What do you need to measure when planning for new kitchen cabinets?
The first step in planning for new kitchen cabinets is taking measurements to see what space you have. All you need for this task is a tape measure, a pencil, some scratch paper or this planning grid (link) that we provide for free. Taking accurate measurements is very important to getting the exact size cabinets you will need for a successful kitchen remodel. Don't forget California Cabinets is always here to help!
Step 1: What to measure first?
You want the overall length of the wall, and write it down. If your using the grid we supplied draw a line and mark the length of the wall. Always start measuring you walls from an adjoining corner if possible. Measure from wall edge to wall edge, getting the total space, ignoring appliances, fixtures and windows for the moment.
Step 2: Measure the Windows and Appliances
If there is a window you will be centering the sink on, measure from the wall edge to the casing of that window and note that on your grid. Then measure the window from casing edge to casing edge, marking that and then take the measurement of the remainder of the wall. Measure and mark any other windows in the kitchen. Any appliances or fixture that will not / cannot be moved, like a gas stove, an existing kitchen island, should be marked on the layout as well.
Step 3: Mark the fixtures.
If you have a sink that is centered on a window, start with that wall. Clearly mark where all electrical, plumbing and vents currently are, they can all be moved to fit your remodeled layout during the construction phase.
Step 4: Measure the kitchen wall height.
Take the tape measure to get the distance from the floor to the ceiling at each corner and the middle of each wall and make note of that on the sheet. Knowing this will allow you to choose the proper height you want your wall cabinets to be, based on the countertop clearance and if the cabinets will have any space below the ceiling or go all the way up. These measurements will also let you know if any major settling of the house may have happened. Make note of any soffits, recessed ceilings or any other feature existing in the room that could impact the height of the wall cabinets.
The first step in planning for new kitchen cabinets is taking measurements to see what space you have. All you need for this task is a tape measure, a pencil, some scratch paper or this planning grid (link) that we provide for free. Taking accurate measurements is very important to getting the exact size cabinets you will need for a successful kitchen remodel. Don't forget California Cabinets is always here to help!
Step 1: What to measure first?
You want the overall length of the wall, and write it down. If your using the grid we supplied draw a line and mark the length of the wall. Always start measuring you walls from an adjoining corner if possible. Measure from wall edge to wall edge, getting the total space, ignoring appliances, fixtures and windows for the moment.
Step 2: Measure the Windows and Appliances
If there is a window you will be centering the sink on, measure from the wall edge to the casing of that window and note that on your grid. Then measure the window from casing edge to casing edge, marking that and then take the measurement of the remainder of the wall. Measure and mark any other windows in the kitchen. Any appliances or fixture that will not / cannot be moved, like a gas stove, an existing kitchen island, should be marked on the layout as well.
Step 3: Mark the fixtures.
If you have a sink that is centered on a window, start with that wall. Clearly mark where all electrical, plumbing and vents currently are, they can all be moved to fit your remodeled layout during the construction phase.
Step 4: Measure the kitchen wall height.
Take the tape measure to get the distance from the floor to the ceiling at each corner and the middle of each wall and make note of that on the sheet. Knowing this will allow you to choose the proper height you want your wall cabinets to be, based on the countertop clearance and if the cabinets will have any space below the ceiling or go all the way up. These measurements will also let you know if any major settling of the house may have happened. Make note of any soffits, recessed ceilings or any other feature existing in the room that could impact the height of the wall cabinets.
Kitchen Cabinet basics to help plan out your new kitchen layout:
There are 3 basic types of cabinets;
Base cabinets (the lower ones): Standard Base cabinets are 24” deep (out from the wall) and 34-1/2” in height (so with a 1-1/2” counter top the height is 36”) and have a 3” inset for the toe kick at the bottom. Vanity Base cabinets are 21” deep and either 30-1/2” or 34-1/2” tall; so named because they ware often used as bath vanities. These shallower base cabs are useful if you are tight on space or want to make a kitchen island with a smaller foot print.
Wall cabinets (the upper ones): These are 12” deep and can come in heights of 30”, 36” or 42”. The reason for the variants in cabinet height is that ceiling heights vary and some people like to have the upper cabinets go up to the ceiling, others leave space at the tops of the cabinets, or want to install crown molding. When determining the height of the wall cabinets you will want to make sure there is 18” to 20” of clearance between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets.
Pantry cabinets (the tall ones): Typical pantries come in 84”, 90” or 96” heights and are 24” deep. These units are great for flexible storage because of the volume of goods they can hold and more come with adjustable shelves.
Obviously the widths of cabinets vary greatly from 6” to as wide as 60”, depending of the purpose of the unit. Getting the most accurate measurements allows you to know exactly what combination will perfectly fill the space and efficiently place appliances.
If you need help planning your kitchen we have experts who will layout your plans for FREE!
Make sure to include your plans in your fax/email along with:
Full Name / Company Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone Number and attachment of PDF file format kitchen plans.
FAX YOUR PLANS TO: (702) 263-9705
OR
EMAIL YOUR PLANS TO: California.cabinet@gmail.com
Ready to purchase today? Visit our beautiful showroom for a variety of products to make your project a success!
There are 3 basic types of cabinets;
Base cabinets (the lower ones): Standard Base cabinets are 24” deep (out from the wall) and 34-1/2” in height (so with a 1-1/2” counter top the height is 36”) and have a 3” inset for the toe kick at the bottom. Vanity Base cabinets are 21” deep and either 30-1/2” or 34-1/2” tall; so named because they ware often used as bath vanities. These shallower base cabs are useful if you are tight on space or want to make a kitchen island with a smaller foot print.
Wall cabinets (the upper ones): These are 12” deep and can come in heights of 30”, 36” or 42”. The reason for the variants in cabinet height is that ceiling heights vary and some people like to have the upper cabinets go up to the ceiling, others leave space at the tops of the cabinets, or want to install crown molding. When determining the height of the wall cabinets you will want to make sure there is 18” to 20” of clearance between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets.
Pantry cabinets (the tall ones): Typical pantries come in 84”, 90” or 96” heights and are 24” deep. These units are great for flexible storage because of the volume of goods they can hold and more come with adjustable shelves.
Obviously the widths of cabinets vary greatly from 6” to as wide as 60”, depending of the purpose of the unit. Getting the most accurate measurements allows you to know exactly what combination will perfectly fill the space and efficiently place appliances.
If you need help planning your kitchen we have experts who will layout your plans for FREE!
Make sure to include your plans in your fax/email along with:
Full Name / Company Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone Number and attachment of PDF file format kitchen plans.
FAX YOUR PLANS TO: (702) 263-9705
OR
EMAIL YOUR PLANS TO: California.cabinet@gmail.com
Ready to purchase today? Visit our beautiful showroom for a variety of products to make your project a success!