How to Measure

Measuring for New Frameless Style Kitchen Cabinets

When planning to install new frameless style kitchen cabinets, accurate measurements are essential for ensuring a perfect fit and functionality. Follow this step by step guide to take precise measurements.

Tools Needed

Measuring tape (preferably 25 feet)
Level
Notepad and pen or pencil
Smartphone or camera (for taking pictures)
Encore Cabinets website for reference to available cabinet types and sizes

Step-by-Step Measurement Process

1. Clear the Area

Remove any items from the countertops and cabinets to ensure a clear workspace. This will make measuring easier and more accurate.

2. Measure the Wall Space

Width Measurement

Measure the width of each wall where cabinets will be installed at the top, middle and bottom of the wall. Use the smallest measurement to account for any irregularities.

Sketch a floor plan of your room and record your measurements on your floor plan in inches. For example, if your wall is 4 feet and 6 inches, you would record 54 inches. Use the key to mark openings and obstructions as you go.

Key:

Image legend showing the symbols for windows, gas lines, water lines, obstructions, and outlets.

A floor plan showing a room with one door, and two windows all located on different walls.

Height Measurement

Measure from the floor to the ceiling in multiple spots (at least three) to find the lowest point, especially if the floor is uneven.

Kitchen mock-up showing to take measurements from the ceiling to the floor.

3. Identify Fixed Elements

Measure around doors, windows, outlets, light switches, plumbing, heating and air vents and any other fixed elements that may affect cabinet placement. Any trim or molding should be included in the measurement of any wall openings such as windows and doors. When measuring, measure from the corner of the wall to the outside trim of the window or door.

Record their positions and distances from the corners and edges of the walls.

Kitchen mock-up showing to take measurements from all sides around windows to the ceiling, floor, and walls.

4. Appliances and Utilities

Measure width, height and depth of all appliances and include them on your floor plan. If you have an island or bar, measure the width, length, and height, as well as the measurement from countertop to countertop.

Record your measurements on your floor plan and include the center point of appliances as this is usually where the plumbing or gas line starts.

A floor plan showing a room with one door, and two windows, located on different walls, also showing other structural details like outlets, water and gas lines, and obstructions.

5. Choose a Layout

Now that you know how much space you have to work with you can begin to plan out your kitchen layout.

The 6 most popular kitchen layouts include U-Shaped, G-Shaped, L-Shaped, Galley Layout, One-Wall Layout, or the Island Layout. If your kitchen is larger than 10 feet x 10 feet, you should have enough space to implement any of these layouts. When choosing a layout, consider how you would like to use the space, and which design is best tailored for your needs.

Six kitchen layouts shown - including a one-wall cabinet layout, island layout, gallery-style kitchen cabinet layout, L-shaped cabinet layout, u-shaped cabinet layout, and a g-shaped cabinet layout.

6. Consider Clearance and Spacing

Upper Cabinets: Leave at least 19 inches between the countertop and the bottom of upper cabinets.

Adjacent Cabinets: Ensure there’s enough space for cabinet doors to open fully without obstruction.

Depth: Kitchen cabinets typically have a depth of 24 inches for base cabinets and 12 inches for upper cabinets. These are the standard depths for Encore Cabinets.

7. Create Your Cabinet List

Record the list of cabinet types and Encore Cabinet codes you require to complete your project, along with the custom widths of each cabinet. Remember, Encore Cabinets can be customized to the nearest 1/16”, resulting in maximum use of space and no need for inefficient fillers.

Consider leaving space for fillers where a cabinet side runs into a wall to allow for door to swing open without hitting the wall.

Remember to account for space for 5/8” Plant On End Panels on exposed cabinet sides. Include these panels on your order.

Remember to include enough 8’ lengths of toe kick on your order for your base cabinets.

Double check your measurements by comparing the cabinets to order with the total length of your wall measurement.

8. See Your Quote and Place Your Order

Select the cabinet codes and sizes you need on the Encore Cabinets website to see your cost. Explore our different door styles and colors and submit the order.

Final Checklist

All measurements taken at multiple points where applicable.
Noted any irregularities in walls, ceilings, or floors.
Documented positions of fixed elements.
Created a detailed sketch with measurements.
Sample doors and color swatches are available to give you peace of mind for your project selections.

Taking precise measurements for frameless style kitchen cabinets is crucial to achieving a professional and functional kitchen design. Accurate measurements will prevent misalignment or gaps from occurring in your kitchen. Following these steps will help you prepare for a seamless installation. Alternatively, you may want to consult with a professional designer or contractor who can provide additional insights based on your measurements before ordering. Well planned measurement can lead to a successful kitchen transformation!