate front panels:

• Wood effect: A foil finish such as Wotan oak or Sonoma oak introduces warmth into the room. The grain also forgives minor scratches or daily fingerprints.
• Solid colours: A highboard in black or matt black creates a modern, industrial feel. Here, attention should be paid to an anti-fingerprint coating, as dark matt surfaces in the kitchen otherwise require intensive care.

Choosing the right kitchen furniture handles — whether as a stainless steel rail handle or a matt black bow handle — completes the exterior appearance.

Internal Fittings: Runners and Organisation

A cabinet is only as efficient as its interior setup. Highboards are typically supplied with standard shelves. However, if you want to use the storage space ergonomically without having to bend down for items stored right at the back, upgrading to pull-outs is recommended.

A full extension runner allows the drawer to be pulled 100% out of the carcass. This ensures even the rearmost storage jar is directly within reach. The mechanism should ideally feature soft-close (integrated damping) so that the drawer shuts gently and silently.

• Retrofitting: Kitchen cupboard pull-outs allow simple units to be upgraded. For a standard width of 60 cm, a precisely fitting kitchen cupboard pull-out 60 cm is ideal.
• Organisation: In upper, shallow drawers, a kitchen drawer organiser helps to sort cutlery or small utensils.
• Waste management: If the highboard serves as a self-contained station, a system for kitchen waste bin separation can be integrated into the lower section. For a slim carcass, a pull-out kitchen bin 40cm mounted directly to the base panel or side walls is ideal.

Assembly and Installation: DIY Tips

Assembling a highboard requires a methodical approach. A spirit level is a DIY enthusiast's best friend here, as an out-of-square carcass impairs hinge operation.

Required tools:

• Cordless screwdriver with PZ2 and TX bits
• Spirit level (min. 60 cm)
• Tape measure and pencil
• Rubber mallet (for wooden dowels)

Assembly steps:

1. Assemble the carcass: Connect the base, side panels, and top panel. Cam and dowel fittings and wooden dowels are typically used here. Ensure precise right angles before fixing the back panel (usually pinned or slid into a groove). The back panel provides the cabinet with its required rigidity.
2. Fit the hardware: Mount the hinge mounting plates at the pre-drilled positions in the System 32 hole pattern (holes spaced at 32 mm intervals).
3. Hang the doors: The standard concealed hinge is inserted into the 35 mm cup hole on the door and screwed firmly in place. If it is a single door that sits flush with the outer edge, you will need a hinge for full overlay.
4. Adjustment: Use the three adjustment screws on the hinge arm to fine-tune the door height, depth, and side overlay until the gap reveal is completely uniform.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Highboards

What depth is practical for a kitchen highboard? If the unit is not used as a worktop, depths of 30 cm to 35 cm are entirely sufficient. They save floor space and provide the exact depth needed for plates, food containers, or glasses without items getting lost behind one another.

What is the difference between full overlay and inset doors? With a full overlay hinge, the closed door covers virtually the entire front edge of the carcass side panel. With an inset door, the door sits flush within the cabinet carcass openings, leaving the front edges of the unit visible. Different hinge types are required for each installation method.

How much weight can a shelf support? This depends on the material thickness and width. A standard 16 mm chipboard shelf tends to sag slightly under heavy loads (such as stacked dinner sets) if the width exceeds 60 cm. In this case, the load should not exceed 15 kg. For heavy kitchen appliances, the bottom shelf (directly above the plinth) is the most secure location.

Can I retrofit drawers into my highboard? Yes, provided the internal carcass width matches the dimensions of the drawer runner system. Telescopic slides can be screwed to the side walls using the System 32 hole spacing. It is essential to measure the exact internal width (clearance between side panels) and the carcass depth in mm beforehand.