Are you thinking of updating your existing kitchen cabinets, or perhaps you are ready for a completely new kitchen design. The first step in planning for your new kitchen cabinets is taking measurements to see what space you have to work with.
Finding the dimensions of a kitchen is not as simple as measuring the width of a single wall and multiplying it by four. Remember, kitchens are never perfect cubes. However, finding the correct dimensions is not as difficult a task as many believe.
You can measure your kitchen by yourself to assist and ensure the kitchen designers get correct estimates. All you need for this task is a tape measure, a pencil, some scratch paper or a planning grid.
Taking accurate measurements is very important to getting the exact size cabinets you will need for a successful kitchen remodel or new design.
Let’s Get Started!
What you will need:
- Tape measure – 12’ to 25’ should work just fine.
- Note pad – Legal size works well.
- Pencil or Pen
- Appliance & Sink specifications or model numbers.
Step 1
Draw a rough sketch of your kitchen. The basic walls and any obstacles that will determine the placement of a cabinet. An easy way to do this is shown in the diagram.
Let’s say that you have 4 walls in your kitchen, like the one in the sample diagram. Wall A, Wall B, Wall C, and Wall D. Note: Always measure the same direction from left to right – Clockwise. This will cut down on errors.
Step 2
Wall A.
- Measure wall length.
- Measure from wall to door.
- Measure door, including the trim.
- Measure from trim to wall end.
- Add Measurements 2-4 and double your wall length.
- Measure from the floor to the bottom of the window, the window height, and remaining space above.
- Measure wall height.
Step 3
Wall B
- Measure wall length.
- Measure from wall start to window trim.
- Measure window with trim.
- Measure from trim to wall.
- Add measurements 2-4 to double check your wall length.
- Add one more measurement: Measure from Left Wall to Dishwasher center or plug.
- Measure wall height.
Step 4
Wall C
- Measure length of wall.
- Measure to Stove Center.
- Measure to Refrigerator Center.
- Measure wall height.
Step 5
Wall D
- Give total length of wall.
- Measure wall height.
