What Does 1-Inch Increment Cabinet Sizes Really Mean for Layout Efficiency?

Snapkit Cabinets
Sep 18
3 min read

Ever tried squeezing a standard cabinet into a space that just doesn’t fit? Dealers know the frustration, wasted inches, clunky filler panels, and awkward gaps. That’s where 1-inch increment sizing changes everything. What You’ll Learn

What 1-inch increment cabinet sizing is and how it works
Why it matters for layout efficiency and customer satisfaction
The pros and cons for dealers, designers, and contractors
Real examples of space savings and design flexibility
How to explain this advantage to your own customers

Most cabinets are built in set widths, usually in 3-inch increments (e.g., 12", 15", 18"). That means if your wall is 94" wide, you’re forced to “make it work”, either with awkward filler panels or by sacrificing storage. For homeowners, that looks and feels like wasted space. For dealers, it means more design compromises and longer conversations with frustrated customers

What 1-Inch Increments Actually Mean

Snapkit cabinets are manufactured in precise 1-inch increments. So instead of being locked into 12", 15", or 18", you could order a 13", 14", or 17" cabinet.

Think of it like Lego bricks versus puzzle pieces:

Standard cabinets = puzzle pieces (fixed shapes, harder to fit into odd spaces).
1-inch cabinets = Lego bricks (more pieces, more flexibility, perfect fit).

Why It Improves Layout Efficiency

1. No Fillers, No Gaps

Every inch of wall space can be used. A 94" wall gets 94" of cabinets, not 90" plus a strip of wasted filler.

2. Smarter Storage

Smaller increments allow designers to optimise cabinet widths for drawers, pull-outs, or appliances.

3. Happier Clients

When a customer sees zero wasted space, it feels truly “custom”.

Mini Case Study - A Tight Laundry Room

The challenge: A 63" wall for a laundry room cabinet run.
With standard 3" cabinets, the Designer ends up with 60" of cabinets + a 3" filler.
With 1" increments: Dealer specifies 63" exactly (e.g., 21" + 21" + 21"). No wasted filler, no awkward gap, and more storage.

The Dealer’s Advantage

Fewer headaches during design – you can meet customer demands without “explaining away” filler panels.
Faster approvals – customers see an exact-fit plan and sign off quicker.
More professional results – every finished job looks clean and seamless.

Quick Technical Deep Dive

Manufacturing: CNC machining allows precise sizing without increasing production complexity.
Assembly: 1-inch increments still use the same snap-together system.
Durability: No loss in structural integrity, narrower or wider cabinets are engineered for weight-bearing standards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcomplicating designs – don’t forget customers still want simplicity. Use increments strategically.
Forgetting appliance clearances – just because you can size to the inch doesn’t mean every appliance will cooperate.
Not selling the benefit – highlight the “no wasted space” factor to customers upfront.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros

Perfect fit in any space
Maximizes storage
Reduces fillers and gaps
Enhances customer satisfaction

Cons

Slightly more SKUs to manage in the system
Requires training dealers/designers to think beyond 3-inch increments

FAQ – 1" Increment Sizing

Q1: Do smaller increments cost more? A: No, pricing is based on size, not complexity.

Q2: Does it affect lead times? A: No, cabinets are made-to-order using the same local process.

Q3: Can all cabinet types be ordered in 1-inch increments? A: Yes, from base to wall to tall cabinets.

Q4: How does it impact installation? A: Installers find it easier, fewer fillers, fewer cuts, cleaner finish.

Q5: Is it really necessary for every project? A: Not always, but for odd spaces, small kitchens, or premium customers, it’s a major win. Conclusion: 3 Key Takeaways

1-inch increments eliminate wasted space and filler panels.
They give dealers a faster path to customer approvals.
They make every layout look and feel like a true custom fit.

Ready to see how Snapkit’s 1-inch increment system can improve your projects? [Book a free consultation] today and explore the difference for yourself.