What are the key considerations when measuring kitchen cabinets? The key considerations when measuring kitchen cabinets involve precision, thoroughness, and a clear plan to ensure your new cabinets fit perfectly and your kitchen remodel goes smoothly.
Embarking on a kitchen renovation can be an exciting venture, but the success of your new cabinetry hinges on one crucial step: accurate measurements. Getting your cabinet measurements right from the start is the bedrock of a successful kitchen remodel. Incorrect dimensions can lead to costly mistakes, delays, and ultimately, a kitchen that doesn’t function as intended. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of measuring for cabinets, ensuring your cabinet installation measurements are spot-on. We’ll cover everything from grasping the basics of kitchen cabinet dimensions to navigating the intricacies of measuring kitchen space for both stock and custom options.
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Laying the Groundwork: Essential Tools and Preparation
Before you even pick up a tape measure, ensure you have the right tools and have prepared your space. Having everything ready will make the measuring process efficient and accurate.
What You’ll Need:
- A sturdy, reliable tape measure: Metal tape measures are generally preferred for their durability and accuracy.
- A notepad or clipboard: To record your measurements clearly.
- A pencil or pen: For writing down dimensions.
- A level: To check for plumb and level surfaces, which can affect cabinet fit.
- A helper: An extra set of hands can be invaluable for holding the tape measure steady or clarifying complex measurements.
- Your existing kitchen layout (if available): This can serve as a useful reference.
- Safety glasses: Always a good idea when working around existing fixtures.
Preparing Your Kitchen Space:
Clear away any clutter from the areas where you’ll be taking measurements. This includes countertops, appliances, and anything stored in lower cabinets or on shelves. You need unobstructed access to walls, corners, and existing cabinetry.
- Remove obstructions: Take down any decorative items, shelves, or wall hangings that might interfere with your tape measure.
- Note existing features: Pay attention to windows, doors, vents, light switches, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, and any appliances that will remain in place. Mark their positions accurately on your plan.
- Turn off utilities: If you plan to remove existing cabinets, ensure water and electricity are safely turned off to relevant areas.
Measuring Your Kitchen Space: A Step-by-Step Approach
Accurate measuring kitchen space is paramount. This involves taking precise measurements of your walls, ceilings, and the locations of all permanent fixtures. Don’t guess; measure multiple times to confirm accuracy.
Measuring Wall Lengths:
This is the most fundamental step. You’ll measure from corner to corner along each wall where you intend to place cabinets.
How to Measure Wall Lengths:
- Start at one corner: Place the end hook of your tape measure firmly in the corner, against the wall.
- Extend the tape: Pull the tape measure tautly along the base of the wall to the next corner.
- Record the measurement: Write down the measurement precisely. For example, if a wall is 10 feet and 3 inches, record it as 10′ 3″ or 123 inches. Consistency is key.
- Account for obstructions: If there’s a window, door, appliance, or vent along the wall, measure from the corner to the obstruction, then from the obstruction to the next corner. This will help you plan cabinet placement around these features.
- Repeat for all walls: Measure every wall where cabinets will be installed. Don’t forget to measure wall segments between doorways or windows.
Important Considerations for Wall Measurements:
- Plumb and Level: Walls are rarely perfectly straight or at 90-degree angles. Use your level to check if the wall is plumb (vertically straight). If it’s significantly out of plumb, you’ll need to account for this when ordering cabinets, especially for seamless installations.
- Corner Angles: While most kitchens have 90-degree corners, some older homes or unique layouts might have slightly different angles. If you suspect a corner isn’t a perfect 90 degrees, you might need specialized tools or consultation for corner cabinetry.
Measuring Heights:
Cabinet heights are critical for ensuring they fit under windows, reach the ceiling, or accommodate specific appliances.
How to Measure Ceiling Height:
- Measure from floor to ceiling: Place your tape measure at the floor and extend it straight up to the ceiling.
- Check multiple points: Measure the ceiling height in several locations along the wall, as ceilings can have slight variations.
- Note any obstructions: Account for any beams, soffits, or light fixtures that might affect the usable cabinet height.
Measuring Window and Door Heights and Placements:
Accurate window and door measurements are crucial for upper cabinets and base cabinets.
- Window Sill to Floor: Measure from the bottom of the window sill to the floor. This tells you how much vertical space you have for base cabinets and potential toe kicks.
- Window Top to Ceiling: Measure from the top of the window frame to the ceiling. This is vital for determining the maximum height of upper cabinets that can be installed above the window.
- Door Width and Height: Measure the width and height of all doorways. Ensure there’s enough clearance for doors to open fully, especially if cabinets will be placed near them.
- Window and Door Placement: Mark the exact horizontal position of windows and doors on your wall measurement plan. Note the distance from the nearest corner.
Measuring for Appliances:
If you have existing appliances you’re keeping or planning to purchase new ones, you need their precise dimensions.
Appliance Dimensions to Record:
- Width: Measure the widest point of the appliance.
- Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the appliance.
- Depth: Measure from the front of the appliance to its rearmost point.
- Clearance: Factor in necessary ventilation or door swing clearance. For refrigerators, this is particularly important.
Measuring for Sinks and Cooktops:
These are often the focal points of base cabinetry and require specific cutout measurements.
- Sink: Measure the exact width and depth of the sink basin. If it’s an undermount sink, you’ll also need to know the countertop overhang requirements. For a standard drop-in sink, you’ll need the dimensions of the cutout needed in the countertop.
- Cooktop: Measure the exact dimensions of the cooktop and its required cutout in the countertop. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for any specific clearances needed around the unit.
Detailing Your Measurements: Base and Upper Cabinets
Once you have the overall room dimensions, you need to focus on the specific areas for your base and upper cabinets. This is where you’ll be translating your space measurements into cabinet order measurements.
Measuring for Base Cabinets:
Base cabinets typically sit on the floor and support countertops.
Key Measurements for Base Cabinets:
- Standard Depth: Most base cabinets have a standard depth of 24 inches. However, always confirm this with your chosen cabinet supplier.
- Standard Height: The standard height for base cabinets (before countertop) is usually 34.5 inches. Combined with a typical 1.5-inch countertop, this brings the total counter height to 36 inches.
- Wall Lengths: Use your previously measured wall lengths. Divide these lengths by the width of the base cabinets you intend to use (e.g., 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″).
- Appliance Space: Designate specific wall lengths for appliances like ranges, dishwashers, and refrigerators, noting their exact dimensions.
- Corner Base Cabinets: Corners require special consideration. You’ll need to measure the lengths of both walls forming the corner to determine the size of the base cabinet needed to fit snugly.
Example of Base Cabinet Layout Measurement:
Imagine a wall that is 120 inches long. You plan to use 30-inch base cabinets and a 24-inch dishwasher.
- 120 inches (total wall length) – 24 inches (dishwasher width) = 96 inches (remaining for base cabinets).
- 96 inches / 30 inches (cabinet width) = 3.2. This means you can fit three 30-inch cabinets, with some leftover space. You’ll need to decide how to manage that remaining 6 inches – perhaps with a filler or by adjusting cabinet sizes slightly.
Measuring for Upper Cabinets:
Upper cabinets are mounted on the wall above base cabinets.
Key Measurements for Upper Cabinets:
- Standard Depth: Upper cabinets are typically 12 inches deep.
- Standard Height: Common heights are 30 inches, 36 inches, and 42 inches, but this depends heavily on your ceiling height and desired look.
- Wall Lengths: Similar to base cabinets, measure the wall lengths available for upper cabinets.
- Clearance Above Countertops: The standard vertical space between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets is 18 inches. Always verify this. This is a crucial cabinet planning measurements point.
- Window and Door Obstructions: Measure the distance from the countertop to the bottom of windows or doors, and from the top of windows or doors to the ceiling. This dictates the maximum height and placement of upper cabinets.
Example of Upper Cabinet Layout Measurement:
Consider a wall segment above a 36-inch base cabinet. The countertop is at 36 inches. The window sill above starts at 48 inches from the floor (meaning 12 inches above the countertop), and the window top is at 72 inches from the floor. The ceiling is at 96 inches.
- Space above countertop to window bottom: 48″ (window sill) – 36″ (countertop height) = 12 inches. You can’t place a standard 12″ deep upper cabinet here if it would block the window.
- Space above window top to ceiling: 96″ (ceiling) – 72″ (window top) = 24 inches. This might be enough for a shorter upper cabinet, but you need to consider clearances and aesthetic proportions.
- Wall length for upper cabinets: If the wall segment is 72 inches, and you want 24-inch wide upper cabinets, you can fit three of them (72 / 24 = 3). You’d need to ensure there’s sufficient space above and below to accommodate any window features.
Handling Complexities: Corners, Gaps, and Custom Needs
Kitchen layouts are rarely perfectly square, and unique features abound. Effective measuring for cabinets means accounting for these complexities.
Measuring for Corner Cabinets:
Corners can be blind or diagonal, each requiring different measurement approaches.
Blind Corner Cabinets:
These cabinets fit into a corner where two walls meet at a 90-degree angle.
- Measure Wall Lengths: Measure the length of each wall segment that forms the corner. For example, if you have 48 inches of wall on one side and 42 inches on the other, that’s what you’ll work with.
- Determine Cabinet Size: Blind corner base cabinets often have a standard size (e.g., 42″ or 48″ cabinet in total dimension), designed to be installed against the longer wall, with a pull-out or swing-out mechanism reaching into the shorter wall space. You need to know the actual usable space you want the cabinet to occupy.
- Account for Filler: You might need a filler strip to bridge the gap between the cabinet face and the adjacent wall if your wall measurements don’t perfectly align with standard cabinet sizes.
Diagonal (Corner) Cabinets:
These cabinets are shaped to fit diagonally across a corner, offering a different aesthetic and access method.
- Measure Wall Lengths: Similar to blind corners, measure the lengths of both walls forming the corner.
- Determine Cabinet Footprint: Diagonal cabinets have a specific footprint. You’ll typically need to ensure that the lengths of the walls you’re placing the cabinet against are at least as long as the cabinet’s “side” dimensions to ensure a flush fit.
- Consider the Depth: The depth of a diagonal cabinet will be greater than a standard cabinet due to its angled placement.
Measuring Gaps and Fillers:
Gaps between cabinets and walls, or between appliances and cabinets, are common.
- Wall Gaps: Measure any space between the end of a cabinet run and a wall. These gaps often require filler strips for a finished look. Knowing the exact gap width is crucial for ordering the correct filler size.
- Appliance Gaps: Ensure you measure the space around appliances. Dishwashers, for instance, require a specific cutout width. If there’s a gap between the dishwasher and the adjacent cabinet, you’ll need to measure it to determine if a filler is needed or if a standard cabinet size can be slightly adjusted.
Measuring for Islands and Peninsulas:
These freestanding or attached structures offer additional counter and storage space.
- Overall Dimensions: Measure the desired length, width, and height of your island or peninsula.
- Clearance: Crucially, measure the walkway space around the island. A minimum of 36 inches is recommended for comfortable passage, with 42-48 inches being ideal.
- Appliance and Sink Locations: Mark the precise positions of any sinks, cooktops, or outlets that will be integrated into the island.
Finalizing Your Cabinet Order Measurements: Making It Count
With all your measurements taken, it’s time to organize them and prepare them for ordering. This step bridges your measuring kitchen space efforts with your cabinet order measurements.
Creating a Detailed Measurement Plan:
Organize your measurements logically. A simple floor plan sketch with all wall lengths, heights, and obstruction locations marked is invaluable.
- Label each measurement: Clearly label each wall segment, corner, window, and door.
- Note cabinet placements: Indicate where each cabinet will go and its intended dimensions.
- Specify appliance locations: Mark the exact spot and dimensions of each appliance.
- Include plumbing and electrical points: Note the location of sinks, faucets, outlets, and switches.
Converting Measurements for Cabinet Ordering:
Cabinet manufacturers often use specific terminology and formats.
- Inches vs. Feet and Inches: Decide on a consistent unit of measurement (inches are generally preferred for accuracy).
- Cabinet Widths: Standard cabinet widths are usually in 3-inch increments (e.g., 12″, 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 27″, 30″, 33″, 36″). You’ll need to select cabinet sizes that best fit your measured wall lengths, often using fillers to bridge small gaps.
- Standard vs. Custom:
- Stock Cabinets: These come in pre-determined sizes. You’ll select the closest available sizes and use fillers to fill any remaining gaps. This is often the most budget-friendly option.
- Semi-Custom Cabinets: Offer more size options and features than stock cabinets, allowing for more flexibility in your custom cabinet measurements.
- Fully Custom Cabinets: These are built to your exact specifications, allowing you to maximize every inch of your kitchen space and perfectly match your cabinet size guide needs. This is the most expensive option but offers unparalleled flexibility.
Double-Checking Your Measurements: The Golden Rule
Before you submit your order, review everything meticulously.
- Recalculate: Double-check all your calculations for cabinet placements and fillers.
- Cross-Reference: Compare your measurements against your original layout plans and the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Seek a Second Opinion: If possible, have another person review your measurements. Fresh eyes can often spot errors you might have missed.
- Consult a Professional: For complex layouts or if you’re unsure about any aspect, consider consulting with a kitchen designer or a cabinet professional. They can help translate your measurements into an order that works seamlessly. This is part of ensuring your cabinet installation measurements are foolproof.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I measure for a corner blind cabinet?
A1: To measure for a corner blind cabinet, you need to measure the length of both walls that form the corner. For instance, if one wall is 48 inches and the adjacent wall is 42 inches, you’ll need a cabinet designed to fit this corner configuration. Manufacturers typically specify the wall lengths required for their blind corner cabinets.
Q2: What is the standard clearance between base cabinets and upper cabinets?
A2: The standard clearance between the countertop (which sits on base cabinets) and the bottom of upper cabinets is 18 inches. However, this can be adjusted based on ceiling height or specific design preferences.
Q3: Can I order cabinets based on approximate measurements?
A3: It is strongly advised not to order cabinets based on approximate measurements. Precision is crucial. Even an inch difference can impact the fit and installation of your cabinetry, potentially leading to costly rework or a less-than-ideal finished product. Always measure twice, and ideally, three times.
Q4: How do I account for non-standard ceiling heights?
A4: For non-standard ceiling heights, you’ll need to measure the exact distance from the floor to the ceiling in the relevant areas. This will determine the maximum height of your upper cabinets. You’ll also need to consider any bulkheads, soffits, or crown molding that will affect the usable cabinet height. Custom cabinetry offers the best solution for highly non-standard heights.
Q5: What if my wall measurements don’t perfectly match standard cabinet sizes?
A5: This is very common. You’ll typically use filler strips to bridge any gaps between cabinets and walls or between cabinets and appliances. You’ll need to accurately measure the gap size to order the correct width filler strips from your cabinet supplier. Alternatively, you might adjust your layout slightly or opt for semi-custom or custom cabinets that can be manufactured to precise dimensions.
Q6: Do I need to measure plumbing and electrical rough-ins?
A6: While you don’t necessarily need to measure the exact location of the plumbing and electrical rough-ins yourself (unless you are a professional doing the installation), you must note their locations on your plans. This information is vital for your cabinet installer to ensure cabinets are placed correctly without interfering with existing services and that outlets are accessible or hidden as desired.
Q7: What is a “cabinet order measurement” versus a “measurement for cabinets”?
A7: “Measurement for cabinets” refers to the entire process of taking dimensions from your kitchen space, including walls, windows, doors, and obstructions. “Cabinet order measurement” is the refined, precise set of dimensions and specifications that you provide to the cabinet manufacturer to place your order. It’s the final, actionable data derived from your initial measurements, ensuring the cabinets you receive will fit your planned layout.
Q8: How important is the “cabinet size guide” provided by manufacturers?
A8: A manufacturer’s “cabinet size guide” is extremely important. It details the standard widths, heights, and depths of their available cabinet styles, as well as any specific installation requirements or recommendations. Using this guide alongside your own measurements ensures you select cabinets that are compatible with your kitchen space and meet the manufacturer’s standards for optimal fit and function.
By meticulously following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to measure your kitchen space accurately, leading to informed decisions and perfectly fitting cabinets for your dream kitchen. Happy measuring!