Can I measure my kitchen for cabinets myself? Yes, you absolutely can measure your kitchen for cabinets yourself! With a few tools and a bit of careful attention, you can gather all the necessary information for ordering kitchen cabinets or planning your DIY kitchen cabinets. This guide will walk you through each step, making the process straightforward for your kitchen renovation measurements and ensuring accurate cabinet measurements for your dream kitchen.
Fathoming the exact size of your kitchen is the first big step in kitchen planning. Getting your kitchen cabinet dimensions right is crucial whether you’re going for pre-made units, semi-custom, or full-blown custom kitchen cabinets. Messing up these measuring kitchen space details can lead to delays, extra costs, and frustration during your cabinet installation guide. But don’t worry! We’ve broken down how to measure your kitchen like a pro, even if you’ve never done it before.
Why Precise Measurements Matter
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s touch on the “why.” Precise measurements are the bedrock of a successful kitchen project.
- Budgeting: Knowing your exact needs helps you get accurate quotes and avoid over or under-buying materials.
- Fit: Cabinets need to fit snugly against walls, under countertops, and around appliances. Even a small error can mean a cabinet won’t close properly or look out of place.
- Functionality: The cabinet layout depends heavily on accurate measurements. You need to know where every cabinet will go, how it will open, and if there’s enough space to move around.
- Ordering: When you’re ordering kitchen cabinets, manufacturers need precise cabinet measurements to build your units correctly. They can’t guess!
Essential Tools for Measuring
You don’t need a fancy degree in architecture to measure your kitchen. Just grab these simple tools:
- Tape Measure: A sturdy metal tape measure, at least 25 feet long, is ideal.
- Pencil and Paper: Plenty of it! For sketching and jotting down numbers.
- Notepad or Clipboard: To keep your measurements organized.
- Level: A spirit level ensures your measurements are true and straight.
- Ladder or Stool: To safely reach higher areas.
- Helper (Optional but Recommended): An extra pair of hands makes measuring windows, doors, and tall cabinets much easier.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Kitchen Space
Let’s get down to business! Follow these steps to accurately measure your kitchen for cabinets.
1. Sketch a Floor Plan
Start by drawing a rough sketch of your kitchen’s shape on paper. Don’t worry about making it perfect – just get the basic layout down.
- Draw the walls.
- Mark the location of doors and windows.
- Note where appliances are (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, sink).
- Indicate plumbing and electrical outlets.
This floor plan will be your canvas for all your measurements.
2. Measure Wall Lengths
This is where the tape measure comes in. Measure the length of each wall that will have cabinets.
- Start from corner to corner. Make sure the tape measure is pulled taut and level.
- Measure from the inside corner of one wall to the inside corner of the next wall. This gives you the full length available for cabinets on that wall.
- Record each wall length on your sketch. If you have an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen, you’ll be measuring multiple wall segments.
Example:
* Wall 1 (behind sink): 120 inches
* Wall 2 (next to dishwasher): 72 inches
* Wall 3 (end wall): 144 inches
3. Measure Wall Height
You need to know the height of your walls to determine standard cabinet sizes or if you need custom heights.
- Measure from the floor to the ceiling.
- Measure in at least three different spots along each wall (e.g., left, middle, right). Walls aren’t always perfectly straight. Take the smallest measurement if there’s a significant difference. This ensures your upper cabinets will fit without hitting the ceiling.
- Note these heights on your sketch.
Typical wall heights:
* 8 feet (96 inches)
* 9 feet (108 inches)
* 10 feet (120 inches)
4. Measure for Base Cabinets
Base cabinets sit on the floor and support your countertops. You’ll need to know the exact lengths of the walls where they will be placed.
- Measure the linear feet available for base cabinets on each wall. This is the same measurement you took in step 2 for wall lengths.
- Account for existing obstructions:
- Doors: Measure the distance from the corner to the door frame.
- Windows: Measure from the corner to the window frame, and from the other side of the window frame to the next corner. You’ll likely place base cabinets under windows, so measure the width of the window opening.
- Appliances: Measure the space allocated for your refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. Manufacturers often have specific dimensions for these.
- Plumbing/Drains: Note the exact location of your sink drain and water lines.
Table: Base Cabinet Wall Measurements
| Wall Segment | Length (inches) | Obstruction | Distance to Obstruction (inches) | Obstruction Width (inches) | Distance After Obstruction (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall A | 120 | Window | 36 | 48 | 36 |
| Wall B | 72 | Stove Area | 30 | 30 | 12 |
5. Measure for Wall (Upper) Cabinets
Wall cabinets hang from the wall. You’ll need to know the wall lengths and, crucially, the available vertical space.
- Measure the linear feet available for wall cabinets on each wall. Again, this is typically your wall length measurement.
- Measure the backsplash height (from countertop to ceiling). This is the crucial measurement for upper cabinets.
- Account for upper obstructions:
- Range Hoods/Microwaves: If you have these mounted above the stove, measure the space they occupy vertically.
- Vents/Registers: Note any ventilation grilles or heating/cooling registers on the walls.
Key Vertical Measurement: Countertop to Ceiling
- Measure from the top of your existing countertop (or where the new countertop will be) up to the ceiling.
- Do this in multiple spots along the wall to account for any irregularities.
- Subtract the desired height of your base cabinets and the standard space for your countertop (typically 1.5 inches).
- Then, subtract the desired height of your backsplash. This will give you the maximum height available for your wall cabinets.
Example:
* Wall Height: 96 inches
* Countertop Thickness: 1.5 inches
* Desired Backsplash Height: 18 inches
* Available height for wall cabinets: 96 – 1.5 – 18 = 76.5 inches
This helps you decide between standard 30-inch, 36-inch, or 42-inch wall cabinets, or if you might need custom kitchen cabinets.
6. Measure for Sink Base Cabinets and Other Specific Areas
-
Sink Base Cabinet: This is a critical measurement.
- Measure the width of your sink. Add at least 6 inches to this measurement to determine the minimum width needed for your sink base cabinet. This accounts for the cabinet’s internal structure and plumbing.
- Measure the depth of your sink and ensure there’s enough clearance in the base cabinet.
- Note the exact location of your sink drain and water supply lines. This is vital for cabinet construction.
-
Appliance Clearances:
- Refrigerator: Measure the width, height, and depth of your refrigerator. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for required clearances for ventilation. You might need a dedicated cabinet or an ‘appliance garage’ to house it.
- Stove/Cooktop: Measure the width of your cooktop or oven range. Ensure there’s adequate space around it for safety and ventilation.
- Dishwasher: Measure the standard width (usually 24 inches). Make sure the cabinet opening is slightly larger to allow for installation and plumbing.
7. Measure Doors and Windows in Detail
These are critical for your cabinet layout and ensure cabinets don’t block access or light.
-
Doorways:
- Width: Measure from the trim on one side of the door frame to the trim on the other.
- Opening: Measure the actual clear opening width once the door is removed or swung open.
- Location: Measure the distance from the nearest corner to the edge of the door frame.
- Swing: Note which way the door swings. You don’t want a cabinet door to hit a swinging door.
-
Windows:
- Width: Measure the width of the window opening, from the inside of the frame on one side to the inside of the frame on the other.
- Height: Measure the height of the window opening, from the bottom of the sill to the top of the frame.
- Sill Depth: Measure the depth of the window sill. This is important if you plan to place cabinets under the window.
- Location: Measure from the nearest corner to the edge of the window frame.
8. Identify and Measure for Obstructions
Look for anything that might interfere with cabinet placement or function.
- Electrical Outlets and Switches: Mark their exact location on your sketch. You may need to relocate them, or design cabinets to work around them.
- Plumbing Pipes: Note the location of any exposed pipes or vents.
- Radiators/Vents: Measure their size and location. You may need toe-kick drawers or custom cabinet designs to accommodate them.
- Ceiling Bulkheads/soffits: These are often found above existing cabinets. Measure their depth and height.
9. Measure for Appliances
You need to know the exact dimensions of your appliances to design cabinets around them.
- Refrigerator: Width, height, depth. Check manufacturer specs for ventilation clearances.
- Oven/Cooktop: Width, depth.
- Dishwasher: Standard width (24 inches), height, depth.
- Microwave: If built-in, measure its dimensions.
- Sink: Width and depth.
Table: Appliance Dimensions for Cabinet Planning
| Appliance | Width (inches) | Height (inches) | Depth (inches) | Notes (e.g., Clearance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 36 | 70 | 30 | 2″ clearance on sides |
| Dishwasher | 24 | 34.5 | 24 | Standard width |
| Gas Range | 30 | 36 | 27 | Needs ventilation |
| Built-in Microwave | 24 | 17 | 18 | Specific cabinet size |
10. Consider Cabinet Depth and Clearance
- Base Cabinets: Standard base cabinet depth is 24 inches. This includes the door or drawer front. Ensure you have enough clearance in front of them for walkways. A common minimum walkway clearance is 36 inches, but 42-48 inches is even better.
- Wall Cabinets: Standard wall cabinet depth is 12 inches. Ensure they don’t interfere with base cabinets or countertops.
- Toe Kick: Most base cabinets have a toe kick at the bottom, usually 4 inches high and 3 inches deep. This allows you to stand closer to the countertop.
- Overhang: Countertops typically overhang the base cabinets by 1.5 inches. Factor this into your measurements when planning cabinet placement relative to walkways.
11. Drawing Your Final Cabinet Layout
Once you have all your measurements, it’s time to translate them into a cabinet layout.
- Use graph paper to create a scaled drawing of your kitchen.
- Draw walls to scale.
- Place windows, doors, and appliances in their correct locations according to your measurements.
- Start placing cabinet symbols (rectangles representing cabinets) along the walls.
- Think about workflow:
- The Kitchen Work Triangle: The sink, refrigerator, and stove should ideally form a triangle with easy access between them.
- Landing Space: Ensure you have clear countertop space next to the refrigerator, oven, and sink for placing items.
- Drawer vs. Door Opening: Consider which way doors and drawers will open. Avoid them clashing with each other or appliances.
- Common Cabinet Sizes: Base cabinets come in widths of 9″, 12″, 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 27″, 30″, 33″, 36″. Wall cabinets come in similar widths and heights of 30″, 36″, 42″.
Example Layout Considerations:
- If you have a 120-inch wall for base cabinets, and you need a 36-inch sink base, a 30-inch dishwasher, and a 24-inch base cabinet, that’s 90 inches total. You have 30 inches left. You could use a 30-inch drawer base cabinet, or break it up into smaller units.
- For wall cabinets above the sink, if your backsplash is 18 inches and your wall cabinets are 30 inches, that leaves 48 inches to the ceiling. This is a good space for crown molding or another cabinet if needed.
Tips for Accurate Measuring
- Measure Twice, Order Once: This old adage is especially true for kitchen cabinets. Double-check every measurement.
- Start from a Corner: Pick a corner and measure along each wall from that point.
- Keep it Consistent: Use the same unit of measurement (inches or centimeters) throughout.
- Don’t Forget the Details: Small things like pipes, vents, or electrical boxes can impact your cabinet layout.
- Take Photos: Document your kitchen space with photos. This can be helpful when discussing your plans with cabinet suppliers.
- Use a Digital Laser Measure: For very large or complex spaces, a laser measure can be faster and more accurate, but still requires careful use.
Ordering Your Kitchen Cabinets
Once you have your detailed measurements and your cabinet layout finalized, you’re ready for ordering kitchen cabinets.
- Consult with a professional designer or cabinet supplier: Bring your measurements and your sketch. They can help you refine your cabinet layout and select the right cabinet measurements for your chosen cabinets.
- Understand cabinet sizes: Remember that published kitchen cabinet dimensions often refer to the exterior size. Interior dimensions will be smaller.
- Factor in filler strips: Sometimes, small gaps between cabinets and walls or appliances are necessary for door/drawer operation. These are often filled with custom filler strips. Your designer can advise on this.
- DIY vs. Professional Installation: If you’re installing DIY kitchen cabinets, your measurements are even more critical. If you’re using a professional cabinet installation guide, they may want to take their own measurements before final fabrication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard depth for base cabinets?
The standard depth for base cabinets is 24 inches. This measurement usually includes the door or drawer front.
What is the standard depth for wall cabinets?
The standard depth for wall cabinets is typically 12 inches.
How much space should I leave for a walkway?
A minimum walkway clearance of 36 inches is recommended. For better comfort and traffic flow, 42-48 inches is ideal.
Do I need to measure the inside of my kitchen cabinets?
When you are measuring kitchen space for ordering cabinets, you are primarily concerned with the exterior measurements and the space available on your walls. The interior dimensions are determined by the cabinet manufacturer.
What if my walls aren’t straight?
Measure the wall length in several places and use the smallest measurement. When planning your cabinet layout, account for any necessary filler strips to accommodate uneven walls.
Can I reuse my old appliance dimensions?
It’s best to measure your existing appliances directly, as dimensions can vary between models and brands, even if they appear similar. Always check manufacturer specifications for required clearances.
By following these detailed steps, you can confidently measure your kitchen space and ensure you have accurate cabinet measurements for a smooth and successful kitchen renovation. Happy measuring!