How To Measure For New Kitchen Cabinets Step-by-Step Guide

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How To Measure For New Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is the most important step when ordering new kitchen cabinets? The most important step is accurate measurement. Getting your kitchen measurements right is crucial for ensuring your new cabinets fit perfectly, your kitchen layout functions smoothly, and you avoid costly mistakes or delays.

So, you’re ready to give your kitchen a makeover with brand-new cabinets! That’s exciting! But before you start dreaming about granite countertops and shiny new appliances, there’s a vital step you need to get right: measuring your kitchen. This isn’t a task to rush or guess at. Precise measurements are the foundation of a successful kitchen cabinet project. Get them wrong, and you could end up with cabinets that don’t fit, a kitchen that feels cramped, or a budget that’s blown. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to measure for new kitchen cabinets, ensuring your renovation goes as smoothly as possible.

Why Accurate Measurement Matters

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly touch on the “why.”

• Perfect Fit: Cabinets are made to specific kitchen cabinet dimensions. If your measurements are off, they simply won’t fit your space. This can lead to awkward gaps, cabinets that don’t align, or even doors that won’t open properly.
• Functional Layout: The placement and size of your cabinets directly impact how you use your kitchen. Accurate measurements help you plan for adequate counter space, efficient walkways, and the perfect spot for every appliance.
• Cost Savings: Ordering the wrong size cabinets means you’ll likely have to return them, pay restocking fees, or even order entirely new ones. This adds up fast and can derail your budget.
• Smooth Installation: Your cabinet installer will rely on your measurements to plan the installation process. Accurate measurements mean a faster, more efficient installation.

Tools You’ll Need for Measuring

Gathering the right tools before you start will make the process much easier.

• Metal Measuring Tape: A sturdy metal tape measure is essential. Avoid fabric tapes as they can stretch.
• Pen and Paper or Digital Device: For recording your measurements. A notebook with graph paper can be helpful for drawing a simple layout.
• Pencil: For marking measurements directly on your walls (optional, and only if you’re sure and have permission).
• Painter’s Tape: To mark out cabinet locations or areas on your floor.
• Someone to Help: Having a second person can make measuring, especially for heights and across large spaces, much easier and more accurate.
• Calculator: To help with converting inches to feet or for using a cabinet size calculator.
• Camera: To take photos of your existing kitchen, which can be helpful for reference.

Getting Started: Preparing Your Kitchen for Measuring

Before you start taking any numbers, a little preparation goes a long way.

1. Clear the Space: Remove everything from countertops, tables, and the floor in the areas you’ll be measuring. This ensures you have clear access to walls and corners.
2. Identify Obstructions: Note any radiators, pipes, electrical outlets, light switches, vents, or built-in appliances that will affect where cabinets can be placed or their dimensions.
3. Decide on Cabinet Style: Are you going with standard kitchen cabinet sizes or custom kitchen cabinet measurements? This will influence how precisely you need to measure, especially if you’re looking at semi-custom options.

Measuring Your Kitchen: A Comprehensive Cabinet Measurement Guide

This is the core of the process. We’ll break it down into sections for clarity.

Measuring for Base Cabinets

Base cabinets are the workhorses of your kitchen, sitting on the floor and supporting your countertops. Measuring them involves several key dimensions.

1. Wall Lengths:

   • Measure the length of each wall where you plan to install base cabinets.
   • Measure from corner to corner.
   • Record these measurements in inches.
   • Tip: Measure at three points along the wall (top, middle, and bottom) and use the smallest measurement. Walls are rarely perfectly straight.

2. Wall Heights:

   • Measure the height of each wall from the floor to the ceiling.
   • This is important for measuring for upper cabinets as well, to ensure a cohesive look and efficient use of space.
   • Again, measure in a few spots and use the smallest measurement.

3. Window and Door Openings:

   • Measure the width of each window and door opening.
   • Measure the height of each opening from the floor to the top of the opening.
   • Note the distance from the floor to the bottom of any windowsills. This is critical for measuring for base cabinets, as you don’t want a cabinet to block a window or a door to interfere with cabinet access.

4. Obstructions:

   • Corners: Measure the width and depth of any corner sections. Are you planning for corner cabinets?
   • Outlets and Switches: Measure the distance from the corner to the center of any electrical outlets or light switches on the walls where cabinets will go. Note their height from the floor.
   • Vents and Plumbing: Measure the location and size of any floor vents, plumbing hookups (for sinks or dishwashers), or radiator pipes.

5. Appliance Locations:

   • If you have specific locations for appliances like refrigerators, stoves, or dishwashers, measure the width and depth of these intended spaces. This helps determine the size of adjacent cabinets.

Measuring for Upper Cabinets

Upper cabinets utilize the vertical space above your base cabinets. Accurate measurements here are crucial for everything from storage to aesthetics.

1. Wall Lengths (Again):

   • Re-measure the lengths of the walls where upper cabinets will be installed. Ensure consistency with your base cabinet measurements.

2. Height from Countertop to Ceiling:

   • This is the most critical measurement for upper cabinets. Measure the distance from the top of where your countertop will be to the ceiling.
   • Standard Countertop Height: Typically 36 inches from the finished floor. However, always confirm this for your specific situation.
   • Standard Upper Cabinet Height: Common heights are 30, 36, and 42 inches, but custom heights are also available. You need to know how much vertical space you have available.

3. Clearance Above Base Cabinets:

   • Measure the vertical distance between the top of your base cabinets (or planned countertop) and the bottom of any upper cabinets you’re considering.
   • Standard Backsplash Height: This space is typically where your backsplash will go. A common backsplash height is 18 inches, but this can vary. Ensure you leave enough room for your chosen backsplash material and a functional work area.

4. Window and Door Obstructions (Upper Level):

   • Measure the distance from the top of the base cabinets (or countertop) to the bottom of any windowsills.
   • Note the distance from the top of the base cabinets to the top of any door frames that might interfere with upper cabinet placement.

5. Obstructions Above:

   • Ceiling Height Variations: Check if your ceiling height is consistent across the entire wall.
   • Vent Hoods and Microwaves: If you plan to install a microwave over the range or a decorative vent hood, measure the space required for these.
   • Other Fixtures: Note any ceiling lights, sprinkler heads, or other fixtures that might be in the way.

Measuring Specific Kitchen Zones

Beyond basic wall measurements, some areas require special attention.

• Corner Cabinets: Corners can be tricky. Measure the depth and width of the corner space along both walls. Decide if you’re using a standard corner base cabinet or a Lazy Susan. This will dictate the actual cabinet dimensions needed.
• Appliance Bays: If you have dedicated spaces for refrigerators or ovens, measure these openings precisely. The cabinet next to a refrigerator, for instance, needs to accommodate the appliance’s depth and width.

Creating a Kitchen Layout Sketch

A visual representation can be incredibly helpful.

1. Draw a Simple Floor Plan: On your paper, sketch the basic shape of your kitchen.
2. Mark Walls and Doors/Windows: Draw in the walls and mark the location and dimensions of doors and windows.
3. Add Obstructions: Sketch in any radiators, vents, or major plumbing hookups.
4. Mark Cabinet Locations: Lightly sketch where you envision your base and upper cabinets going.
5. Label Measurements: Write down all your recorded measurements directly on the sketch. This creates a clear, visual cabinet measurement guide for yourself and for cabinet designers.

Using a Cabinet Size Calculator and Standard Sizes

Once you have your measurements, you can start thinking about actual cabinet sizes.

• Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes: Most manufacturers offer standard kitchen cabinet sizes in common increments.
  • Base Cabinets: Widths typically range from 9 inches to 48 inches in 3-inch increments. Depths are usually around 24 inches (cabinet box) plus the door. Heights are commonly 34.5 inches (without countertop).
  • Upper Cabinets: Widths are similar to base cabinets (9 to 48 inches). Depths are usually around 12 inches (cabinet box) plus the door. Heights are often 30, 36, or 42 inches.
• Cabinet Size Calculator: Many online retailers and cabinet manufacturers provide a cabinet size calculator. You input your wall lengths and desired cabinet types, and it can help suggest standard sizes that fit.
• Accounting for Gaps: Remember to leave small gaps (typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch) between cabinets for ease of opening and to account for any slight imperfections in your walls or cabinets. This is part of the cabinet installation measurements you’ll need to consider.
• Customization: If standard sizes don’t quite fit, custom kitchen cabinet measurements offer flexibility. This is often necessary for awkward corners, unique appliance spaces, or when you want to maximize every inch of space.

Important Considerations and Tips

• Measure Twice, Order Once: This old adage is especially true for kitchen cabinets. Double-check every measurement before you finalize your order.
• Account for Filler Strips: You’ll likely need filler strips in some areas, especially at corners or next to appliances, to allow doors and drawers to open fully. These are typically 1.5 to 3 inches wide.
• Seams: If a wall is longer than the widest available cabinet, you’ll need to plan for cabinet seams with a filler strip in between.
• Appliance Depth: Ensure your base cabinets are deep enough to accommodate your appliances or that you’ve accounted for appliance panels or filler pieces.
• Sink Base Cabinet: The sink base cabinet is a specialized cabinet that needs to be sized correctly for your sink. Measure your sink’s width and depth and plan accordingly.
• Specialty Cabinets: If you’re planning for pantry cabinets, appliance garages, or other specialty units, measure the specific space they will occupy.

Example: Measuring for a Section of Wall

Let’s say you have a wall that’s 100 inches long where you want base cabinets and upper cabinets.

Base Cabinet Measurements:

• Wall Length: 100 inches.
• Obstructions:
  • From the left corner to the center of an electrical outlet: 18 inches.
  • From the outlet to the corner of the room: 82 inches.
  • There’s a radiator along the bottom 36 inches of this wall. You’ll need to ensure your base cabinet depth doesn’t interfere with it, or plan to enclose it.
• Planned Layout: You might decide on a 36-inch sink base cabinet, followed by a 18-inch drawer base cabinet, and then a 42-inch corner base cabinet (which will use part of an adjacent wall). This adds up to 96 inches, leaving a 4-inch gap that could be filled with a filler or a narrow spice rack cabinet.

Upper Cabinet Measurements:

• Wall Length: 100 inches.
• Countertop to Ceiling Height: 48 inches.
• Obstructions:
  • Window: Starts 38 inches from the floor, is 40 inches wide, and extends to 58 inches from the floor (18-inch sill space).
  • From the left corner to the start of the window: 20 inches.
  • From the end of the window to the right corner: 40 inches.
• Planned Layout: You might opt for a 20-inch upper cabinet above the countertop, followed by a 36-inch upper cabinet (partially over the window), and then a 40-inch upper cabinet. You would need to check if the 36-inch upper cabinet will clear the window when opened, or if a different configuration is needed.

Final Checks and Double-Checking

Before you place your order:

• Review Your Sketch: Look over your layout sketch and all your measurements.
• Walk Through Your Kitchen: Mentally (or physically with tape on the floor) place the cabinets according to your plan. Do the doors open? Is there enough walkway space?
• Consult with a Professional: If you’re unsure, many cabinet suppliers offer free design services. Bring your measurements to them, and they can help you refine your layout and choose appropriate cabinet sizes. This is particularly helpful when dealing with complex layouts or trying to use a cabinet size calculator effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About Measuring for Kitchen Cabinets

Q: How do I measure for kitchen cabinets if my walls aren’t straight?
A: For crooked walls, measure the length at the top and bottom, and also in the middle. Use the smallest measurement for each section to ensure your cabinets don’t have gaps. It’s often best to add filler strips to accommodate these imperfections.

Q: Can I use my old cabinet measurements if I’m replacing them?
A: It’s not recommended. Even if you’re replacing existing cabinets, it’s best to measure your actual wall space and opening dimensions. Sometimes, previous installations aren’t perfectly aligned with the walls.

Q: What are the standard kitchen cabinet dimensions?
A: Standard base cabinets are typically 24 inches deep (cabinet box) and 34.5 inches tall before countertop. Standard upper cabinets are usually 12 inches deep (cabinet box) and come in heights like 30, 36, or 42 inches. Widths vary greatly.

Q: Do I need to account for the countertop thickness when measuring?
A: Yes, when measuring for upper cabinets, you need to know the distance from the top of the countertop to the ceiling. If you haven’t chosen a countertop yet, use an average thickness (e.g., 1.5 inches) for planning, but confirm the exact thickness before ordering cabinets that fit precisely beneath it.

Q: What is a cabinet installation measurement?
A: Cabinet installation measurements refer to all the precise dimensions needed for fitting cabinets, including wall lengths, heights, window/door clearances, and spaces for obstructions. They are the raw data used to order the correct cabinet sizes.

Q: How do I measure for a corner cabinet?
A: For a corner base cabinet, measure out along each wall from the corner point. For example, if you’re ordering a 36-inch corner base cabinet, you’ll typically measure 36 inches along each wall from the corner. However, the actual cabinet box will be smaller to allow for installation. Consult the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact cabinet box dimensions based on your corner measurement.

Q: Is it better to use inches or feet when measuring?
A: It’s generally best to measure in inches and record all measurements in inches. This avoids fractions and makes calculations for cabinet sizing much simpler. You can convert to feet and inches later if needed.

By following this detailed cabinet measurement guide and meticulously measuring kitchen cabinets, you’re laying the groundwork for a beautiful, functional, and stress-free kitchen renovation. Good luck!