What is the most crucial step before ordering kitchen cabinets? It’s accurately measuring your kitchen space. This detailed guide will walk you through every aspect of measuring kitchen for cabinets, ensuring your cabinet ordering process is smooth and your final cabinet installation is perfect. Whether you’re opting for custom kitchen cabinets or working with standard cabinet sizes, precise measurements are your foundation.
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Why Precise Measurements Matter
Getting your cabinet measurements right from the start saves you time, money, and a great deal of frustration. Incorrect measurements can lead to cabinets that don’t fit, require costly modifications, or delay your entire kitchen renovation project. Fathoming the importance of accurate measurements for your kitchen layout and subsequent cabinet installation is the first step to a successful kitchen remodel.
The Cost of Mistakes
- Returns and Exchanges: Incorrectly ordered cabinets often incur restocking fees or shipping costs for returns.
- Delayed Projects: If cabinets don’t fit, you’ll have to wait for replacements, halting your renovation.
- Modification Expenses: Altering cabinets to fit a mismeasured space can be expensive and compromise their integrity.
- Aesthetic Compromises: Cabinets that are too large or too small can disrupt your kitchen layout and overall design.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin measuring cabinets, gather these essential tools:
- Measuring Tape: A sturdy, retractable metal measuring tape (at least 25 feet long) is ideal.
- Pencil and Paper/Notepad: For recording all your measurements. A clipboard can be helpful.
- Graph Paper or Sketchpad: To draw a to-scale diagram of your kitchen.
- Level: To check for plumb and level walls and floors.
- Calculator: For any necessary calculations.
- Helper (Optional but Recommended): An extra pair of hands makes measuring more accurate, especially for longer runs.
Preparing Your Kitchen Space
For the most accurate measurements, clear your kitchen as much as possible.
- Remove Obstructions: Take out small appliances, decorative items, and anything else that might interfere with your tape measure.
- Open Doors and Drawers: Ensure all cabinet doors (existing ones, if applicable) and appliance doors are open to get clear measurements.
- Identify Structural Elements: Note the location of windows, doors, plumbing, electrical outlets, vents, and any other fixed features that will impact cabinet placement.
Measuring Your Kitchen: A Step-by-Step Guide
Accurate cabinet measurements are critical for a functional and beautiful kitchen. Let’s break down the process.
Step 1: Sketch Your Kitchen Layout
Begin by drawing a floor plan of your kitchen. Don’t worry about making it artistic; a simple, accurate diagram is what you need.
- Draw the Walls: Sketch the outline of your kitchen walls.
- Mark Fixed Features: Accurately draw and label the location and dimensions of:
- Windows (including height from the floor to the bottom and top of the window)
- Doors (including swing direction)
- Plumbing fixtures (sink, dishwasher hookups)
- Electrical outlets and switches
- HVAC vents and radiators
- Appliances (refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave) – note their dimensions and whether they are built-in or freestanding.
- Any protruding elements like soffits, bulkheads, or structural columns.
Step 2: Measure Wall Lengths
Measure the length of each wall where you plan to install cabinets.
- Measure Wall to Wall: For each wall, measure from corner to corner. It’s best to take at least two measurements per wall (e.g., one near the floor and one near the ceiling) to account for any variations. Use the shortest measurement.
- Record Measurements: Write down each wall length clearly on your sketch.
Tip for Measuring Walls:
- Corner to Corner: Always measure from the inside edge of one corner to the inside edge of the opposing corner.
- Account for Obstacles: If there’s a doorway, appliance, or other feature on a wall, measure around it. For example, if you’re measuring a wall with a window, measure from the corner to the window, then the window width, and then from the window to the next corner.
Step 3: Measure Ceiling Height
You need to know the height of your room for wall cabinets and potential pantry units.
- Measure from Floor to Ceiling: Measure the height in at least three different spots along a wall (e.g., near each corner and in the center).
- Use the Shortest Measurement: Record the shortest height to ensure your wall cabinets will fit without obstruction.
Step 4: Measure Window and Door Openings
Accurate measurements of openings are vital for determining cabinet placement and heights.
- Window Width: Measure the width of the opening from plaster to plaster (or drywall to drywall).
- Window Height: Measure the height of the opening from the windowsill to the top of the opening.
- Door Width: Measure the width of the doorway opening from jamb to jamb.
- Door Height: Measure the height of the doorway opening from the floor to the top of the door frame.
Step 5: Measure Obstructions and Fixed Features
These measurements are crucial for planning around existing elements.
- Appliance Dimensions:
- Width, Height, and Depth: Get the exact external dimensions of all appliances that will remain in place or are planned for the new layout.
- Clearances: Note any required clearances around appliances (e.g., for ventilation or door swing).
- Plumbing and Electrical:
- Sink Base Cabinet: Measure the width and depth of the space where your sink base cabinet will go. Note the exact location of the water supply and drain pipes.
- Outlets and Switches: Measure the distance from the corner to the outlet/switch and the distance from the floor to the center of the outlet/switch.
- Vents and Radiators: Measure their width, height, and how far they protrude from the wall. This is important for ensuring cabinets don’t block airflow or heating.
- Soffits and Bulkheads: Measure their width, height, and how far they extend from the wall. These often dictate the maximum height of your wall cabinets.
Step 6: Measure for Base Cabinets
Base cabinets typically sit on the floor and support countertops.
- Wall Run Lengths: Re-measure the lengths of the walls where base cabinets will be installed. Account for corners, appliance placements, and doorways.
- Corner Cabinet Measurements: For corner cabinets, you’ll need to measure the length of each wall section meeting at the corner. This is often referred to as the “return” measurement.
- Appliance Widths: Ensure you have adequate space for standard base cabinet widths and any custom widths needed for appliances like a refrigerator cabinet or a range.
Step 7: Measure for Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets hang on the wall above the base cabinets and countertops.
- Wall Space Above Countertops: Measure the height available for wall cabinets on each wall. This will be your ceiling height minus the height of your base cabinets, plus the countertop thickness, and then minus the desired clearance between the countertop and wall cabinets (typically 18 inches).
- Obstruction Check: Pay close attention to windows, doors, and soffits that might limit the height or placement of wall cabinets.
Step 8: Consider Cabinet Depth and Width
When thinking about kitchen cabinet dimensions, standard cabinet depths are important.
- Base Cabinet Depth: Standard base cabinets are usually 24 inches deep. Measure the depth of your existing countertop if you have one, or plan for the standard depth.
- Wall Cabinet Depth: Standard wall cabinets are typically 12 inches deep.
- Cabinet Widths: Base cabinets come in standard widths (e.g., 9″, 12″, 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 27″, 30″, 33″, 36″). Wall cabinets also have standard widths (e.g., 12″, 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 27″, 30″, 33″, 36″). Plan your kitchen layout using these standard sizes or factor in custom widths if needed.
Detailing Your Measurements for Cabinet Ordering
Once you have all your raw measurements, it’s time to organize them for cabinet ordering.
Creating a Measurement Summary Table
A clear table helps visualize your needs and communicate them to cabinet suppliers.
| Location/Wall | Length (inches) | Height (inches) | Depth (inches) | Notes (Windows, Doors, Outlets, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall 1 (Sink) | 120 | 96 | N/A | Window at 36″ from floor, 48″ wide. Sink drain at 30″ from corner. |
| Wall 2 (Range) | 144 | 96 | N/A | Range location at 72″ from corner. |
| Wall 3 (Corner) | 96 | 96 | N/A | Corner cabinet space. |
| Wall 4 (Window) | 72 | 96 | N/A | Window at 32″ from floor, 60″ wide. |
| Above Sink Base | 120 | 24 | 12 | Clearance 18″ from countertop. |
| Above Range | 30 | 24 | 12 | Clearance 18″ from stovetop. |
(Note: This is a simplified example. You would detail each specific cabinet placement.)
Double-Checking Your Measurements
This is a critical step. It’s often said, “Measure twice, cut once,” but for cabinet ordering, it’s “Measure thrice, order once.”
- Review Your Sketch: Compare your measurements to your initial sketch. Do they make sense?
- Walk Through the Kitchen: Mentally place each cabinet in its intended location. Does the flow work?
- Have Someone Else Measure: If possible, have another person measure the kitchen independently and compare your findings.
Common Measurement Pitfalls to Avoid
- Ignoring Wall Irregularities: Walls are rarely perfectly straight. Measure in multiple spots and use the shortest length.
- Not Accounting for Corners: Ensure you correctly measure the lengths of wall sections that meet at corners, especially for corner cabinets.
- Forgetting Obstructions: Appliances, radiators, and electrical boxes can significantly impact cabinet placement and size.
- Inconsistent Units: Always use the same unit of measurement (e.g., inches) for all your readings.
- Assuming Standard Sizes: While standard cabinet sizes are helpful, your kitchen might require custom adjustments.
Planning Your Cabinet Layout with Accurate Measurements
With all your measurements in hand, you can now realistically plan your kitchen layout.
Base Cabinets
- Standard Widths: Utilize standard cabinet widths (e.g., 12″, 15″, 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″) to fill your wall lengths.
- Corner Solutions: Decide on your corner cabinet solution (e.g., lazy susan, blind corner cabinet, specialized corner unit) and measure accordingly.
- Appliance Integration: Ensure you have the correct cabinet widths for integrated appliances or dedicated appliance cabinets.
Wall Cabinets
- Height Limitations: Use your ceiling height measurements and the standard 18-inch counter-to-cabinet clearance to determine the maximum wall cabinet height.
- Above Appliance Cabinets: Measure the space above your range or refrigerator for specialized cabinets.
- Visual Balance: Plan for a visually appealing arrangement of wall cabinets, considering the placement of windows and doors.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets vs. Standard Cabinet Sizes
- Standard Cabinet Sizes: These are pre-manufactured in common dimensions and are typically more affordable and readily available. They are a great option if your kitchen measurements align well with their offerings.
- Custom Kitchen Cabinets: If your kitchen has unusual dimensions, awkward angles, or specific design requirements, custom kitchen cabinets offer the flexibility to fit your space perfectly. Accurate measurements are even more critical when ordering custom.
Finalizing Your Cabinet Order
Once you have a finalized layout and a clear understanding of your cabinet measurements, you’re ready to order.
- Provide Detailed Drawings: Submit your floor plan with all measurements clearly labeled.
- List Each Cabinet: Create a detailed list of every cabinet needed, specifying its type (base, wall, corner), width, height, depth, door style, finish, and any accessories.
- Consult with Professionals: If you’re unsure about any aspect of measuring or planning, consult with a kitchen designer or cabinet supplier. They can review your measurements and offer expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the standard depth of kitchen cabinets?
A1: The standard depth for base cabinets is 24 inches. For wall cabinets, the standard depth is typically 12 inches.
Q2: Can I measure my kitchen myself?
A2: Yes, you can absolutely measure your kitchen yourself. With the right tools and a systematic approach, you can achieve accurate measurements crucial for cabinet ordering.
Q3: How much clearance should there be between countertops and wall cabinets?
A3: The standard clearance between countertops and wall cabinets is typically 18 inches. However, this can vary based on your preference and ceiling height.
Q4: What if my walls aren’t perfectly straight?
A4: When measuring walls that aren’t perfectly straight, measure the length at least twice (e.g., near the floor and near the ceiling). Use the shortest measurement for your planning to ensure cabinets fit without gaps.
Q5: Do I need to account for baseboard trim when measuring?
A5: Yes, you should measure from the wall surface itself, not from the edge of the baseboard. The cabinet back will sit against the wall, so the baseboard is an obstruction to consider for cabinet placement, not the core measurement of the wall space.
Q6: How do I measure for a corner cabinet?
A6: For a corner cabinet, you’ll measure the length of each wall that meets at the corner. For example, if you’re using a standard L-shaped corner cabinet, you might measure 36 inches along one wall and 36 inches along the adjoining wall. This is often referred to as the “return” measurement.
Q7: What are the common widths for standard cabinets?
A7: For base cabinets, common widths include 9″, 12″, 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 27″, 30″, 33″, and 36″. Wall cabinets share many of these widths, typically starting from 12″ and going up to 36″ or more, with heights also varying (e.g., 30″, 36″, 42″).
By following these detailed steps, you can ensure your kitchen measurements are accurate, leading to a smoother cabinet ordering process and a beautiful, functional kitchen cabinet installation. Happy measuring!