How to mix tall kitchen units & wall units

 

Did you know that we have 2 different sizes of tall kitchen units available and the size of tall unit you choose in your kitchen design, will determine the wall unit size that you need to use?

Tall units are an excellent addition to your kitchen, if you have the space then there are many available including:

So, if you ever wanted a space to hide all your brooms, mops & ironing board, then factor a few of these units into your design and you’ll thank yourself later!

The initial measurements of the units you are about to see below do not include the height of the unit’s legs. The legs on our kitchen units are 150mm in height but the legs on our kitchen units will adjust from 140mm to 170mm. This adjustment mainly allows you to compensate for uneven floors so that all your units line up perfectly.

1970mm tall kitchen units (standard)

  • When using 1970mm tall kitchen units, 720mm  wall units are needed
  • 1970mm tall units are what the majority of people choose as these tend to fit in most kitchens
  • The total height of this tall unit including legs, set at 150mm (default) is  2120mm

2150mm tall kitchen units (tallest)

  • When using 2150mm tall kitchen units, 900mm wall units are needed
  • By choosing 2150mm tall units, you gain 30% more storage in the top cupboards
  • The total height of this tall unit including legs, set at 150mm (default) is  2300mm

It is very important to include the height of units, with legs, into your kitchen design when measuring up. If in doubt, check then measure then do it again and again until you are 100% sure the units you intend to buy will fit perfectly in the space that you have.

This is how the units look as they grow in height. You will notice that it is just the top the expands. The  base units are all the same height and the worktop is at a constant level across all the variations.

Mixing tall & wall units

This short video shows how to use the correct wall and tall units in your kitchen design.

Examples of tall units in kitchens

luca matt white-tall-units

tall-units-2

tall-units-3

tall-units-4

tall-units-5

tall-units-6

tall-units-7

tall-units-8

 

Kitchen unit specification video

Take a look at our kitchen unit specification video below, so that you can see exactly what you will be buying from us. All our units come fully built with all doors, drawers and hinges already attached. We do all of the assembly for you to make your kitchen installation much easier!

71 thoughts on “How to mix tall kitchen units & wall units”
  • Molly says:

    Hi there, please can you confirm again the min ceiling height for the tall cabinets – 2300mm inc legs. I have seen two different answers in the comments, 2400 and 2370mm have been mentioned as the min height required. My ceiling height is 2371 so have my fingers crossed!

     
    February 28, 2024 at 7:37 pm
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      Hi Molly, we advise leaving at least 70mm above the tall unit, so they can be stood up when the legs are fitted, 100mm would be better but should be OK with 70mm.

       
      February 29, 2024 at 2:21 pm
  • Emily says:

    Hi, my ceiling height is 3000mm and I’d like to have cabinets going up as close to the ceiling as possible. Is there any reason why I couldn’t do this? How can I configure it in the Planner? Thanks.

     
    November 20, 2023 at 11:48 am
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      Hi Emily,

      You will need to allow a space of 70mm – 100mm above the wall unit, so you can fit them onto the wall hanging brackets and you should still have space to stack the wall units.

      On the planner, you need to add the wall unit, then on the left of the screen, there is an option to change the position from ‘standard’ to ‘stack on top’.

       
      November 21, 2023 at 2:42 pm
  • Paul Dilks says:

    I am intending to fit a kitchen with 1970mm tall units with 575mm wall units to achieve a roomier and “airier” appearance over the worktop. Do you forsee any problems with this?

     
    October 13, 2023 at 1:01 pm
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      Hi Paul,

      You can use 575mm high wall units with the 1970mm tall units. There isn’t an issue with this, Only two things to note, If the wall units are going to be inline with the tall units, The gap between the base unit and wall units will be increased and the wall units will be slightly harder to reach.

       
      October 13, 2023 at 6:19 pm
  • Simon says:

    For a 2150 tall unit, why are filler panels 2300 high while end panels are 2320 high?

     
    May 19, 2022 at 12:27 pm
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      Hi, the reason the panels are 2320mm high is due to the legs that can be adjusted. If you adjust the legs up, the 2300mm panel would not work.

       
      May 20, 2022 at 2:25 pm
  • George says:

    Hi, I am planning for tall 2300 units but my ceiling is likely to be just 2350 (extension still being built). I am aware that the minimum height recommended is 2400.
    Is the minimum height for manoeuvring the units in place or is it for any other reason such as ventilation? If it is for manoeuvring it in, wondering if we can still squeeze in the tall units by pushing it in place across a smooth tiled floor using furniture slider pads such as this one ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08NXGNZHC )

     
    November 6, 2021 at 9:29 am
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      Hi, the ceiling height would need to be 2400, this is to allow for the unit to be lifted into position, cornice to be added and enough space to get you had and a screw driver up there for fixing things into position. You could in theory, slide a unit in but it is not recommended.

       
      November 10, 2021 at 6:55 am
  • Georgie says:

    Hi
    We are having the 1970 tall units. what height end panel would you advise using?
    We are also having 720 units in the island. What height end panel would you advise for here?

     
    September 22, 2021 at 9:00 pm
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      Hi, you would need a tall end panel (2320mm tall x 600mm deep) and a base end panel (900mm tall x 600mm deep). These items would need trimming down slightly before fitting. All our end panels can be found here.

       
      September 23, 2021 at 1:17 pm
  • Michael Tovey says:

    thanks so if I have a ceiling that’s 2400 and I chose the 2150, would that still work even with the legs preattached?

     
    June 10, 2021 at 9:30 am
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      Hi, yes, that ceiling height would be fine as its the minimum recommended ceiling height to have with 2300mm high units. Usually you would tilt the unit into place with the legs fitted.

       
      June 10, 2021 at 10:00 am
  • Michael Tovey says:

    Hi, can you tell me the minimum required ceiling height for your tall units please? Assuming you would need some clearance to be able to swing it upright?

     
    June 9, 2021 at 4:18 pm
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      Hi, you need 100mm of space on top of the height of the tall unit, to tilt the unit up into position.

       
      June 10, 2021 at 8:30 am
  • William says:

    Hello, can you please advise which lines are available in 1825mm. Also, will an 1825mm unit fit a 175cm fridge column?

     
    February 8, 2021 at 4:28 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, the 1825mm units are not really meant to be used with integrated fridge freezers, as the door configuration is 575mm and 1245mm, which do not line up with integrated fridge freezers.

       
      February 8, 2021 at 8:25 pm
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        To use the unit with a single fridge, the internal height of the unit is 1789mm, so providing you can find a fridge lower than this, then it should not be an issue. You would just need to strap the doors together on installation, so they open with the single door appliance.

         
        February 9, 2021 at 3:43 pm
  • Alan Mileham says:

    Hi, Have you stopped selling the tall corner units?
    I cant find them and your link goes to a dead end. thanks

     
    February 24, 2020 at 6:59 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Alan, the units are still available. Just select the door style you require from the top of our website to see tall corner units here.

       
      February 25, 2020 at 10:46 am
  • Chris Simpson says:

    Hi, I’m planning a kitchen with a ceiling height of only 2000mm. I just want to check the limitations we have with this height? Can 1825mm tall units can still be requested and if so, exactly what is the modification that you do? 575mm wall units are still not available with in-frame designs? Any other obvious cabinet restrictions that I should know about?

     
    February 13, 2019 at 1:15 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Chris, unfortunately the 1825mm and the 575mm high units are not available in the inframe kitchen ranges.

       
      February 13, 2019 at 5:33 pm
      • Chris Simpson says:

        Thanks for confirming. For the other ranges what modification is done to the 1970mm units to achieve an 1825mm unit?

         
        February 13, 2019 at 6:03 pm
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi Chris, the total height of 1825mm tall units including legs, set at 150mm (default) is 1975mm. Legs on our kitchen units will adjust down to 140mm. On request the sales team can supply 100mm legs, which will wind down to 90mm at the very lowest. The lowest you could get this unit is 1915mm with a 90mm plinth at the bottom to cover the legs.

         
        February 14, 2019 at 6:44 am
  • MIKE TAYLOR says:

    We want a wrap around some tall units but to have one means they will not reach the coved ceiling. Should we accept a gap with the wrap around or go to the ceiling without the wrap around. We would have to cut into the coving to reach the ceiling and one kitchen designer said this would look odd.

     
    January 23, 2019 at 7:40 am
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Mike, it’s very hard to comment on this, as if there are any obstructions in the kitchen design then it is really down to personal preference how you get around them. i.e. adapting units to fit or using filler panels to cover any gaps that may be visible. If you have any further questions then our sales team may be able to help you on 01977 608 418.

       
      January 23, 2019 at 10:40 am
  • Jo Sheppard says:

    Hi, I plan to have a 2150mm, 50/50 split integrated fridge/freezer, directly next to an angled tall end unit. However, I notice the angled unit has different sized doors (with the small door at the top), which will not line up alongside the fridge/freezer. Would this look odd? And is it possible to have different sized doors fitted on the angled unit to line up with the fridge/freezer, as I do not really want a smaller fridge (if anything I would take a smaller freezer). Thanks.

     
    November 10, 2018 at 7:05 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Jo, we usually recommend you go for a 70/30 split fridge/freezer when placing next to a tall unit as the door configuration will not be the same. The 70/30 split means the appliance is 70% fridge and 30% freezer, so you will not lose the fridge space.

       
      November 12, 2018 at 8:17 pm
      • Jo Sheppard says:

        Ok thank you. However, for the tall angled end unit, the website says that the smaller door is the top door, and the larger door is the bottom, which suggests that for it to line up alongside a fridge/freezer 70/30 split, the fridge on top will be smaller than the freezer. Or are these doors on the angled end unit able to be switched around? Thanks.

         
        November 17, 2018 at 5:41 pm
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi Jo, there is aversion with the smaller door on the bottom as well here (TAT3U)

         
        November 19, 2018 at 6:55 am
      • Suzanne says:

        Hello ,

        I also need a 50/50 fridge/freezer next to a tall pantry type units (either 2150 or shorter version.. Are there any pantry units with 50/50 doors that would align with the frdieg/freezer? Other suppliers do it so I’m surprised I can’t find it on here! I really can’t go down to the 70/30 as need the freezer space.

        Thanks

         
        February 23, 2019 at 8:44 pm
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi Suzzane,

        If you give our sales team a quick call on 01977 608 418 then they can see if the units are available in your chosen door style/configuration.

         
        February 27, 2019 at 11:51 am
  • Kerri says:

    Hi
    I’m currently designing my kitchen using the Luca Gloss range .. due to the height of our kitchen being 2400mm I wanted to use the taller units for my integrated fridge freezer and oven/microwave housing .. but when choosing wall cupboards for the adjacent wall the Luca range doesn’t supply the taller option .. is there any way around this or would I need to have the standard housing for fridge freezer and oven/microwave housing to match?

     
    August 19, 2018 at 7:01 am
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Kerri, the taller 900mm tall wall units are available here.

       
      August 20, 2018 at 7:47 am
  • Jason says:

    Hello
    looking at the first picture down of the handeless 4-tall white units with two single ovens in the middle, we’re looking to create the same look:

    1. Are they standard end panels on either end that drop fully to the floor? If so what thickness are they?

    2. what’s the extra thick panel running across the top of all the units in one piece, and what thickness is that?

    3. The oven units look like they are butted up against one another, but what are the thick panels that don’t go fully to the floor that are either side of the ovens, are they filler panels if so what thickness as they visually match the finger pull spaces which is nice!
    Thanks

     
    July 30, 2018 at 10:42 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Jason, the end panels at the ends will be 18mm thick, Luca Matt white tall end panels. The bit you can see at the top is Luca Matt White Cornice/Pelmet (the same thing in this style) and that is 25mm thick.

      The bits either side of the 2 ovens that look like fillers are actually the J groove profile/handle of the 2 tall doors. On units this size with 1 door, the handles are at the side. I hope this helps.

       
      July 31, 2018 at 8:26 am
      • Jason says:

        Thanks for the reply. The end panels and the top cornice all make sense. So can you put the tall units directly next to one another and no spacers are ever needed? I.E if I have in a row a tall unit next to a tall fridge next to a tall pull out unit, next to a tall oven then another tall oven and finally another tall unit- can they all butt up next to one another? I always thought you had to put a full length spacer panels either side of ovens etc or is that not the case?

         
        July 31, 2018 at 9:39 pm
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi Jason, tall units can be placed next to each other, no spacers are need. When it comes to end panels, these are totally optional. If you have a good colour match with the carcase and doors then some people choose not to use them. End panels, when used, are mainly used at the end of kitchen runs to give a nice clean finish. Although, they can be used either side of a tall oven unit, if the oven was in the middle of a run. This would conceal the edges of the oven/microwave and give a cleaner finish to the kitchen.

         
        August 1, 2018 at 3:06 pm
  • Mike says:

    Hello,

    We want to have a wall of tall cupboards- 2 x 600mm width and one x 500mm and at maximum height so the 2150 mm. The tall units are at an L shape to our base units.

    Can you advise what style integrated fridge freezer door would work so that the opening of the freezer/door size is at the same height at the base units (+ worktops). Should we have a 70/30?

    Thanks

     
    May 8, 2018 at 12:32 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Mike, You would use a 70/30 split as this will then line up with the base units as it is a 715mm door.

      When ordering other tall units, add a note requesting that these units are to be fitted with 715mm door to the bottom and a 1425mm door to the top,

       
      May 9, 2018 at 3:37 pm
  • Tina says:

    Hi I have a very tiny kitchen which has a dining room beside it.
    I want to extend my kitchen into the dining area and hide my washing machine in the dining areas -on the back wall. This will mean i will need to put a door on the washing machine so its not visible and put my kitchen worktop on it also. My worry is do you have doors that are tall enough to cover the washing machine which will be 900 high.

    I can then buy an end panel to hide one side of the washing machine and put shelves ontop

     
    April 17, 2018 at 12:12 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Tina,

      There are a couple of ways to house a free standing washing machine. However both ways would require a worktop depth of 670mm or more due to the washing machine depth being deeper than an integrated appliance.

      We have a hinge called an Easy Fit hinge that can be used with our doors however the hinge would need to be fixed to the unit or side panels at the side of the washing machine.

      The other option would be to supply 2no. 720 x 347mm doors and fix these with hinges to the units at either side. This would create the look of a 700mm wide cupboard.

       
      April 17, 2018 at 2:59 pm
      • Chloe says:

        Hello There,

        Is there any way to have an integrated washing machine inside a high unit? I have about 80cm width but only the standard depth?
        I know they have to stand on the floor but is there any way to cut enough room into a 80cm with tall unit for an integrated washing machine and then somehow attach a door?

        Thanks

         
        December 28, 2018 at 4:26 pm
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi Chloe, Unfortunately with free standing appliances not being made to be housed inside a unit, we do not supply a unit specifically for this purpose.

        You are able to use an 800mm wide unit to be dry assembled, which will need to be modified onsite by yourself, you will also need to check the depth of the appliances you are using, as you may find even after removing the back panel from the unit, the depth may not be enough and may need to be pulled forward off the wall.

         
        January 3, 2019 at 8:23 am
  • Patricia says:

    Hi,

    In the fourth example picture from the top where there are two white tall units each with a single oven and drawers at bottom. The tall units have the filler below the ovens as opposed to above.

    Was the 450mm aperture to house the oven reduced, so bottom supporting shelf raised? Or an additional shelf used to support the oven.

    Thanks

     
    November 28, 2017 at 9:41 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, we are unsure as to what has been done here, these are not 450 ovens but the standard 595 ovens. I believe they may have purchased an extra shelf to sit the ovens onto.

       
      November 29, 2017 at 11:48 am
      • Patricia says:

        Hi,

        Is it just the standard BS6 extra base shelf that can be used? Would it be deep enough for the appliance.

        Thanks

         
        November 30, 2017 at 8:49 am
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi, yes, BS6 is an extra base unit shelf, 600mm wide and the same as the other shelves supplied with base units, so it will be deep enough. https://www.diy-kitchens.com/kitchen-units/carcase-material-accessories/wp706/

         
        November 30, 2017 at 9:11 am
  • Sarah says:

    Hi

    How tall is a base unit plus a worktop dresser unit? (Worktop 30mm) what size tall unit do these go with?

    Many thanks

     
    November 15, 2017 at 10:54 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, the size of the tall unit that you use is governed by the wall units.

      So, based on your question, your base unit would be 900mm tall, with 30mm worktop. Most people would then opt for 1970mm high tall units with 720mm high wall units.

      But, if you wanted the taller 900mm high wall units then you would use the 2150mm high tall units.

      This article may be of use to you as well.

      https://advice.diy-kitchens.com/customer-questions/gap-between-worktop-wall-units/

       
      November 16, 2017 at 6:21 am
  • Phil Brookes says:

    I have a stretch of wall that is just wide enough to accommodate a large American style fridge freezer and two tall larder units. I think it will look best if the units are installed either side of the fridge freezer. Each unit will effectively be free standing. I was expecting to find some means of fixing the units to the wall, especially as one of them is a pullout unit that topples over even when empty. How should I attach the pullout unit to the wall in order to prevent it falling over when the door is opened?

     
    July 15, 2017 at 9:56 pm
    • Andrew Newbound says:

      Hello Phil, thanks for getting in touch.

      Your layout sounds ideal.

      Our kitchen units are all supplied fully rigid, with stabilising feet to keep them incredibly stable. In addition, they each come pre-installed with hanging brackets. We also supply the hanging plates for you or your installer to fit yourself, so once in place the tall larder units will be fully secure.

      I hope this helps.

      Andrew.

       
      July 17, 2017 at 9:20 am
  • grant says:

    What distance does the Pull-Out Ironing Board come out? and does the ironing board come with the unit? Thanks

     
    February 15, 2017 at 6:17 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, the approximate size of the pull out ironing board is 940 x 320 and it comes in the unit.

       
      February 16, 2017 at 11:46 am
  • Jodi says:

    Hi. I’m going with the Helmsley bespoke kitchen. I would like to create a wall unit “drop down” feature, that is, one shorter wall unit in the middle with a longer unit on either side. Sadly, the 900mm high wall units are too tall for my ceiling purposes. This advice article mentions 575mm wall units but I can’t find any on the website! Is it simply a matter of ordering a 720mm high unit and asking for it to be reduced in size?

    Many thanks

     
    September 14, 2016 at 4:26 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Due to the in-frame design and construction, 575 wall units are not available in our inframe kitchens. 720 and 900 are the only options. Sorry about that.

       
      September 15, 2016 at 9:05 am
  • Radhna says:

    Can I stack a base unit – one on top of the other? Do I need to put a worktop or panel on top of the bottom unit as I believe the base unit doesn’t have a top?
    You mention above that the legs can be taken off of the base unit that’s going on top but this will damage the base – you go on to say that we would never see the damage anyway – why is that? Is the damage just on the under side and has no chance of going through to become visible (in case of shelves) in the base unit used above?

     
    August 23, 2016 at 7:36 am
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      You can stand a base unit on top of another by sitting the 18mm carcase edge on top of the other 18mm carcase edge but you may need to remove the feet bosses (square bases) off the top unit as we do not send out base units without them fitted.

      Any damage to the top unit is just on the base of it (underside) and is invisible to the eye.

       
      August 23, 2016 at 1:04 pm
  • John says:

    I’m fitting wall cupboards up and now have got to fit a spacer panel in between the end of the double cupboard and the half cupboard that goes above the hob. Do I fit it flush to the carcase or do I bring it out I line with the door fronts ,as this I feel would look wrong along the line of the cupboards ?

     
    April 5, 2016 at 1:16 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      It is standard to fit end panels flush with the doors but not obligatory, you can of course finish them flush with the carcase. Fillers would generally be fitted flush with the carcase edge. By making an L shaped filler they can be made to finish flush with the doors if so desired.

       
      April 5, 2016 at 1:18 pm
  • Joanna says:

    We have a 54cm wide intergrated fridge freezer arriving. It is going into a Luca handleless unit (60cm). Is 3-4 cms between it and the wall at the side OK? Will the door hit the wall? I keep getting different advice from people. Our current one is absolutely fine (just needs space for handle which we won’t have?). Thanks

     
    April 1, 2016 at 3:44 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Integrated fridge freezers need to open slightly more than 90 degrees to be able to remove salad drawers and shelves. Usually 70/80mm is required with a 35mm handle. In your case, there is no handle to consider, so 40cm will be OK.

       
      April 1, 2016 at 3:44 pm
  • Derek says:

    ah, that’s a pity – I can only make them 1cm shorter. nothing to prevent me sitting the base on sections of 2×4 if they are adequately level I suppose

     
    September 8, 2015 at 10:05 am
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Good luck with the kitchen fitting and it would be great to see some pictures when it is complete!

       
      September 8, 2015 at 10:22 am
  • Derek says:

    I need to cover a boiler and its pipes which run vertically to the ceiling and the height is over 3 metres. What are the options for say stacking another unit on top of a tall unit? Could a base unit without the legs work on top, or maybe a wall unit instead? Obviously I wouldn’t want any gaps between the top of one door and the bottom of whatever was stacked on top.

    Any suggestions?

     
    September 6, 2015 at 1:00 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, units can sit on top of each other, but it requires securing to the wall because of the weight. If the boiler is covered and only the pipes remain to the ceiling, consider boxing the pipes in with either carcase material or panels that match your door style. If you use a base unit, request it without feet.

       
      September 7, 2015 at 11:48 am
      • Derek says:

        Excellent – its good to know units can in theory be stacked. Requesting without feet – is it an easy job just for me to remove them?

         
        September 7, 2015 at 11:56 am
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        There are 4 drill holes and the base of the feet is pressed into position into those 4 holes. The feet bases are not easy to get off but possible, and you may also damage the base of the unit doing so but, you will never see the base anyway.

         
        September 7, 2015 at 1:10 pm
      • Derek says:

        The legs are 150mm but how much play is there either way? I think one tall unit + one high base + one set of legs will be 5cm taller than my ceiling. Would the legs allow me to compensate by 5cm? (may be only 3cm as flooring is approximately 20mm)

         
        September 7, 2015 at 9:45 pm
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi, the default height of our legs is 150mm but the legs on our kitchen units will adjust from 140mm to 170mm.

         
        September 8, 2015 at 8:11 am
Leave A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.