How To Measure For New Kitchen Cabinets: Your Accurate DIY Guide

What is the most crucial step when ordering new kitchen cabinets? The most crucial step is accurately measuring your kitchen space. Can I measure for kitchen cabinets myself? Absolutely! With careful attention and the right tools, anyone can perform DIY cabinet measuring.

Embarking on a kitchen remodel is exciting, and new cabinets are often the centerpiece. But before you can choose that perfect style and finish, you need accurate cabinet dimensions. Getting these measurements right is paramount. It ensures your new cabinets fit perfectly, maximizing both aesthetics and functionality. This comprehensive kitchen remodel measurement guide will equip you with the knowledge for successful DIY cabinet measuring. We’ll cover everything from basic wall lengths to intricate details like appliance clearances, ensuring your cabinet installation measurements are spot on for a smooth process. Let’s dive into measuring kitchen for cabinets to achieve ideal kitchen cabinet sizing and a functional cabinet layout measurements.

Image Source: bluelanecabinetry.com

Gathering Your Essential Measuring Tools

Before you begin measuring kitchen for cabinets, assemble your toolkit. Having the right tools makes the process much easier and more accurate, leading to precise cabinet installation measurements.

Tape Measure: A sturdy, retractable tape measure is your primary tool. Look for one with clear markings and a locking mechanism. A 25-foot tape measure is usually sufficient for most kitchens.
Pencil and Paper (or Digital Equivalent): You’ll need these to record all your measurements. A clipboard can be helpful for taking notes while you’re measuring. Consider using graph paper for drawing a rough layout.
Level: A long level (2-4 feet) is essential for checking if walls, ceilings, and existing cabinets are plumb and level. This helps identify any irregularities that might affect your new cabinet installation.
Stool or Ladder: For safely reaching high areas, especially for cabinet height measurement and ceiling clearances. Ensure it’s stable.
Calculator: To perform simple calculations or to check your figures.
Optional: Laser Measure: For larger spaces or if you find using a tape measure cumbersome, a laser measure can be a helpful addition. However, traditional tape measures are often preferred for detailed cabinet layout measurements as they allow you to directly measure distances and angles.

Preparing Your Kitchen for Measurement

A clean and organized kitchen makes measuring much simpler. Clear countertops and remove any obstructions that might hinder your ability to get accurate measurements.

Clear the Space: Remove everything from countertops, tables, and the floor area where you’ll be measuring.
Identify Fixed Elements: Note the location of windows, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, and heating/cooling vents. These are critical points that will influence your cabinet layout measurements.
Note Existing Appliances: Measure the dimensions of your existing refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and any other built-in appliances. You’ll need these for custom cabinet sizing and ensuring proper clearances.

Measuring Walls for Cabinet Placement

This is where the core of your measuring kitchen for cabinets begins. You’ll be measuring the linear footage of your walls to determine the base and upper cabinet space available.

Measuring Wall Lengths

For each wall where you plan to install cabinets, measure the distance from one corner to the other.

From Corner to Corner: Place the tape measure at one corner and extend it straight along the wall to the adjacent corner.
Record All Measurements: Write down the length of each wall segment clearly. If a wall has an obstruction like a window or door, measure the distance from the corner to the obstruction, then from the obstruction to the next corner. This will give you segments of usable wall space.

Incorporating Obstructions

Windows, doors, and other fixed elements significantly impact cabinet layout measurements. You need to measure around them.

Window and Door Measurements:
- Width: Measure the width of the opening itself.
- Height: Measure the height of the opening.
- Sill Height: Measure from the floor to the bottom of the window sill. This is crucial for upper cabinet placement.
- Header Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the door or window frame. This dictates how high upper cabinets can go.
Outlet and Vent Locations: Mark the position and height of any electrical outlets, switches, and HVAC vents on your paper plan. You’ll need to ensure cabinets don’t obstruct access or airflow.

Measuring Ceilings and Vertical Space

The cabinet height measurement is vital for both base and upper cabinets.

Ceiling Height: Measure the height of the ceiling from the floor to the ceiling at multiple points along each wall. Ceilings are rarely perfectly level, so taking several measurements can reveal any slopes. This will help determine the maximum possible cabinet height measurement for your upper cabinets and ensure they reach the ceiling or your desired height.
Toe Kick Height: The standard toe kick height for base cabinets is usually 4 inches. This is the recessed area at the bottom of the cabinet.

Measuring for Base Cabinets

Base cabinets form the foundation of your kitchen, supporting countertops and housing essential appliances. Precise cabinet installation measurements here are critical.

Base Cabinet Width and Depth

Wall-to-Wall Measurement: For each wall, measure the total length of the wall where base cabinets will go.
Corner Cabinets: If you have a corner, you’ll need to measure the “return” – the distance the cabinet will extend along the adjacent wall. This measurement is often referred to as the “cabinet depth measurement” plus a few inches for the cabinet face. Standard cabinet depth measurement for base cabinets is typically 24 inches (excluding the countertop overhang).
Appliance Width: Measure the width of your existing or planned appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves. You’ll need to allocate specific cabinet widths for these.

Appliance Clearances

Proper clearances around appliances are essential for both functionality and safety.

Refrigerator: You’ll need to measure the width, depth, and height of your refrigerator, plus any required clearance for ventilation or door swing.
Dishwasher: Measure the standard opening width (typically 24 inches), height, and depth. Also, note the plumbing and electrical connections.
Range/Oven: Measure the width of your range and ensure you have appropriate cabinet space and ventilation hood clearance above it.

Toe Kick Space

The toe kick is the recessed area at the bottom of base cabinets.

Standard Depth: Typically 3 inches deep.
Standard Height: Typically 4 inches high.
Recess: The toe kick is usually recessed 1.5 to 2 inches from the front of the cabinet. This detail is important for custom cabinet sizing.

Measuring for Upper Cabinets

Upper cabinets provide valuable storage and define the kitchen’s visual appeal. Accurate cabinet height measurement is crucial here.

Upper Cabinet Width and Depth

Wall Space Available: Similar to base cabinets, measure the linear footage of wall space available for upper cabinets.
Standard Depth: The typical cabinet depth measurement for upper cabinets is 12 inches. However, this can vary based on design and desired storage capacity.
Considerations: Think about how high you want your cabinets to reach, considering ceiling height and ease of access.

Cabinet Height Measurement

This is where you determine the vertical dimension of your upper cabinets.

Countertop to Ceiling: Measure the distance from the countertop to the ceiling.
Standard Clearance: A common clearance between the countertop and the bottom of upper cabinets is 18 inches. This allows ample working space.
Cabinet Height Options: Based on your measurements and desired look, you can choose standard cabinet heights (e.g., 30, 36, or 42 inches) or opt for custom cabinet sizing to perfectly fill the space. Always confirm your desired cabinet height measurement with your cabinet supplier.

Obstruction Integration

Windows and Doors: Measure the distance from the countertop to the bottom of windows and doors. This will determine if and where upper cabinets can be placed. You might need to plan for cabinet sections above doorways or around windows.
Range Hoods: If you’re installing a range hood, measure its width and height, and determine how it will integrate with your upper cabinet design.

Measuring for Specialty Cabinets and Features

Beyond standard base and upper cabinets, consider any specialty units you plan to incorporate.

Pantry Cabinets

Width, Depth, Height: Measure the available space where a pantry cabinet will go. Pantry cabinets are typically taller and can be floor-to-ceiling or shorter, depending on your design.
Door Swing: Ensure there’s enough clearance for the pantry doors to open fully.

Sink Base Cabinets

Sink Dimensions: Measure the width and depth of your chosen sink.
Plumbing and Venting: Note the location of existing plumbing and drainage pipes. You’ll need to ensure the sink base cabinet can accommodate these and any necessary modifications. The internal dimensions of the sink base cabinet are critical for a good fit.

Corner Cabinet Measurements

Corners can be tricky and require specific measurements for efficient cabinet layout measurements.

Blind Corners: These are cabinets where a portion is hidden behind the adjacent cabinet. You’ll measure the wall length and then the “return” to the corner.
Lazy Susans/Corner Carousels: If you plan to use these, you’ll need to measure the corner opening accurately to ensure the spinning mechanism fits.

Refrigerator and Other Appliance Cabinets

Appliance Dimensions: As mentioned earlier, precise measurements of your refrigerator (or other appliances like ovens, microwaves) are essential.
Enclosure Size: You’ll need to plan for cabinet widths, depths, and heights that will create a built-in look, ensuring proper ventilation space around the appliance.

Creating Your Kitchen Measurement Diagram

A visual representation is invaluable for planning and communicating your needs.

Sketch Your Layout: Draw a bird’s-eye view of your kitchen.
Mark Walls and Corners: Label each wall and corner.
Add Dimensions: Clearly mark all wall lengths, window and door openings (width and height from floor), appliance locations, and any other relevant fixed features.
Indicate Cabinet Sections: Draw rough outlines of where base and upper cabinets will go, noting their intended widths.
Record Vertical Measurements: On a separate sketch or clearly marked on the layout, record ceiling heights and clearances from countertops to windows/ceilings.

This diagram is your blueprint for cabinet layout measurements and will be invaluable when discussing your project with cabinet suppliers or installers. It helps ensure everyone is working with the same accurate cabinet dimensions.

Key Considerations for Accurate Cabinet Dimensions

Beyond the raw numbers, several factors influence your final kitchen cabinet sizing and ordering.

Standard vs. Custom Sizing:
- Standard Sizes: Cabinets come in standard widths (e.g., 9″, 12″, 15″, 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″) and heights. Using standard sizes can be more cost-effective and have shorter lead times.
- Custom Sizing: For unique spaces or specific design requirements, custom cabinet sizing allows you to get cabinets built to your exact dimensions, maximizing every inch of your kitchen. This is often necessary for awkward corners or to perfectly fit around appliances.
Cabinet Depth Measurement Nuances:
- Base Cabinets: Standard cabinet depth measurement is 24 inches for the box. The countertop will overhang this by about 1.5 inches.
- Upper Cabinets: Standard cabinet depth measurement is usually 12 inches.
- Specialty Cabinets: Some specialty cabinets, like pull-out pantries or tray dividers, may have different depth requirements.
Wall Irregularities:
- Out-of-Plumb Walls: Walls that are not perfectly vertical can cause gaps between cabinets and the wall. Experienced installers can shim cabinets to compensate, but it’s good to note any significant issues.
- Uneven Floors: This can affect the levelness of base cabinets. Shims are typically used under the cabinet base to achieve a level installation.
Ceiling Height Variations: As noted, measure ceiling height in multiple spots. If your ceiling is sloped, you’ll need to decide how your upper cabinets will accommodate this.
Door and Drawer Clearances: Ensure you account for the space needed for doors and drawers to open fully without hitting other cabinets, appliances, or walls. This is a crucial part of cabinet installation measurements.

Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, errors can happen. Being aware of common pitfalls can help you achieve truly accurate cabinet dimensions.

Not Measuring Twice (or Thrice): This is the golden rule. Double-check every measurement.
Ignoring Obstructions: Forgetting about windows, doors, vents, or outlets can lead to costly rework.
Not Accounting for Appliance Dimensions: Assuming standard appliance sizes or clearances can be a mistake. Always measure your specific appliances.
Assuming Walls Are Straight and Level: Most kitchens have some degree of imperfection.
Not Measuring for Corners Correctly: Corner cabinets require careful measurement of both wall returns.
Forgetting About Countertop Overhang: While you’re measuring for cabinets, remember the countertop will extend beyond the cabinet box.
Rushing the Process: Take your time. Accuracy is more important than speed.

Using Your Measurements for Ordering

Once you have your meticulously recorded measurements and diagram, you’re ready to start planning your cabinet order.

Consult with Cabinet Suppliers: Bring your measurements and diagram to your cabinet showroom or supplier. They can help you translate your measurements into cabinet orders, suggesting standard sizes or discussing custom cabinet sizing options.
Create a Cabinet Schedule: Work with your supplier to create a detailed list of each cabinet needed, including its dimensions (width, height, depth), type (base, wall, pantry), door style, and any specific features. This is your final check of cabinet installation measurements.
Consider Filler Strips: Sometimes, to make a run of cabinets fit perfectly between two walls or to account for minor wall irregularities, you might need filler strips. These are thin pieces of wood that can be added to the sides of cabinets. Your supplier can advise on necessary fillers.

Conclusion: The Foundation for a Beautiful Kitchen

Accurate measurement is the bedrock of a successful kitchen cabinet project. By following this detailed guide for measuring kitchen for cabinets and focusing on accurate cabinet dimensions, you empower yourself to make informed decisions, avoid costly errors, and ultimately achieve the kitchen of your dreams. This thorough DIY cabinet measuring process, from initial wall lengths to intricate cabinet depth measurement and cabinet height measurement, ensures your cabinet installation measurements are perfect for a seamless cabinet layout measurements and beautiful kitchen cabinet sizing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How far out should I measure from the corner for a corner cabinet?
A1: For a standard 24-inch deep base cabinet in a corner, you’ll typically measure 24 inches along each wall from the corner. The actual cabinet box will be slightly smaller to allow for the door and to butt against the adjacent cabinet. Your cabinet supplier will have precise specifications for corner cabinet construction based on your measurements.

Q2: What if my walls aren’t perfectly straight?
A2: Most kitchens have slightly out-of-plumb walls. When measuring, note any significant deviations. Installers use shims to make cabinets appear plumb, but having accurate wall measurements helps them plan. For minor variations, standard cabinets can often be adapted. Significant out-of-plumb walls might necessitate discussing custom solutions or filler panels with your cabinet supplier.

Q3: How much space should I leave between upper cabinets and the countertop?
A3: The standard and most practical clearance between the countertop and the bottom of upper cabinets is 18 inches. This provides ample room for working and prevents the cabinets from feeling too low or too high. However, this can be adjusted based on personal preference or the height of your backsplash.

Q4: Do I need to measure the inside dimensions of cabinets?
A4: Generally, when ordering cabinets, you provide the outside dimensions (width, height, depth). However, for specialty cabinets like sink bases or those designed to house specific appliances, you’ll need to know the internal dimensions to ensure the sink or appliance fits comfortably, including space for plumbing. Your cabinet supplier can help with internal dimension specifications.

Q5: How do I measure for a range hood?
A5: Measure the width and depth of the range hood itself. Also, note the required clearance above the cooking surface for safe operation, which is usually specified by the range hood manufacturer. You’ll need to plan for cabinet sections on either side of the hood and ensure the hood’s height integrates correctly with your upper cabinet height measurement.

Q6: Should I measure my appliances before or after ordering cabinets?
A6: It is highly recommended to measure your appliances before ordering cabinets. Knowing the exact width, depth, and height of your refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, etc., is crucial for designing the surrounding cabinet layout measurements and ensuring proper fit and clearances, especially for integrated appliance cabinets or dedicated appliance garages. This directly impacts your custom cabinet sizing needs.

Q7: What is the standard cabinet depth measurement for base cabinets?
A7: The standard cabinet depth measurement for the box of a base cabinet is 24 inches. This measurement does not include the countertop, which typically overhangs the cabinet box by about 1.5 inches.

Q8: Can I order cabinets with non-standard widths or heights?
A8: Yes, many cabinet manufacturers offer custom cabinet sizing. If standard sizes don’t fit your space perfectly, you can often order cabinets with specific widths, heights, and even depths to maximize your kitchen’s layout. This is a key benefit of planning your cabinet installation measurements thoroughly.