A base cabinet is created by adding parts to a floor-based component, typically one that is 24” deep. They can be placed in closets, offices, media centers, or any other space that requires a lower component with a countertop.
There are various part configurations used to design a base cabinet, and these configurations will determine the overall height of the top shelf or countertop. The height should be considered based on the use of the cabinet.
Search the internet for typical heights for desks, vanities, etc. if you are unsure what an appropriate height may be for its use.
It is easiest to change the depth <LINK> of the component first. Then, start adding parts, such as drawers, starting at the bottom and moving upwards. Then, adjust the height of the top shelf <LINK> by grabbing it with the cursor and pulling it down to sit directly on top of the parts or to a desired height.
The dimension that is shown on the right is called the Spot Height. It will appear at the top of a fixed shelf and shows the distance from the floor to the top of that shelf or component. Remember, these components do not yet have a countertop, which will increase the height even more.
If adding doors or a multi-shelf group, notice that they have a blue Auto at the top. This means they are considered Auto Height parts, and they will automatically shrink or expand in height as the top shelf height is changed.
There can only be one Auto Height part per component. If adding a part at full height, click and drag the top shelf down to the desired base cabinet height and the part will shrink or expand according to the top shelf height.
However, if starting with a part that is not full height, users should turn the feature off to avoid the part from changing size. Otherwise the Auto Height part will react to the change in component height instead of the empty space, which is likely where users want to “take” the change in height from.
To turn Auto Height off, go into the Properties [Part] under the Misc heading, and turn off the Auto Height option. With this feature turned off, it will lock the height of that part.
REMINDER OF COMPONENT DEPTH:
If working with multiple components with doors or pull outs, it may give a warning or automatically double par when changing the component depth <LINK>. If only changing the depth of one component and not the others, for example with a 24” deep drawer bank with 14” components on either side, a double par may be required and should remain - Refer to a plan reviewer with any questions.
If intending to apply the depth to the rest of the design zone, users will want to remove the double partitions because they are not necessary. This can be done under Construction in Properties [Component]. Uncheck the box(es) for left or right partitions as needed. However, this method will also auto-adjust the widths, and it creates a lot of extra work.
GIF
The easiest way to approach this scenario is to plan before changing depths. If users uncheck the Auto Partitions box in the ribbon toolbar, it will stop components from double parring.
GIF
Users may get a warning that states “Invalid Partition Depths” but this will disappear once the depth change is applied to the wall. This method will save a lot of time and energy.
RELATED PAGES:
Countertops<LINK>
Drawer Depth Warnings<LINK>