How to Measure Your Kitchen for New Cabinets

Planning a kitchen remodel or renovation? One of the most critical steps in ensuring a successful kitchen layout is accurately measuring your space for new cabinets. Getting precise measurements ensures that your cabinets fit perfectly, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re installing new cabinetry or upgrading your current kitchen, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure your kitchen for new cabinets.

1. Tools You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil or pen
• Paper or graph paper (for drawing your kitchen layout)
• Calculator (optional)

2. Measure the Overall Kitchen Space

Start by measuring the overall dimensions of your kitchen, including:

• Length of walls: Measure each wall from one end to the other.
• Ceiling height: Measure from the floor to the ceiling, especially important for tall cabinets.
• Doors and windows: Measure the width and height of doors and windows, and note their position on your sketch.

Record all these measurements on paper, and be sure to label them clearly.

3. Measure the Height of the Base Cabinets

Base cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen layout. The standard height for base cabinets is usually 34.5 inches, with an additional 1.5 inches for the countertop. This brings the total height to 36 inches. Be sure to account for any variations if you are customizing the height.

4. Measure Cabinet Depth

The depth of your cabinets is just as important as the height. Standard base cabinets have a depth of 24 inches, while wall cabinets typically have a depth of 12 inches. Be sure to measure from the wall outward and consider how much space you need for walkways and appliance doors.

Understanding cabinet depth is key to creating a spacious and functional kitchen. Our Kitchen Counter Height and Depth guide offers more insights into how to choose the right depth for your kitchen layout.

5. Measure Appliance Spaces

Don’t forget to account for any major appliances, including:

• Refrigerator: Measure the width, height, and depth of the space for your refrigerator.
• Oven: Measure the width and height of the area where the oven will be installed.
• Dishwasher: Take measurements of the space allotted for the dishwasher.

These measurements will help ensure that your appliances fit seamlessly into your kitchen without crowding other essential elements.

6. Measure for Wall and Tall Cabinets

Next, measure the area where you plan to install wall and tall cabinets:

• Wall Cabinets: Measure the height and width of the walls where cabinets will be mounted. Remember to leave space above the countertops for backsplash installation.
• Tall Cabinets: Measure the height from the floor to the ceiling. Tall cabinets usually run from 84 to 96 inches high.

7. Sketch Your Kitchen Layout

Once you’ve gathered all your measurements, sketch your kitchen layout on paper. Label each area with its dimensions and indicate where appliances, cabinets, doors, and windows will be located. This will give you and your cabinet installer a clear visual of the space.

Conclusion

Measuring your kitchen accurately is crucial to ensuring a smooth installation process for your new cabinets. By taking precise measurements of your kitchen space, including wall lengths, ceiling height, appliance spaces, and cabinet dimensions, you’ll be better prepared for a successful remodel.

For high-quality cabinets at the best rates in the US, explore our collection at US Kitchen Cabinet. Our wide range of cabinet options will help you create the kitchen of your dreams with ease.