A Beginner's Guide to Measuring for Kitchen Cabinets
Installing new kitchen cabinets can transform the look and utility of your home's heart. But accurate measurements are crucial for custom cabinetry that truly fits your space. Follow this beginner's guide to measure your kitchen properly before ordering cabinets.
With some simple tools, patience, and precision, you can measure like a pro. These key measurements will set you up for cabinet success.
Necessary Measurements for Kitchen Cabinets
When measuring for new kitchen cabinets, you'll need more than just the perimeter. To determine optimal cabinet sizes, configurations, and layout, note these key dimensions:
Wall and Floor Measurements
Measure along all cabinets walls from corner to corner. This gives you the room's overall length and width. For accurate readings:
- Measure in multiple spots along uneven walls. Some walls may bow or bulge in areas.
- Mark wall stud locations. Studs provide anchor points for securing cabinets later.
- Note any obstructing moldings or trim. Baseboards, chair rails, and crown molding may impede cabinet fit.
Also measure floor dimensions, from corners to adjoining rooms. Uneven floors can impact cabinet installation. Look for sagging or gaps hidden under existing flooring.
Window and Appliance Spaces
Carefully measure the width, height, and placement of all windows, paying attention to sills, aprons, and casings. Measure appliances like the:
- Refrigerator width and depth. This spot is reserved for the fridge, so cabinets won't fit.
- Range and cooktop cutouts. Match cabinet layouts to existing appliance openings.
- Sink base opening. Customize sink cabinet size to fit.
This prevents surprises when installing around fixtures. Nothing derails a cabinet plan faster than an unaccounted for window or appliance!
Ceiling Height
Measure from floor to ceiling. Standard cabinet height is 84 inches. But lower ceilings may require customized options. Also account for soffits, bulkheads, lighting fixtures and vents when planning cabinet heights. You don't want cabinets butting into existing features.
Existing Cabinet Dimensions
If replacing cabinets, measure your old layout:
- Cabinet widths and depths. This helps align new units.
- Distance between cabinets. Maintain existing traffic flows.
- Height of wall cabinets. Match for a consistent look.
This allows better alignment when installing new cabinetry. Mimicking original measurements also minimizes work altering surrounding surfaces.
Tools Needed for Measuring Kitchens
With the right tools, kitchen measurements become much easier:
Tape Measure
A standard 25-foot tape measure works for most cabinet projects. Metal tapes resist stretching over time or with tension. For accuracy, pull the tape tight and read measurements at eye level. Laser lines on tapes help you measure precisely.
Laser Measure
A laser distance measure makes one-person measuring simpler. They work well for longer distances and around obstructions. Just aim and shoot for instant readings. Lasers provide straight, accurate numbers.
Stud Finder
A stud finder locates wood framing behind walls. Knowing stud placement helps when securing cabinets in your layout. Studs provide solid anchoring for hanging cabinets.
Level
A basic level confirms floors and countertops are flat and walls are plumb. This affects cabinet installation and function. Level surfaces and plumb walls give cabinets proper support and alignment.
Notepad
Record all measurements, notes, and sketches in one place. A dedicated notepad helps you stay organized. Labeling details on a drawing avoids confusion.
Step-by-Step Process for Measuring
Follow these key steps for accurate kitchen measurements:
Mark Starting Point
Mark a corner or permanent object, like a pantry, as your starting point. Take all measurements from this fixed reference mark for consistency. This prevents compounding small errors.
Measure Perimeter Walls
Moving clockwise, measure wall length and width from corner to corner. Measure in multiple spots for uneven walls. Note any obstructions. Consistent clockwise movement avoids missing dimensions.
Note Window and Door Placements
Measure and mark all windows and doors. Include height, width, and distance from corners. Also measure exact appliance dimensions. Precise window and appliance sizes give cabinets adequate clearance.
Check for Plumb and Level
Use a level to identify any un-plumb walls or uneven floors. This can impact installation. Note any problem areas. Out-of-plumb walls affect cabinet alignment and operation.
Measure Existing Cabinets
For cabinet replacements, measure current layouts. Note cabinet sizes, placements, and gaps between units. Mimicking existing dimensions speeds installation.
Calculating Layout and Design
With detailed measurements, you can calculate the optimal cabinet footprint for your kitchen's size and shape. Consider these factors:
Allowance for Filler Panels
If walls are uneven, allow space for filler panels to bridge gaps between cabinet ends and walls. Filler panels compensate for problem areas.
Traffic Flow
Mark traffic paths through the kitchen. Measure for ample walkways and clearances. Smart layouts enhance workflow and circulation.
Cabinet Door Clearances
Ensure enough space between doors, drawers, and open cabinets so they don't collide when in use. Measure for ergonomics and functionality.
Cabinet Sizes and Configurations
Base your layout on standard cabinet depths (24 inches) and heights (36 inches). Modify if needed for your space. Play with arrangements to maximize storage.
Tips for Accurate Measurements
Little things make a big difference in getting measurements right. Keep these tips in mind:
Measure Multiple Times
Redo important measurements, especially longer distances. Rechecking prevents costly mistakes. Verifying numbers boosts precision.
Account for Uneven Walls
Take wall measurements in several spots to determine average lengths if surfaces bow or bulge. Multiple measurements compensate for inconsistencies.
Mark Measurements Clearly
Record measurements neatly with labels for what you measured. Use a sketch if helpful. Detailed notes reduce errors.
Consult Installers on Issues
Discuss any problem areas, like uneven floors or non-square corners, with cabinet installers. Pros can troubleshoot tricky situations.
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' measuring missteps with these reminders:
Forgetting Soffits and Bulkheads
Don't overlook protruding soffits or sunken bulkheads when measuring. Account for these fixtures. Hidden features can limit cabinet sizes.
Not Accounting for Moldings
Note where crown moldings, baseboards, or chair rails project into the room. Adjust cabinet size to fit. Moldings and trim reduce usable wall space.
Measuring Only One Wall
Measure opposite walls separately. Kitchens often shift over time, throwing off "squared" spaces. One wall doesn't tell the whole story.
Record the actual measurement, not convenient rounded numbers. Every inch counts for precision fits. Accurate dimensions prevent surprises.