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How To Measure For Kitchen Cabinets
Do you need to know how to measure for kitchen cabinets? Yes, precise measurements are vital for a successful kitchen renovation. This cabinet measurement guide will walk you through everything you need to do. Getting your cabinet installation measurements right means fewer headaches and a beautifully functional kitchen. Let’s dive into this essential measuring kitchen cabinets DIY project.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter for Your Kitchen Renovation
When planning a kitchen renovation cabinet sizing is one of the most critical steps. Mistakes here can lead to costly delays, incorrect orders, and a kitchen that just doesn’t fit. Knowing your kitchen cabinet dimensions is the first step to getting it right. It’s not just about fitting cabinets; it’s about ensuring appliances have space, doors open freely, and everything flows.
The Importance of Precision
- Avoid Costly Errors: Buying the wrong size cabinets can mean returning them, waiting for new ones, or even having to buy entirely new sets. This eats into your budget and your timeline.
- Ensure Proper Fit: Cabinets need to fit snugly against walls, around appliances, and under countertops. Accurate measurements guarantee this.
- Maximize Space: Every inch counts in a kitchen. Precise measurements help you make the most of your available space.
- Smooth Installation: When the measurements are correct, the installation process is far easier and quicker for your cabinet installer.
- Appliance Compatibility: Many appliances, like dishwashers and refrigerators, have specific standard kitchen cabinet sizes they are designed to fit within.
Gathering Your Tools for Measuring
Before you grab your tape measure, ensure you have the right tools. These simple items will make the measuring process much smoother and more accurate.
Essential Measuring Tools:
- Tape Measure: A sturdy, retractable metal tape measure is essential. A 25-foot or 30-foot tape is ideal for most kitchens.
- Pencil: For marking measurements on paper.
- Paper or Notebook: To record all your measurements clearly.
- Graph Paper (Optional but Recommended): Helps in sketching out your kitchen layout.
- Calculator: To do any basic calculations.
- Step Stool or Ladder: For safely reaching high areas, especially when measuring for how to measure for upper cabinets.
- Camera or Smartphone: To take pictures of your existing kitchen, which can be helpful for reference.
Measuring Your Kitchen: A Step-by-Step Approach
This section covers the core of how to measure for kitchen cabinets. We’ll break it down room by room, wall by wall.
Step 1: Measure the Walls
Start by measuring the length of each wall where you plan to install cabinets.
- How to Measure:
- Begin at one corner of the room and extend your tape measure to the opposite corner.
- Ensure the tape measure is held taut and straight.
- Record the measurement for each wall.
- Measure from corner to corner, not just to existing fixtures.
- Pro Tip: Measure each wall twice to ensure accuracy.
Step 2: Account for Obstructions and Existing Features
This is where many DIYers make mistakes. You need to carefully note everything that will affect cabinet placement.
- Windows:
- Measure the width of each window.
- Measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of the window sill.
- Measure the distance from the ceiling to the top of the window frame.
- Measure the distance from the window frame to each corner of the wall.
- Doors:
- Measure the width of each doorway.
- Measure the distance from the wall corner to the door frame.
- Measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of the door frame.
- Ensure you account for the swing of the door – you’ll need clearance so cabinets don’t interfere.
- Appliances:
- Measure the width, height, and depth of all existing or planned appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave).
- Note the location of water hookups, gas lines, and electrical outlets.
- Measure the distance from the corner of the wall to the appliance.
- Measure the distance from the floor to the top of the appliance.
- Plumbing and Utilities:
- Mark the exact location of sinks, faucets, dishwashers, and any other water sources.
- Note the position of electrical outlets, switches, and vents.
- Measure from the corners or ceiling to these fixtures.
- Other Obstructions:
- Radiators, vents, bulkheads, soffits, and anything else protruding from the walls or ceiling must be measured.
- Note their height, width, and how far they extend from the wall.
Step 3: Measure for Lower Cabinets (Base Cabinets)
This is for the cabinets that sit on the floor and support your countertops.
- Measuring Wall Lengths:
- Measure the total length of each wall where base cabinets will be installed.
- Subtract any openings for doorways, windows, or appliances from these wall lengths. This gives you the linear footage available for base cabinets.
- Measuring Cabinet Depth and Height:
- Depth: Standard kitchen cabinet sizes for base cabinets are typically 24 inches deep (excluding the countertop). Measure the clearance from the wall to where you want the front of your cabinets to end.
- Height: Standard kitchen cabinet sizes for base cabinets are typically 34.5 inches high (without a countertop). Measure from the floor to the desired height of your countertop. This will usually be around 36 inches total, including a standard 1.5-inch countertop.
- Noting Corner Cabinets:
- If you have a corner, measure the length of each wall section that will meet at the corner. This is crucial for determining the size of corner base cabinets.
Step 4: Measuring for Upper Cabinets
These are the cabinets that hang on the wall above your base cabinets.
- Measuring Wall Lengths:
- Measure the total length of each wall where upper cabinets will be installed.
- Subtract any obstructions like windows, doors, or range hoods from these wall lengths.
- Determining Cabinet Height and Depth:
- Depth: Standard kitchen cabinet sizes for upper cabinets are typically 12 inches deep. Measure the depth of your existing upper cabinets if you are replacing them, or consider the desired clearance from the wall to the front of the cabinets.
- Height: Upper cabinet heights can vary widely, commonly from 30 inches to 42 inches. Measure from the top of your base cabinets (or the planned countertop height) to the ceiling. You’ll also need to account for any soffits or decorative molding.
- Standard Spacing: The standard distance between the countertop and the bottom of upper cabinets is 18 inches. This space is crucial for workspace and appliance placement (like microwaves or range hoods). Measure this clearance carefully.
- Measuring for Corner Upper Cabinets:
- Similar to base cabinets, measure the length of each wall section that will meet at a corner for upper cabinets.
Step 5: Creating a Detailed Kitchen Layout Diagram
A visual representation is invaluable.
- Sketch Your Kitchen: Draw a bird’s-eye view of your kitchen on graph paper.
- Mark Dimensions: Label each wall with its total length.
- Indicate Obstructions: Clearly mark the location and dimensions of windows, doors, appliances, outlets, and plumbing.
- Plan Cabinet Placement: Roughly sketch where you envision your cabinets going. This helps visualize the flow and identify potential issues.
- Note Measurements: Write down all your wall measurements, obstruction measurements, and clearances on the diagram.
Step 6: Double-Checking and Verifying
Accuracy is paramount. Don’t skip this crucial step.
- Measure Twice, Cut Once: This old adage is especially true for kitchen cabinets. Go back over all your measurements.
- Involve Another Person: Having a second pair of eyes can catch errors you might miss.
- Compare to Plans: If you have architectural drawings or cabinet plans, compare your on-site measurements to them.
Understanding Cabinet Measurement Nuances
Beyond the basic wall lengths and heights, there are finer points to consider. This is where knowing about cabinet measurement nuances can save you trouble.
Wall Irregularities
- Are Your Walls Straight? Most walls aren’t perfectly straight. Use your tape measure to check if the wall is bowed in or out. Measure at the floor, at the height of the base cabinets, and at the height of the upper cabinets. Note any significant variations. This is especially important for custom cabinet measurement.
- Are Your Corners Square? Use a large carpenter’s square to check your corners. If corners aren’t 90 degrees, you’ll need to account for this when ordering or installing.
Appliances and Their Specific Needs
- Appliance Clearances: Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for your appliances. Some require specific clearances from heat sources or surrounding cabinets.
- Integrated Appliances: If you’re installing integrated appliances (like a refrigerator that looks like a cabinet door), their kitchen cabinet dimensions are very specific and often require custom cabinetry.
Special Cabinet Types
- Corner Cabinets: These are tricky. For blind corner cabinets, you’ll need to measure the length of both walls entering the corner. For L-shaped cabinets, you’ll measure each wall section.
- Sink Base Cabinets: Measure the width of your sink. The sink base cabinet needs to be wider than the sink itself to allow for plumbing and easier installation. Standard sink base cabinets come in widths like 30, 33, and 36 inches.
- Appliance Garage Cabinets: If you plan for these, measure the appliance they will house and the desired space.
Using a Cabinet Size Calculator
Many online retailers and cabinet manufacturers offer a cabinet size calculator. These tools can be very helpful, but they are only as good as the information you input.
- How Calculators Work: You typically input your wall lengths, window/door dimensions, and appliance locations. The calculator then suggests standard cabinet sizes and configurations.
- When to Use Them: Use them as a guide and a way to visualize your kitchen. However, do not rely solely on a cabinet size calculator without doing your own thorough measurements.
- Customization: If you’re working with a custom cabinet maker, they will likely have their own detailed process for measurements and often provide specialized software or forms.
Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes vs. Custom Sizes
Knowing standard kitchen cabinet sizes is helpful, but your kitchen might not conform to them perfectly.
Common Standard Sizes:
- Base Cabinets:
- Widths: 9″, 12″, 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 27″, 30″, 33″, 36″, 42″, 48″
- Depths: 24″ (standard), 12″ (shallow pantry or utility)
- Heights: 34.5″ (standard, without countertop)
- Upper Cabinets:
- Widths: 9″, 12″, 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 27″, 30″, 33″, 36″, 42″
- Depths: 12″ (standard), 15″ (deeper storage)
- Heights: 30″, 36″, 42″ (most common, but variations exist)
- Sink Base Cabinets:
- Widths: 30″, 33″, 36″, 42″ (designed to accommodate specific sink sizes)
- Corner Base Cabinets:
- Typically come in sizes that accommodate a 36″ or 42″ deep cabinet by measuring 36″ or 42″ along each wall.
- Corner Upper Cabinets:
- Often measure 30″ or 36″ along each wall, with specific designs for how they meet.
When to Opt for Custom Cabinets
- Unique Kitchen Layouts: If your kitchen has awkward angles, unusual ceiling heights, or non-standard wall lengths, custom cabinets are often the best solution.
- Specific Appliance Integration: For built-in refrigerators, specialty ovens, or unique pantry units, custom sizing ensures a perfect fit.
- Maximizing Every Inch: If you want to utilize every nook and cranny, custom cabinets can be designed precisely for your space.
- Special Design Features: Custom cabinets allow for unique door styles, finishes, and internal configurations that you won’t find in standard options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring
Even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.
Measurement Pitfalls:
- Not Measuring Obstructions: Forgetting to measure windows, doors, pipes, or outlets is a primary cause of problems.
- Ignoring Wall or Floor Slopes: Assuming your walls are perfectly straight and plumb can lead to gaps.
- Not Accounting for Appliance Dimensions: Measuring only the front of an appliance and not its full depth or required clearances.
- Forgetting Clearance for Doors and Drawers: Cabinets and drawers need space to open fully without hitting anything.
- Not Measuring for Crown Molding or Kick Plates: These elements add to the overall dimensions and need to be factored in.
- Relying Only on Existing Cabinet Measurements: If you’re remodeling, the old cabinet sizes might not be ideal for your new layout or appliances. Measure your space, not just the old cabinets.
- Inaccurate Corner Measurements: This is critical for corner cabinets and can throw off entire runs of cabinetry.
Planning Your Cabinet Order
Once you have your measurements, you can start planning your order.
Translating Measurements to Cabinet Orders:
- Create a Cabinet Schedule: List each wall and the desired cabinet types and sizes for that wall.
- Specify Cabinet Types: For each section, decide on the cabinet style (e.g., base cabinet, upper cabinet, corner cabinet, sink base).
- Determine Cabinet Sizes: Based on your wall measurements and obstructions, select the appropriate standard cabinet sizes. For example, if a wall is 108 inches and you want 30-inch base cabinets, you might use three 36-inch base cabinets (3 x 36 = 108). If there’s a 24-inch doorway, you subtract that from the wall length.
- Consider Filler Strips: If a wall isn’t perfectly divisible by standard cabinet widths, you might need to use filler strips (narrow pieces of wood) to fill small gaps. Factor these into your plans.
- Order Drawer Bases and Specialty Cabinets: Plan for drawer units, pull-out shelves, trash pull-outs, and other functional cabinets. Their dimensions are critical.
- Review with Your Supplier: Always review your measurements and proposed cabinet list with your cabinet supplier or designer. They can help catch errors and suggest optimal configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Measuring for Kitchen Cabinets
Q: How do I measure for a corner cabinet?
A: For a blind corner base cabinet, measure the length of the wall from the corner to the first obstruction (doorway, appliance). Do this for both walls meeting at the corner. For L-shaped kitchens, measure the length of each wall section from the corner to the obstruction. Then consult a cabinet spec sheet for how different sized corner cabinets fit these measurements.
Q: What’s the standard gap between countertops and upper cabinets?
A: The standard clearance is 18 inches. This allows comfortable working space and room for most small appliances like toasters and microwaves.
Q: Can I reuse my old cabinet measurements if I’m just refacing my cabinets?
A: No. Even if you’re refacing, it’s best to measure your space again. Your renovation might change appliance locations or you might want a different layout, making old measurements irrelevant.
Q: What if my walls are not straight or my corners are not square?
A: You’ll need to note these deviations. For wall irregularities, measure the maximum depth the cabinets will need to accommodate or plan for filler strips. For out-of-square corners, custom cabinets might be the best solution, or you may need to carefully scribe the cabinets to fit.
Q: How important are outlet and switch locations when measuring?
A: Extremely important. You need to know where outlets and switches are to ensure cabinets don’t cover them or require electrical work to relocate them. Measure the distance from corners and the height from the floor.
Q: Should I measure the space for the sink before ordering cabinets?
A: Yes. You need to know the exact dimensions (width and depth) of your sink to order the correct size sink base cabinet. The sink base cabinet will typically be 3 inches wider than the sink itself.
Q: How do I measure for appliances that will be built-in?
A: Always refer to the appliance manufacturer’s installation guide for precise cutout dimensions and required clearances. Measure the width, height, and depth as specified.
By following this comprehensive cabinet measurement guide, you’ll be well-equipped for measuring kitchen cabinets DIY. Accurate measurements are the foundation of a beautiful and functional kitchen, transforming your vision into reality and ensuring your kitchen renovation cabinet sizing is spot on.