How To Take Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions Before Going to a Surplus Store
How To Take Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions: Key Takeaways
- To take accurate kitchen cabinet dimensions, sketch your kitchen layout, measure walls, note dimensions of fixed items and appliances, mark utility locations, and verify numbers
- Accurate measurements ensure well-aligned cupboards, faster installation, and cost savings
- They also help match limited inventory quickly when you’re buying from surplus stores
- To take cabinet measurements, you’ll need graph paper, tape measure, level, pencil, and a smartphone for photos
- Consider calling experts when you need to take measurements for irregular spaces, full renovations, or if you’re unsure about accuracy
Only in April 2025 in the United States, people spent $195.8 million on kitchen cabinets, according to a report by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.
Picture this: you’ve also purchased and just finished installing new kitchen cabinets and can’t wait to show off. You can almost hear the excitement in your partner’s voice and see the spark of joy in their eyes.
But when your partner opens the fridge, the door slams into the corner cabinet. You realize you’ve overlooked the dimensions by just an inch, meaning you’ll need to redo part of the layout.
Situations like these can be incredibly frustrating.
This guide walks you through the essentials of replacing or installing kitchen cabinets, sharing:
- How to measure kitchen cabinets
- What tools you’ll need
- Why accurate measurements are important
- When to call a pro
How To Measure for Kitchen Cabinets: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to start? Let’s get to work.
Draw a Floor Plan
Grab a sheet of graph paper and make a quick sketch of your kitchen. Don’t aim for perfect results; all you need to do is label the walls as A, B, and C. Why? It’ll be easier to refer to them later when taking measurements.
Measure Each Wall
Measure the walls from corner to corner, checking the dimensions at three points: at floor level, mid-wall, and ceiling height. Jot down the exact results and repeat the process to be sure the numbers are correct.
Measure Fixed Items
Next comes measuring the width, length, and depth of your:
- Windows
- Doors
- Sink
- Vents
- Any other fixture attached to the wall
You might think that’s not important, but you would be wrong! Taking these dimensions ensures cabinets don’t block openings, interfere with airflow, or create awkward gaps.
Measure Existing or Planned Cabinet Spaces
- Take the width, height, and depth of each cabinet or the space where the new cupboards will go.
- Include measurements for corner spaces, fillers, and end panels to avoid gaps.
- If you want to keep some of the existing cabinets, measure their exact size.
- Leave space for cabinet doors and drawers to open without hitting walls or appliances.
Take Appliance Dimensions
Measure the width, depth, and height of your fridge, oven, or dishwasher, leaving space for doors to swing open.
Add Utilities Details
Look for plumbing, gas lines, outlets, and switches. Mark the locations on your sketch so your cabinets don’t end up blocking something important and you have easy access points.
Verify Measurements
Add up your wall measurements to see if they match the total room length. Also cross-measure diagonally to spot corners that aren’t square.
Tools You’ll Need To Measure Cabinets
Before starting, make sure you have:
- Graph paper: To sketch a quick layout.
- Tape measure: To take precise measurements.
- Pencil and eraser: For easy corrections.
- Level: To check for sloping floors or uneven walls.
- Step stool or ladder: For reaching upper corners safely.
- Smartphone or camera: To take photos of each wall for reference.
Why It’s Important To Have Accurate Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions
Taking accurate measurements will:
- Ensure your cabinets align with walls, appliances, and countertops.
- Prevent ugly space gaps, unused space, or overcrowded areas.
- Make installation faster, reducing time and effort.
- Avoid costly modifications later on.
Doing all of this will give you peace of mind when choosing between stock and custom cabinets.
Why Precise Measurements Matter Before a Visit to a Surplus Store
There’s one more reason exact cabinet dimensions are vital. If you are looking to renovate on a budget and opting to shop at a surplus store, knowing your measurements ensures you can take advantage of the best deals as soon as you find cabinets that fit your space.
Having your measurements handy will allow you to:
- Match the available inventory to your kitchen layout.
- Get useful advice from the store staff.
- Reduce selection time.
Read more about the pros and cons of buying surplus materials.
Skip the overpriced cupboards. Visit Builders SurplusUnderstanding Standard Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions
Knowing common kitchen cabinet dimensions is key when making calculations to achieve a clean, balanced fit.
While their sizes may vary by manufacturer, the most common dimensions include:
- Base cabinets: 24 inches deep, 34.5 inches high (36 inches with countertop).
- Wall cabinets: 12 inches deep, heights of 30, 36, or 42 inches.
- Tall pantry cabinets: 24 inches deep, heights of 84, 90, or 96 inches.
How will this help you?
If your ceiling is 96 inches, buying 42-inch wall cabinets and an 18-inch backsplash will fit perfectly with minimal gaps, ensuring a more efficient use of space.
Useful Tips for Measuring Unusual Layouts
- For angled walls, measure each segment and note the angle if possible.
- For L-shaped kitchens, measure each wall separately and ensure corners meet correctly.
- In old homes, measure at the top, middle, and bottom of walls to detect warps.
- If you want to keep some cabinets, measure them, then take the dimensions of the surrounding space to ensure there’s enough space for the new units.
When To Consider Pro Measurement for Kitchen Cabinets
DIY measuring is an easy and cost-effective method for standard kitchen layouts. In some scenarios, however, hiring a pro might seem like a better option.
Think of calling experts if:
- Your space has irregular walls or unusual angles.
- You’re planning a full renovation with plumbing or electrical changes.
- You don’t have experience.
- You want peace of mind knowing the measurements are accurate before buying.
Shop Kitchen Cabinets at Builders Surplus
Focusing on the needs of our buyers, our team at Builders Surplus offers a range of flexible options when buying kitchen cabinets.
In-Stock Unfinished Wood Cabinets
Unlike the particleboard cabinets you can find in bigger box stores, our unfinished wood kitchen cabinets are made of 100% plywood. They feature dovetail drawers and adjustable hinges and can be painted or stained.
You can choose between two different styles:
- Maple Raised Panel
- Maple Shaker
The best part? You can find a rich selection in stock and take them home today!
Prefinished Cabinets
Made of premium plywood and easy to assemble, our top quality prefinished kitchen cabinets have dovetail drawers for more durability and soft close drawer slides.
From contemporary white shaker options to traditional raised panel cabinets, we have plenty of styles to fit your bravest dreams. We also offer free kitchen design consultations and different financing options.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Do you want to bring your vision to life with custom kitchen cabinets? We provide personalized options for any space and style through our authorized dealers and partners like Kitchen Cabinet Distributors, Marsh Furniture, and other reputable manufacturers.
Talk to our team and order custom kitchen cabinets through our Kitchen Design Center.
There’s one more thing that makes Builders Surplus different. Unlike many surplus stores with limited cabinet choices, Builders Surplus keeps a wide range in stock so you can find the perfect fit without the wait.
How To Take Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions: FAQs
Do I need to remove my old cabinets before measuring?
No, you can take measurements without removing the old cabinets. Take their depth and note any features that may affect new cabinet installation.
What if my walls are not even?
While uneven walls present a challenge, there’s a way to solve this issue. Measure multiple points along the wall and record the differences. Show the numbers to our team at Builders Surplus so we can suggest solutions.
Can I use a smartphone app to measure?
Apps can help with quick checks; however, you must always confirm the measurements using a tape.
How precise should I be when measuring for kitchen cabinets?
Aim for accuracy within 1/8 inch to ensure the best fit.
Should I measure appliances?
Yes, existing appliances can affect cabinet placement and clearance requirements; that’s why you should always take their dimensions when planning for new cabinets.
What if my kitchen has sloped ceilings or uneven floors?
If you plan to install cabinets in a kitchen with a sloped ceiling or uneven floor, measure at multiple points and record the differences. Talk to our team at Builders Surplus so they can suggest options that accommodate these variations.
Can I use my home’s blueprints instead of taking measurements?
You can use blueprints as a reference; however, to stay on the safe side, take fresh measurements, as dimensions may differ.
What should I do if I’m unsure about my measurements?
Bring your notes to Builders Surplus. Our team can review them and help confirm if they’re accurate before you buy.
How do I measure around windows and doors in the kitchen?
Measure the full width and height of each opening, including casings, and note the distance to the nearest wall or corner.
How long does it take to take kitchen cabinet measurements?
Taking kitchen cabinet measurements typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the size of your kitchen and the number of features to include.
Ready to buy new kitchen cabinets? Stop by Builders Surplus
