Different calculations and personal preferences should be considered when designing your desk

“We’re designing a desk for our office, but not sure how to figure the drawer height?”

Well, it seems we’re on a drawer kick lately!

There’s more than one way to calculate things, and personal preference needs to be considered beyond that. But here are some general guidelines:

Typical desk height is 30″

Seat height can be between 15″- 18″.

Leg height clearance runs between 9″ – 12″

Countertop can be 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″

So, subtract your combination of dimensions from the 30″ height, and the remaining number is the available height for a drawer. As an example, say we’ve got a chair at 16″, leg clearance at 9″ and 1″ countertop.

Doing the math: 30 – (16 + 9 + 1) = 4. Bear in mind the chosen construction method (framed or frameless) will need to be considered also. But at least now you have number to start!

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This specially-configured base cabinet combines the best of a drawer base cabinet with a door-fronted cabinet

“One of my needs for base cabinet storage doesn’t fit with the design of a standard drawer base, nor a base cabinet with full-height doors with rollouts behind? Have a suggestion?”

Perhaps a hybrid door and drawer base cabinet like the one pictured to the right of the stove. There could be two full-width drawers, one over the other, and doors down below. Behind the doors, you could have open storage, a shelf, or even a rollout. The look also fits especially well with a period styled kitchen.

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A scooped-cut drawer can fit under a cooktop, but check with your appliance manufacturer regarding clearances!

“Can a drawer fit under a cooktop?”

Depending upon the appliance manufacturer, yes! It could even be possible to put a 3- or 4-drawer base under the cooktop. The top drawer will almost certainly be reduced in height, but still fully functional. Any drawers located beneath the top one may require a special treatment as well, but we have built them to fit!

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