How to Properly Measure Your Kitchen

Kitchen Remodeling Tips for homeowners Oct 19

Getting the right measurements is critical when planning any remodel project. Some people find measuring their kitchens to be a daunting task because of all the elements that need consideration. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, identifying everything you need to measure to ensure that you have accurate dimensions when contacting a professional for help. Do this correctly will help you rest easy knowing your kitchen will fit in the space you have.

Preparations Before You Measure

Gather the necessary supplies, including graph paper, pencils, erasers, a calculator, a straight edge, a tape measure, a ladder or footstool, and a camera-capable device. Remember not to include any cabinets or furniture you will be replacing, including kitchen tables. Be sure to write all your measurements in inches (e.g., 10 feet as 120 inches) and be meticulous while you work, as this will simplify later planning steps. Panoramic pictures taken with your phone offer a visual for comparison with your drawings. Stand in the middle of the room, turning according to your phone’s required speed as you make a full circle.

Step 1

Sketch an outline of your kitchen, making special note of entry points and windows. For actual doors, make sure you draw which way the door swings. Mark out the location of sinks, appliances, water connections, wall outlets, light switches, light fixtures, ducts, closets, or islands, making special note of the center line for each object. Be sure to highlight any major architectural features and anything that projects into the open space.

Step 2

Start at the top left corner of your paper and measure to the right until you reach an obstacle or feature – window, wall, or doorway. Continue drawing in a clockwise fashion, measuring each wall or feature. Be sure to include the trim as a part of the door or window, measuring from the outside edge on one side to the same edge on the other.

Step 3

Next, measure the ceiling height, writing the measurement in the middle of your drawing. It’s a good idea to do this in different parts of the room, especially in older homes. Make notes of any variations. Include measurements from floor to a window trim’s bottom edge, the window including trim, and from the top edge to the ceiling. Repeat for all windows.

Step 4

Label your windows on your drawing in a clockwise fashion, beginning at the top left. Repeat this step for any doorways. Finally, write the name of an adjoining room along the side of your drawing that correlates to that room (e.g., living room along the right side, dining room, along the left side). If a wall serves as an exterior wall or is a load-bearing wall, make note of that as well.

Step 5

If any obstructions exist that cannot move or that you do not want to move, such as radiators or pipes, make note of each on your drawing. Measure the height, width, and depth of these obstructions and mark them clearly. Mark out the distances from the obstruction to the two nearest walls and the distance to the ceiling or floor.

Step 6

Go over your measurements for accuracy. Add up the measurements of parallel walls in a rectangular room to make sure they are identical. Double-check any obstacle measurements to ensure that they are correctly labeled and placed in your drawing.

Being meticulous in your measurements will save you a lot of time and money later. Attention to detail is crucial in a successful project. If you’re feeling uncertain or just want a professional’s assistance, Kurtis Kitchen & Bath can help you create a smart plan that fits your budget and lifestyle. Call today!