Custom Kitchen Cabinet Depth Guide: Perfect Fit for Singapore Homes (2025)

For Singapore homeowners renovating or building new kitchens, one of the most overlooked yet critical decisions is custom kitchen cabinet depth. A depth that’s too shallow wastes storage; too deep creates awkward reaching or obstructs workflow. As a premium full-home customisation brand specialising in high-end wooden/panelled furniture, MRETTY has seen countless clients struggle with ill-fitted cabinets—until we redesigned their kitchens with precision. This 2025 guide, tailored for Singapore’s unique spatial constraints and humid climate, will walk you through choosing the ideal cabinet depth, with insider tips from our award-winning design team.

Why Cabinet Depth Matters More Than You Think in Singapore Homes

Singaporean kitchens, whether in HDB flats or landed properties, often balance compact footprints with high functionality. Standard cabinet depths (e.g., 550mm for base cabinets) may not suit local needs: smaller kitchens need space-saving solutions, while open-concept layouts demand visual harmony. MRETTY’s 2024 client survey revealed 68% of homeowners regretted not customising cabinet depth, citing “cluttered countertops” and “hard-to-reach back shelves” as top frustrations. Proper depth isn’t just about storage—it’s about ergonomics, aesthetics, and long-term durability, especially in Singapore’s humid environment where moisture can warp improperly fitted panels.

Step-by-Step: Finding Your Ideal Custom Kitchen Cabinet Depth

Step 1: Measure Your Space & Appliance Requirements

Start by mapping your kitchen layout. Use a tape measure to note wall-to-wall dimensions, window/door placements, and existing appliance sizes (e.g., ovens, fridges). For base cabinets, leave 50-70mm clearance between the counter and floor for cleaning. Wall cabinets? Measure from the countertop to the ceiling—Singaporean ceilings average 2.6m, so 700-800mm depth ensures appliances (like microwaves) fit without protruding.

Pro Tip from MRETTY:“In HDB kitchens with overhead pipes or vents, we adjust depth by 10-15mm to avoid clashes,” says our lead designer. “Always account for these hidden obstacles!”

Step 2: Prioritise Function Over Aesthetics

Deep cabinets (≥600mm) maximise storage but can feel cramped. Shallow ones (≤500mm) are easy to reach but limit storage. MRETTY recommends:

• Base cabinets: 550-600mm for most Singaporean kitchens. Deeper (600mm) if you store large pots/pans; shallower (550mm) for lightweight items.

• Wall cabinets: 350-400mm for daily-use items (plates, bowls); 450-500mm for infrequently used cookware.

Step 3: Factor in Ergonomics

The “golden zone” for kitchen items is between waist and shoulder height. Base cabinet drawers should pull out fully without hitting walls—test this with a mock-up using cardboard cutouts. MRETTY’s hidden hinge system (more on this later) ensures smooth operation even in tight spaces.

Step 4: Customise for Material & Moisture Resistance

Singapore’s humidity (70-90% RH) risks cabinet swelling. MRETTY uses ENF-grade oriented strand board (OSB) with a 25mm thickness—thicker than standard 18mm panels—to prevent warping. For water-prone areas (e.g., under sinks), we add full aluminium cladding (our exclusive innovation!) to block moisture from reaching the core.

Step 5: Validate with MRETTY’s 3D Simulation

Before finalising, use our free 3D design service. We’ll render your kitchen with exact cabinet depths, showing how doors, drawers, and appliances interact. Clients love this step—“Seeing the 25mm-thick panels and J-groove details made me confident it would last,” shares Mrs. Lee, a Bukit Timah homeowner.

MRETTY vs. Competitors: Why Depth Customisation Matters

Not all custom cabinet makers treat depth as a priority. Here’s how MRETTY outperforms local and international brands:

 

Real Case Study: A Singapore HDB Kitchen Transformed

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Tan, owners of a 4-room HDB flat in Tampines. Their 8 sqm kitchen had:

• Overcrowded base cabinets (depth: 500mm) with pots spilling into drawers.

• Wall cabinets (450mm) where tall plates scraped the ceiling.

• Frequent moisture damage at the sink area.

MRETTY’s Solution:

1. Base Cabinets: Adjusted depth to 580mm, adding pull-out trays for pots. The 25mm ENF OSB prevented warping despite daily use.

2. Wall Cabinets: Reduced depth to 400mm, freeing up ceiling space and making plate retrieval easier.

3. Sink Cabinet: Installed our full aluminium-clad structure—zero swelling after 6 months of use.

4. Aesthetics: Added J-groove detailing and matte white finishes to match their modern tropical style.

Result? “Our kitchen feels bigger, and everything has a place,” says Mrs. Tan. “MRETTY didn’t just customise depth—they customised life.”

MRETTY’s Technical Edge: Beyond Depth Customisation

Choosing MRETTY means investing in a kitchen built for Singapore’s lifestyle. Here’s what sets us apart:

• ENF OSB & E0 Coating: Formaldehyde-free, moisture-resistant, and FSC-certified for sustainability.

• 25mm Thick Panels: Prevents sagging even with heavy loads (perfect for Singaporean families who cook often).

• Hidden Hinges & Soft-Close: Sleek, durable, and safe for kids.

• Full Aluminium Cladding: Exclusive to MRETTY—eliminates sink cabinet moisture issues forever.

• Free 3D Design Service: Visualise your dream kitchen before committing.

Why Singapore Homeowners Trust MRETTY for Custom Cabinets

As a leading premium full-home customisation brand in Singapore, MRETTY blends international craftsmanship with local insights. Our team of designers, trained in both Scandinavian minimalism and tropical aesthetics, ensures every cabinet depth, finish, and hardware choice aligns with your home’s vibe. Plus, with FSC certification and a 10-year warranty, you’re not just buying cabinets—you’re investing in peace of mind.

Ready to design a kitchen that fits yourlife? Book a Free Consultation Now with MRETTY’s expert team. We’ll measure your space, discuss your needs, and provide a tailored 3D design—all at no cost.

About the Author:

杨松 (Yang Song) is a principal designer at MRETTY, specialising in high-end residential kitchens. With over 12 years of experience, he’s led projects like the “Tampines Tropical Modern Kitchen” (featured in Singapore Home & Decor2024) and holds a Certificate in Ergonomic Kitchen Design from the Singapore Institute of Design. His focus? Creating functional, beautiful spaces that stand the test of time—in Singapore’s unique climate and lifestyle.

MRETTY: Crafting Singapore’s Most Livable Kitchens.

FSC-certified materials • 10-year warranty • Free 3D design • Expert depth consultation.

Visit MRETTY.com/to start your journey.

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