HOW TO MEASURE YOUR KITCHEN FOR CABINETS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or starting a new build, getting the right measurements is crucial to ensuring your cabinets, flooring, and doors fit perfectly. At Knox Rail Salvage, we know how important it is to start with accurate measurements, which is why we’re here to walk you through the process. Plus, remember that we offer free 3D design services when you send us your measurements!
Follow this simple guide to measure your kitchen accurately—and let us help bring your vision to life with a custom 3D design.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you start measuring, make sure you have the necessary tools on hand:
A tape measure (at least 25 feet long)
A pencil and paper to jot down measurements
A smartphone or camera (optional, to take pictures for reference)
Step 2: Measure the Walls
Start by measuring the length of each wall in your kitchen. Accurate wall measurements will help you determine how much space you have for cabinets and flooring.
Measure from corner to corner of each wall. Take multiple measurements along the length of the wall to ensure it is straight. This will help identify any wall angles or slants.
Record these measurements and label them (e.g., “Wall A”, “Wall B”, etc.) on your paper. If your kitchen has any alcoves or irregular shapes, be sure to note these as well.
Step 3: Measure for Cabinet Placement
Now it’s time to focus on your cabinets. Accurate measurements here are crucial for ensuring everything fits perfectly.
Cabinet Height: Measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling where your cabinets will be installed. Standard upper cabinets are often 30", 36” or 42" high, but if you have tall ceilings, you might want custom sizes.
Cabinet Depth: Standard base cabinets are 24" deep, but measure the depth of your space to make sure this works for your kitchen.
Cabinet Width: Measure the width of the spaces where cabinets will go. Be sure to account for any appliances or obstacles.
Step 4: Measure Door Openings
Now, let’s talk about measuring for doors. Whether you’re replacing interior or exterior doors, getting the right dimensions is key.
Measure the Door Frame: Measure the width and height of each door frame (including the top, middle, and bottom). This is important if you’re replacing the entire door or just the frame.
Clearance Space: Don’t forget to measure the space around the door for clearance. Make sure there’s enough room for the door to swing open or close fully without obstruction.
Step 5: Measure Windows
When it comes to windows, getting the right measurements ensures that your new cabinetry, flooring, and doors work seamlessly with your window placement.
Measure from the Corner to the Window: Start by measuring from the corner of the wall to the edge of the window. This will help you understand the space around the window and how it impacts cabinet placement or trim.
Measure the Total Window Width: Next, measure the full width of the window from one side to the other. It’s especially important to measure the height and width of any windows you plan to work around or cover (e.g., for new cabinets, trim, or flooring). If your window has casing, it is best to include that in the measurement, unless you are planning on changing the casing during the course of the remodel.
Step 6: Double-Check Your Measurements
Accuracy is everything. Once you’ve measured all the walls, doors, windows, and spaces, go over your measurements again to ensure everything is correct. We always say measure twice, order once!
Step 7: Send Us Your Measurements for a Free 3D Design
Once you have all your measurements, you’re ready to take the next step. At Knox Rail Salvage, we offer free 3D design services at our two design center locations (Downtown or Fountain City) to help you visualize how your new kitchen will look with the cabinets, flooring, and doors you’ve chosen.
Simply bring your measurements to our store or send them to us online. Our expert design team will create a custom 3D layout based on your measurements, helping you plan the perfect kitchen. Whether you’re updating your cabinets or doing a full remodel, we’ll make sure everything fits just right!
Why Choose Knox Rail Salvage for Your Kitchen Project?
At Knox Rail Salvage, we don’t just sell cabinets, doors, and flooring—we provide a full design experience to help bring your dream kitchen to life. Here’s why our customers love working with us:
Wide selection of high-quality cabinets, doors, and flooring in various styles and budgets
Expert design services to ensure a functional layout that meets your needs
Free 3D design to help you visualize the space before you commit
Personalized service from a team that’s here to guide you through every step of your project
Need Help Measuring?
If you’re feeling uncertain about how to measure your kitchen or need some extra guidance, don’t worry! Our team is here to help. Whether it’s answering questions about door frames, window measurements, or tricky cabinet spaces, we’ve got you covered. We’re just a phone call or email away.
Contact Us Today:
Knox Rail Salvage
865-524-8000
knoxrailsalvage.com
We can’t wait to help you create the kitchen of your dreams!