The Complete Guide to Measuring for Flawless Kitchen Cabinets

Installing new kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look, feel and functionality of your home's heart. But in order to end up with a flawless kitchen cabinet system that fits your space perfectly, accurate measurements are absolutely crucial.

Taking the time to carefully measure every dimension of your existing kitchen will allow you to calculate precisely what size and configuration of cabinets you need. It will also ensure that your new cabinets integrate seamlessly around windows, doors, appliances and anything else already in place.

Follow this complete guide to measuring for kitchen cabinets and you'll gain the knowledge and technique needed for cabinet installation success.

Why Accurate Kitchen Cabinet Measurements Are Crucial

Precision measurements are essential when installing kitchen cabinets for several important reasons:

• Ensures cabinets you order and install fit your space perfectly with no gaps or issues.
• Allows you to configure the optimal kitchen layout and workflow.
• Avoids delays, complications and costly adjustments down the road.
• Saves you time, money and frustration in the long run.

Investing the effort to measure meticulously upfront gives you the exact cabinet dimensions needed for your unique kitchen footprint. This prevents headaches later and ensures your new kitchen is flawless.

Kitchen Cabinet Measurement Supplies

To measure your kitchen accurately and create a detailed floor plan, you'll need these basic supplies:

• Tape measure
• Graph paper
• Architectural ruler
• Pencil and eraser

Optional extras like a laser distance measurer and modeling software can also come in handy. But a basic tool kit of a trusty tape measure, ruler, graph paper and pencil will get the job done.

Creating a Detailed Kitchen Floor Plan

Mapping Out the Kitchen

The first step is mapping out all the fixed elements of your existing kitchen including:

• Marking all doors and window openings with exact width and height.
• Indicating the locations of appliances, sinks, fixture connections, outlets, switches and vents.
• Accounting for any obstructions like pipes, ducts or radiators.

Also be sure to measure any existing cabinets or large appliances that will remain in place.

Recording Measurements

Next, record all relevant measurements including:

• The length and width of each wall.
• The floor to ceiling height, accounting for soffits or low beams.
• The dimensions of any recessed ceiling or soffit areas.

Note measurements in inches for maximum accuracy. Also indicate the exact center points of sinks, range hoods and other fixtures.

Drawing the Floor Plan

With all your measurements in hand, neatly draw a floor plan of your kitchen space using graph paper and a ruler. Be sure to:

• Sketch the outline of walls, doors, windows first.
• Add all appliances, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry and obstructions next.
• Include all recorded dimensions clearly labeled.

This dimensioned floor plan is key for planning and ordering cabinets.

Measuring Existing Cabinets and Appliances

For existing cabinetry or large appliances that will remain, carefully measure:

• Width, height and depth of cabinet boxes and drawer banks.
• Location and size of cabinet doors and shelving.
• All dimensions of freestanding or integrated appliances.

Note unusual angles, interior fittings and any irregularities. This allows seamless integration with your new cabinets.

Determining Traffic Flow and Clearances

Consider these essential clearances as you measure:

• Appliance clearances to ensure good workflow and access.
• Adequate open space for a kitchen work triangle between sink, stove and fridge.
• Sufficient walkways between countertops, islands and cabinet banks.
• Diagonal measurements for efficient traffic patterns.

Factor in at least 42 inches for clear walkways in high traffic areas of the kitchen.

Choosing the Optimal Kitchen Cabinet Layout

Galley Kitchen Layout

Galley style kitchens feature a single bank of cabinets and countertops along one wall:

• Efficient for small spaces but traffic flow is limited.
• Works best with pull-out cabinets and appliances on opposite side.

L-Shaped Layout

Popular L-shaped kitchens have cabinets along two adjoining walls:

• Allows for effective kitchen work triangle between sinks, stove and fridge.
• Provides two continuous countertop work surfaces.

U-Shaped Layout

U-shaped kitchens maximize cabinet and countertop space:

• Cabinets installed along three walls.
• Allows spacious storage and work area.
• Island can be added to expand space.

Island Layout

Islands are great for larger open kitchen designs:

• Cabinets and countertops on perimeter walls.
• Central island provides extra storage, seating and work space.
• Allows traffic to move freely around island.

Calculating Cabinet Dimensions

With measurements complete, calculate:

• Total linear feet of cabinetry needed for each section.
• Number and size of standard width upper and lower cabinets.
• Any specialty sizes needed like corner, angled or appliance garage cabinets.
• Required overhang space for moldings and countertops.

This gives you a detailed cabinet order list with all dimensions.

Verifying Measurements

Before finalizing your order, be sure to:

• Double and triple check all measurements.
• Confirm appliance dimensions and opening sizes.
• Review floor plan thoroughly for accuracy.
• Make any final adjustments needed to measurements.

Having precise numbers is the key to flawless results.

Carefully measuring your unique kitchen footprint and creating an accurate floor plan is time well spent. It provides the precise cabinet dimensions and layout needed to achieve installation success. Follow the techniques outlined above and you'll gain confidence taking on this crucial first step in any kitchen cabinet project.

You can maximize every inch of space in your dream kitchen design with the right kitchen cabinet partner. Enjoy the process!