What is a worktop dresser unit?

 

A worktop dresser unit is basically a very tall unit that is 300mm deep. But, instead of placing it on the floor or wall, the dresser sits conveniently on top of your worktop.

All our dresser units are supplied with glazed doors, except the double dresser unit in our inframe styles, which can have solid wood doors. Please note that all the glazed doors in our units have transparent perspex and not glass.

What is the purpose of a worktop dresser unit?

A worktop dresser unit can make for a really nice feature in your kitchen. It’s something a little unusual but they can look very stylish and help you store away items that you would normally keep on your worktop, to keep your kitchen a little less cluttered.

As the dresser units are only 300mm in depth, you can place them in areas of the kitchen where the space is limited, so you could have reduced depth 300mm base units on a run and some worktop dresser units above, to create something original and utilise every bit of space in your kitchen as possible, to create a stunning looking kitchen.

A question we were recently asked about worktop dresser units was “would it work to place a 60cm wide dresser unit directly on top of a 60cm wide slimline (30cm deep) base unit?”

Well, when it comes to your own kitchen design, anything is possible and a dresser could be positioned directly above a 30cm reduced depth base unit, providing that it was fasten securely to the unit and wall.

It is usual, however, to put a worktop in-between the base unit and dresser unit to make it line up at the top with the other units [2120mm]. See the section below for help choosing the correct height worktop dresser unit.

Types of worktop dresser unit

The majority of the dresser units that we supply are open fronted or with a door with a choice of 1 or 2 drawers at the bottom. The units are either 500mm or 600mm wide

Worktop dresser unit examples

The exception to this however is the Tambour dresser unit 500mm wide, which has a stainless steel effect roller door the pushes up into the top of the unit when opened. The tambour unit also has 3 adjustable shelves.

Tambour worktop dresser unit

Worktop dresser unit heights

Please note that dresser units will only align with tall and wall units, if used with a 40mm worktop. If using a thinner worktop then a filler would need to be used underneath the dresser to raise it to the correct height.

The height of the dresser unit that you choose depends on the height of your tall & wall units.

If you are using 720mm high wall units or 1970mm high tall units (2120mm with legs) then the height of the worktop dresser unit that you would require needs to be 1210mm high (the most popular).

If you are using 900mm high wall units or 2150mm high tall units (2300mm with legs) then the height of the worktop dresser unit that you would require needs to be 1390mm high.

Worktop dresser unit table

The diagram below illustrates the above and visually shows you the additional gap that has to be filled by the dresser unit and that allows it to line up with the wall/tall units

Unit height examples

Custom dresser depths

We can make the depth of the worktop dresser units variable from 300-560mm and there is a £18.00 surcharge for depth changing.

Worktop dresser unit examples

Here are some examples of worktop dresser units used by some of our customers in their homes.

Worktop dresser unit 3244 Worktop dresser unit 3185 Worktop dresser unit 3250

Worktop dresser unit example

Worktop dresser unit example-5

Worktop dresser unit example-5

Worktop dresser unit example-5

Tambour units

Worktop dresser unit example

Worktop dresser unit example

Worktop dresser unit example

Worktop dresser unit example

Worktop dresser unit example

Worktop dresser unit example

 




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50 thoughts on “What is a worktop dresser unit?”
  • Aliya Mukanova says:

    Can I use reduced depth mid height base unit as a worktop unit?

     
    June 3, 2023 at 11:49 am
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      Hi Aliya, yes, but you would need to request it to come with leg bosses on so that it can sit on the worktop. Please note that other wall units and tall units would not line up with it though. Our standard base units are either 720mm or 900mm tall, without legs. We can amend the depths of units but not the height or width, there is a £24 + VAT surcharge per unit to increase the depth and £18 + VAT to reduce.

       
      June 5, 2023 at 10:53 am
  • Ellie says:

    Hi, I’m interested in the tambour unit but wondered if it can be colour matched to a bespoke colour kitchen? The only pictures I’ve seen it looks to be a shiny silver?

    Thanks

     
    November 8, 2022 at 7:58 pm
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      Hi, the cacrcases are available in 7 different colours but the tambour unit fronts are always silver i’m afraid. You can see some more examples of Tambour units here.

       
      November 9, 2022 at 7:01 am
  • Danielle says:

    Hi there, We were considering putting a dresser unit next to an undermounted sink. There’d be about 150mm between the edge of the sink and the edge of the dresser unit. However, we are worried about water damage to the edge of the dresser unit. We are having quartz upstands so can look to attach these to the side of the dresser nearest the sink, but would this be sufficient? Also, it is possible to get an additional shelf for the dresser units? Thanks, Danielle

     
    February 14, 2022 at 7:22 am
    • DIY Kitchens says:

      We usually recommend 300mm to either side of the sink for workspace. You can add upstands but you will have to ensure its sealed really well. The shelves in the dresser unit are adjustable so you can order a spare one add another if needed.

       
      February 15, 2022 at 2:24 pm
  • Nick Thirkettle says:

    Hi, is it possible to get a double worktop dresser unit 1350mm wide x 1300mm high x 300mm deep with doors only, no drawers please?

     
    April 8, 2019 at 9:33 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Nick, if you give our technical sales team a quick call after 9am on 01977 608 418 then they will let you know if this is possible at all.

       
      April 9, 2019 at 6:21 am
  • Anastasia Pitsillos says:

    Hi, I’d like one reduced depth unit at the end of a run of units on top of the work top of last unit to immitate a dresser. I’m a bit confused on the options, I don’t want a glazed door or a drawer on the unit. I’d like the depth to be 300mm and not too worried about height. What are the options as it sounds like from previous comments all dressers come as glazed drawers. Could this be achieved by sitting a wall unit on top? Or a base unit? Thanks

     
    March 8, 2019 at 7:03 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Anastasia, the only dressers available are the ones on our website and are either 1210mm high or 1390mm high to line up with any tall units. Our base/wall units are either 720mm or 900mm tall. It sounds like the best option for you is a 900mm high wall unit, which can attach to the wall to secure it. As it is only 900mm high, it could look a little strange in your kitchen, if you have tall units in the same run. Our sales team may be able to answers any other questions you have on this on 01977 608 418.

       
      March 12, 2019 at 1:35 pm
  • S Chan says:

    Hi, I’m interested in the tambour unit but as I’m going for granite worktops I’ll be short 10mm from advice in your article. Would I be able to use a filler for the top under cornicing or would I need to put something underneath? It will be standing next to two pull out tall units. Thanks.

     
    March 1, 2019 at 3:46 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, either option would work, however, we would usually recommend to raise the dresser unit rather than adding a filler to the top.

       
      March 1, 2019 at 6:53 pm
  • Jo Sheppard says:

    The above article states that dresser units come in 500mm and 600mm wide, but I cannot find the 600mm on your website, can you please point me in the right direction. Thanks.
    Jo

     
    October 2, 2018 at 9:30 pm
  • Jonathan says:

    Hi there,
    Thinking about getting a tambour unit for our Helmsley blue kitchen. Do you make them for this kitchen as I couldn’t find it and if so, are there any other widths than the 500? I note that you sell Tambour doors for lots of sizes.

    Thanks

     
    July 22, 2018 at 6:35 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Jonathan, you would need to order a carcase and a tambour door, as this couldn’t work with a frame. We supply tambour doors in 500, 600 and 1000mm widths.

       
      July 23, 2018 at 11:42 am
  • Gareth says:

    Is the glass in the doors clear or frosted?

     
    April 30, 2018 at 9:40 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Gareth, the door is glazed.

       
      May 1, 2018 at 8:15 am
      • Gareth says:

        Is it glazed with clear glass or frosted/obscured glass?

         
        May 1, 2018 at 8:31 am
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi Gareth, the doors are a clear glazed door, completely transparent.

         
        May 1, 2018 at 10:25 am
  • sana says:

    Do you supply bifold doors for your double dresser unit? i would like to put a quartz worktop on top of the base unit, and rest the dresser on top with bifold doors. is this possible?

     
    April 17, 2018 at 1:41 am
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Sana, bifold doors are not available for dresser units.

       
      April 17, 2018 at 6:47 am
  • Harish says:

    Hi, with regards to your Helmsley In-Frame double dresser units, can you please let me know if the doors are glazed or not, it wasn’t clear to me from the diagram. Also I assume the ‘Door hinge side’ selection is not relevant when ordering a double dresser? Lastly is a 1930mm height unit available in this range? Thanks!

     
    April 16, 2018 at 10:28 am
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Harish, we only offer glazed doors on our single dresser units, so we wouldn’t be able to offer them on the double dresser units unfortunately.

      With regards to the hinge side, this would not apply for the double dresser units as they will open from each side, so it will not matter which side you selected when adding it to your basket.

      The dresser heights are 1210 or 1390.

      Our tall units are 1970 or 2150.

       
      April 16, 2018 at 2:30 pm
  • Tom says:

    Hi, I am also interested in worktop units that are not glazed. I am considering sitting wall units directly on the worktop and then getting a top box so that they line up with an integrated fridge freezer. The heights would be:
    Fridge freezer, inc feet = 2,300
    Feet + base unit + quartz worktop + wall unit + top box
    = 150 + 720 + 30 + 900 + 455
    = 2,255

    This leaves a gap of 45mm, which I was thinking I would fill in two places. Firstly I’d need to raise the wall units slightly above the worktop, maybe by 20mm, to ensure the doors open easily, and then fill the other 25mm between the wall unit and the top box.

    Can you please let me know if I’m missing something here – any reason why this wouldn’t work? Thanks!

     
    March 18, 2018 at 10:05 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi Tom,

      The wall units are not made to sit on the worktop, so these would still need to be attached to the wall for stability. Likewise, the top box will need to be attached to the wall as well, above the wall units.

      If you were to do want you mentioned, I cannot see a reason why you could not do this. I would say to use a filler/shelf below the wall units and then use the light pelmet between the wall unit and top box to fill the remaining gaps.

       
      March 22, 2018 at 9:13 am
  • mrs Doreen Dixon says:

    hi, I’m wanting a tall cupboard just sides top and two doors it to box in a boiler and pipes in cream or white size 600 x 1200 .

     
    February 8, 2018 at 3:15 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, if you give our Sales team a call on 01977 608 418 then they will see if this unit is available or if it can be made.

       
      February 8, 2018 at 4:03 pm
  • Rachel says:

    Our worktop is only 30mm high, what would we use under the dresser to raise it 10mm? Do you sell something for this?

     
    December 16, 2017 at 6:11 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      You can use plyboard or MDF to lift the unit up by 10mm but then this would be seen and would not look very nice.

      The other option is to just sit this onto the worktop, is the dresser going next to a tall unit? If not then you can just sit the unit onto the worktop and if using wall units on the same run then set the wall units 10mm lower.

      If you are using tall units next to this then you would either have to pack the dresser up with some plyboard or MDF or just have it set 10mm lower down than the tall units.

       
      December 18, 2017 at 2:35 pm
  • Jill Morris says:

    Hi,
    If the dresser units in the final image above with the solid doors was created using a 1250mm high base unit without legs, what was used to create the 2 draws underneath? Also, do you have to remove the legs from the 1250mm base units or can they be requested to be built without them?

    Many thanks

    Jill

     
    November 6, 2017 at 11:39 am
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, referring to the dresser unit above, this appears to be a 1390mm dresser but the customer’s joiner must have replaced the centre glazed panel to a solid panel on site, this is not something we offer as a manufactured unit.

      If you ever need to order a 1250mm base unit with no legs (to be used as a dresser unit) then you need to request it to not have the leg bosses fitted (The bit the legs fit into)

       
      November 6, 2017 at 1:05 pm
  • Louise Johnston says:

    Are the dresser units placed directly onto the worktop, or placed onto a base unit and then the worktop is templated for the space in front of the dresser unit? Do the heights of the dresser units accommodate height of worktops if fitted on top of them to allow for them to match the height of wall and tall units? Thank you

     
    October 9, 2017 at 10:28 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, the Dresser units are designed to sit directly on top of a 40mm worktop, which will take the top of the unit inline with your wall/tall units. If you are using a smaller depth worktop then you will need to use a filler beneath the dresser unit to pack it up to the same height.

       
      October 11, 2017 at 3:49 pm
      • Louise says:

        Can we not obtain 40mm work tops from yourselves then? When I have used your worktop configurator to get an idea of costs, it only shows 30mm granite as an option

         
        October 16, 2017 at 2:16 pm
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi, our Laminate and Solid Wood worktops are 40mm thick. Our Quartz and Granite worktops are 30mm thick and our Dekton worktops are 20mm thick.

         
        October 16, 2017 at 2:24 pm
  • Louise says:

    Can you provide the dresser units with normal doors as opposed to glazed doors? I noted that some of the images show this but I can’t seem to see it as an option on the website. The style we would want is the Malton. Thanks

     
    August 30, 2017 at 1:55 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, all our dresser units come with glazed doors, there are no different door styles for these units I’m afraid.

      What some people do use are 1250mm high reduced depth (300mm deep) base units without legs and sit them on top of the worktop. These units are 40mm taller than the 1210mm dresser unit though.

       
      August 30, 2017 at 3:19 pm
      • Jill Morris says:

        Hi,

        How was the dresser unit in the final picture created because this has got solid doors, not glazed?

        Many thanks

        Jill

         
        November 4, 2017 at 5:29 pm
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi, all dresser units come with glazed doors, there are no different door styles for these units I’m afraid. What some people use are 1250mm high reduced depth (300mm deep) base units without legs, and sit them on top of the worktop. These units are 40mm taller than the 1210mm dresser units though.

         
        November 6, 2017 at 10:58 am
  • Michelle Adams says:

    Do you do a 600mm dresser unit with two drawers and no doors?

     
    August 3, 2017 at 4:26 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, unfortunately no. All the size dresser units that we can provide are listed on the website. You could give our sales team a call in the morning to see if it can be made in your chosen kitchen style. Tel: 01977 608 418

       
      August 3, 2017 at 7:08 pm
  • alan foster says:

    Hi can you make the dresser units any taller ?
    Thanks
    Alan

     
    June 7, 2017 at 12:06 am
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, our dresser units are only available with the heights of 1210mm & 1390mm.

       
      June 7, 2017 at 9:57 am
  • Claire Luff says:

    Hi, an you do a wider dresser unit? I.e 800mm
    Thank you

     
    May 21, 2017 at 5:53 pm
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, the only dresser we can supply is 500mm wide, as that is the only size the glazed dresser doors are available in. You could put two of these side by side to create the look of a larger unit though.

       
      May 22, 2017 at 11:47 am
  • Ray says:

    Do you have any dresser units that are deeper than 300mm?

     
    May 11, 2017 at 9:45 am
    • Diy Kitchens says:

      Hi, we can make the worktop dresser unit depth variable from 300-560mm and there is a £18.00 surcharge for depth changing.

       
      May 11, 2017 at 9:46 am
      • Sana says:

        Hi
        Would the internal shelves and drawers be made equally deeper if i were to increase the depth of the dresser unit to e.g. 40cm?

        Can the dresser top unit be sat upon the worktop directly without the unit’s base if supplied dry assembled (e.g. if you wanted to use small appliances off the internal worktop once you open the dresser doors?)

         
        April 23, 2018 at 10:03 pm
      • Diy Kitchens says:

        Hi Sana,

        When making a dresser unit to 400mm deep, both the drawers and the shelves would stay the same depth as they would have been for the 300mm depth of the unit.

        If you were to place the unit directly on top of the worktop, once you had removed the bottom section of the unit, we would advise on bracketing the unit to the wall for stability purposes.

         
        April 24, 2018 at 12:52 pm
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