Accurate measurements are the foundation of a great kitchen design. The good news: you don't need to be a pro. Set aside 20–30 minutes, grab a helper if you can, and follow these steps.
What you'll need
- A 25-foot tape measure
- Graph paper or plain paper and a pencil
- Your phone for photos
1. Sketch the room
Draw a bird's-eye outline of the kitchen. It doesn't need to be to scale. Number each wall clockwise (Wall 1, Wall 2…) so we can match your photos to your sketch.
2. Measure each wall at counter height
Measure wall-to-wall in inches at about 36" off the floor, then again near the ceiling. Walls are rarely perfectly straight — if the two numbers differ, write both down. Measure to the drywall, not to existing cabinets or trim.
3. Locate windows and doors
For every window and door, record: distance from the nearest corner to the edge of the trim, the width including trim, the height from floor to the bottom of the window (sill) and to the top of the trim.
4. Ceiling height, soffits and bulkheads
Measure floor to ceiling in a few spots. If you have a soffit or bulkhead, note its height and depth — it affects whether we use 30", 36" or 42" wall cabinets and crown molding.
5. Mark plumbing, gas, electrical and vents
Note the center of the sink drain and water lines, the gas line or 240V range outlet, and any HVAC vents or radiators. Moving these is possible, but it changes your budget — we'll design around them unless you tell us otherwise.
6. Appliances
List each appliance you're keeping with its width, height and depth (or the model number — even better). Tell us what you're replacing and with what.
7. Take photos
Stand in each corner and photograph the opposite wall. Add close-ups of anything tricky: angled walls, pipes, outlets, beams.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Measuring to old cabinets instead of the wall
- Forgetting window and door trim width
- Assuming walls are square or ceilings are level
- Not noting which way doors swing into the kitchen