You do not need special tools to measure a kitchen. A tape measure, a pencil and a sheet of paper are enough. This guide takes about five minutes and gives you everything we need to draw a first layout with you. For the full walk-through with photos, see how to measure your kitchen.
What you need
- A tape measure (a 25 foot one is best)
- A pencil and paper, or the notes app on your phone
- A phone to take a few photos
Step 1: sketch the room
Draw the kitchen from above as a simple outline. It does not have to be neat. Mark where the doors, windows, sink, stove and refrigerator are. Number the walls 1, 2, 3 and so on, starting at a corner and going around.
Step 2: measure each wall
Measure each wall from corner to corner at counter height and write the length in feet and inches, for example 11 ft 4 in. Do not round. If a wall has a corner that is not square, measure it at both the top and the bottom and note the smaller number.
Step 3: note the things that stop cabinets
Measure the ceiling height. Then measure the position of each window and door from the nearest corner, and the width of each opening. Write down the width and height of the refrigerator and the size of the range, because the cabinets go around them.
Step 4: take photos
Take one photo of each wall straight on, and one from the corner. Photos help us see things a sketch cannot, like a vent or a beam.
Step 5: send it to us
Send the sketch, the measurements and the photos by chat, or start your design and upload them there. We will draw the layout with you, show you door styles and finishes, and send an estimate. Design help is free, and the standard price list is the same for everyone.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Measuring only the middle of the wall. Measure the whole length, and check the corners.
- Forgetting the ceiling height or a soffit.
- Rounding to the nearest foot. A few inches decide whether a cabinet fits.
When you are ready to pick cabinets, browse our kitchen cabinets and door styles. Our shaker kitchen lines use a 1/2 inch cabinet-grade plywood box with a UV-coated interior and solid-wood dovetailed drawer boxes; the frameless line uses a 3/4 inch plywood box and drawer boxes in white melamine. Lead time is about 7 days. Shipping within the US then takes 3 to 7 days, depending on your location.
