To measure kitchen cabinets, start by drawing a floor plan and measuring the height and width of the walls, including windows and doors. Then, mark existing plumbing lines, electrical outlets, and other fixtures.
To ensure precise measurements, I sought advice from Bryan Son, the account manager at Washington-based Northwest Cabinet & Floor. He emphasized the importance of thorough planning, stating, “Making accurate plans while verifying the measurement twice can prevent costly errors.”
Bryan also highlighted a common mistake: overlooking irregularities in walls and floors. He explained, “Many homes have uneven walls or floors. Using a laser level ensures accurate alignment.”
Whether you are putting in new cabinets or updating your old ones, it is important to take accurate measurements to avoid gaps or spacing problems. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to help you ensure your cabinets fit perfectly in your kitchen space.
- What You Will Need:
- Step 1: Draw a Basic Layout of the Kitchen
- Step 2: Measure the Width and Height of the Kitchen Space
- Step 3: Find the Center Point of All Permanent Fixtures
- Step 4: Measure Windows, Doors, and Other Objects Connected to the Wall
- Step 5: Mark Existing Lines, Outlets, Jacks, and Other Existing Fixtures
What You Will Need:
- Pencil
- Measuring Tape
- Paper
- Ladder
Step 1: Draw a Basic Layout of the Kitchen
Before you install your kitchen cabinet, make sure to have a detailed and accurate kitchen layout. The first step in measuring your kitchen cabinets is to draw a simple kitchen layout. Use a pencil and paper to create this basic sketch.
Your drawing should show the shape of the kitchen and clearly label the windows, doors, appliances, vents, and any electrical or plumbing lines. Make sure the layout is simple and easy to understand.
You do not have to be precise about the exact location of each item, as you can make separate notes to indicate the distances in the later steps.
Step 2: Measure the Width and Height of the Kitchen Space
When measuring the width and height of the kitchen space, make sure to use inches for your measurements. Begin by measuring the width at the point on the wall where most countertops are installed, which is typically 36 inches high.
Start in one corner and move clockwise around the room to measure all the walls. Be sure to record all your measurements on the kitchen layout you created. The next step is to measure the kitchen’s height, which is crucial because it will guide you in deciding how high to install your wall cabinets.
Homeowners usually mount wall cabinets 18 inches above the countertop, but the exact height can vary based on the ceiling height, which is typically 96 inches in older homes or 108 inches in newer homes. Some homes have even taller ceilings, ranging from 120 to 144 inches.
Bryan explains that a common mistake when measuring cabinets is misjudging the ceiling height. He further clarified, “Verify ceiling height to ensure tall cabinets fit or leave room for soffits if needed.”
To measure the height of the kitchen, measure the distance from the ceiling to the floor in multiple spots. You can include all corners and the center of the kitchen. This step is important because, as noted earlier, kitchen cabinet installers often find that ceiling heights vary in different homes.
Learn more about kitchen cabinets:
Step 3: Find the Center Point of All Permanent Fixtures
According to Bryan, another common mistake when measuring cabinets is overlooking appliance clearances. He further explained, “Allow space for appliances and their operation, such as door swings and venting.”
If you keep the appliances and sink in their current spots, measure the center point of each permanent fixture. To locate the center point of the sink or stove, begin measuring from the side closest to the wall and work your way toward the specific fixture. Measure until you reach the middle of the sink, the center of the stove, or the center of any other permanent fixture.
Repeat the same process for water and gas lines. Measure from the wall to the center of the pipe or the center of the appliance if it is still in place. You also need to consider the location of the electrical outlets, as it is important for installation and kitchen safety.
Step 4: Measure Windows, Doors, and Other Objects Connected to the Wall
You also need to measure those major accessories permanently connected to the wall, such as windows, doors, sinks, and others, to know how much space they take. Take measurements of their length, width, and depth, if necessary.
After that, measure the space between these objects on the wall and both the floor and ceiling. This step helps ensure that nothing will get in the way when you install the new cabinets, as you will know exactly where everything is located.
Step 5: Mark Existing Lines, Outlets, Jacks, and Other Existing Fixtures
The last step is marking all existing lines, outlets, jacks, and fixtures on your kitchen layout. Knowing their exact locations is crucial to prevent kitchen cabinet installers from damaging any infrastructure during the installation process.
Mark the following fixtures and lines:
- Ventilation Ducts
- Water Lines
- Drains
- Power Outlets
- Range Outlets
- Light Switches
Read more kitchen cabinet articles:
- 6 Kitchen Corner Cabinet Solutions
- How to Get Cheap (or Free!) Kitchen Cabinets
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: Kostiantyn / Adobe Stock Free / License
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