Ready to start that renovation or pick out cabinets for your new build? Even if you’re a diy-er, how to measure for kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be a mystery. Anyone can do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you measure your kitchen successfully.
Sketch Your Floor Plan
Draw a rough sketch of your kitchen’s layout. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just eyeball the proportions. Make sure to capture every angle of your kitchen. Don’t forget to show which appliances are where and indicate outlets. It’s also important to mark where doors and windows are. The sketch should have enough detail that someone who looks at it could become pretty familiar with your space.
Tip #1: The right tools are the first step in how to measure the kitchen for new cabinets. Gather a steel tape measure, graph paper, and a pencil
Take Horizontal Measurements
Begin by measuring the perimeter of the room. Don’t worry about the odd angles and unique features at first, just get the general measurements. Next take down all the smaller measurements (like those odd angles and unique features) that make your kitchen more than just a box.
Tip #2: Measure from left to right around the room so you don’t miss anything.
Measure windows and doors from the outside edge of the trim instead of just the door itself. Don’t forget to measure the depth of counters and the distance between the island countertop and the perimeter countertop (the walkway clearance).
Tip #3: Measure in inches and measure to the nearest ⅛”.
Take Vertical Measurements
Record measurements of all verticals such as height of countertops, height from countertop to ceiling, height of appliances, etc. Measure the height from floor to ceiling in three to four different places as there can be variations in ceiling heights.
Measure Obstructions & Openings
Mark locations of outlets, vents, registers and other openings in your layout. Don’t forget to include doors, walkways, and windows (if you haven’t already measured these).
Tip #4: Rooms that aren’t square can be problematic when installing cabinets. Check for squareness by using the 3-4-5 rule. It works for measures of 6-8-10 as well for larger rooms.
Account for Appliances
Take good measurements of the width, height, and depth of all appliances. If you can, mark center lines of appliances on your layout as well. If you can see where pipes, vents, cords, etc. exit the appliance, make note of that too. It doesn’t hurt to write down models as well.
Tip #5: If you’re remodeling and planning to keep the same layout, try to get existing cabinet measurements before tearing them out.
Use Free Design Services
Once you have the kitchen all measured, you’re ready to start shopping for cabinets. If you want to make some changes to your layout, take advantage of our free design services. Our trained professionals can help you do everything from coming up with a new layout to selecting cabinets.
Simply call, email, or fill out a form to get started—and have your measurements handy. You’ll receive a custom layout, 3D rendering, and an itemized quote for your materials.
Learning how to measure for kitchen cabinets is simple enough that just about anyone can do it. You are completely capable of prepping for this stage of your kitchen renovation. And a good plan makes selecting the right cabinets easy.
If your knowledge of how to measure for new kitchen cabinets still worries you, try using our layout tool to double check your work. Or meet with one of our professional designers to get your project started today.
