How to Measure Your Kitchen for New Cabinets

Grab a steel tape measure at least 25 feet long, a notepad, and ideally a second person to help hold the tape on longer walls. Measure in inches, to the nearest 1/8 inch if you can, and always double-check any measurement over eight feet since tape measures can sag and introduce error on long spans.

If your project also includes a bathroom vanity, a closet system, or an outdoor kitchen, use the same core steps below, adjusted for the fixtures specific to that room, such as toilet and plumbing locations in a bathroom.

The most common measuring mistakes we see are forgetting to note the swing direction of doors, measuring only one point on a wall that is actually out of square, and overlooking small details like a thermostat or vent that will affect cabinet placement. Take a photo of every wall in addition to your written measurements, since a photo often clarifies details a sketch cannot capture.

• Measure walls at multiple heights, not just one spot
• Note door swing direction and window height from the floor
• Mark outlet, switch and vent locations on your sketch
• Record appliance widths including manufacturer clearance requirements
• Take photos of every wall as a backup to written notes
• Note ceiling height in more than one spot, especially in older homes

While the six steps above cover the core process for any room, a few details change depending on what you are outfitting. For a kitchen, pay close attention to the distance between the sink centerline and adjacent walls, and measure the exact width of your range and refrigerator openings, since appliance clearances vary by brand and model. For a bathroom vanity, the critical measurements are usually the distance from the wall to the toilet flange, the height and position of the drain and supply lines, and the swing of the bathroom door itself, since a vanity that is even an inch too deep can interfere with door clearance in a smaller bath.

For a closet or dressing room system, measure wall-to-wall width at floor level and again near the ceiling, since closets in older homes are often slightly out of square, and note the location of any light fixtures, vents or electrical panels that could interfere with tower placement. For an outdoor kitchen, measure the full footprint available, note any existing gas or water lines, and pay attention to overhead clearance if the space is under a covered patio or pergola.

Special considerations for older Florida homes

Many homes throughout Palm Beach and Broward County were built decades ago and have settled over time, which means floors, walls and ceilings are rarely perfectly level or square. This is normal, and it is one of the biggest reasons our team always performs a final, professional field measurement before any cabinet order is placed. Rough measurements from a homeowner are extremely valuable for planning and budgeting purposes, but they are not a substitute for the precision our installers bring on measuring day, especially in a home with visible settling, older concrete block construction, or a kitchen that has been remodeled more than once.