Measuring for Cabinets
DIY Guide from Gulf View Cabinets
Don’t worry if you’re not 100% confident in your measurements; our team will verify everything with professional field measurements after your free design consultation.
Think of your DIY measurements as giving us a head start. The more information you bring to our Clearwater showroom, the faster we can hand-draw custom designs that fit your space perfectly.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen?
Call 727-725-2028 to schedule your free, no-obligation estimate at our Clearwater showroom.
Prepare to Measure Your Cabinets
Tools You'll Need for Measuring Kitchen Cabinets
Before you start, gather these simple tools:
- 25-foot tape measure - Long enough to measure full wall lengths
- Paper and pencil - For sketching your kitchen layout
- Helper - Makes measuring faster and more accurate
- Camera or smartphone - Take photos from multiple angles
- Step ladder - To measure ceiling height and soffits
- Notepad - Document anything unusual about your space
Cabinets
Your Guide for Measuring Cabinets Properly
How to Measure Kitchen Cabinets - Step by Step
01
Measure Wall Lengths
Measure the length of each wall where cabinets will be installed at counter height (about 36 inches from the floor). Record each wall separately. For L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens, measure each section individually.
02
Measure Height Dimensions
Floor to ceiling in several spots (older homes have variations)
Floor to soffit if present
Current base cabinet height (standard is 34.5 inches)
Distance between countertop and upper cabinets (standard is 18 inches)
03
Measure Cabinet Depth
Base cabinets: standard is 24 inches deep
Upper cabinets: standard is 12 inches deep
Countertop overhang: typically 1.5 inches from the cabinet's face
04
Document Window and Door Locations
Measure from the corner to:
Left and right edges of each window
Bottom of the window sill and top of the window trim
Door frames, and note which way the doors swing
05
Mark Appliance Locations
Record dimensions for:
Refrigerator (include space for door swing)
Stove/range (standard is 30 inches wide)
Dishwasher (standard is 24 inches)
Microwave location (30 inches standard)
06
Note Plumbing and Electrical
Sink drain location from the corner
All outlet positions along walls
Light switch locations
Gas lines, if applicable
07
Check for Square Walls
Measure diagonally from opposite corners. If measurements match, your room is square. If not, note the difference - Joe will account for this during design.
Countertop Measuring
How to Measure for Countertops
- Countertop Length - Measure each countertop section separately. For L-shaped kitchens, measure each leg individually.
- Countertop Depth - Standard is 25.5 inches (1.5-inch overhang). Measure your current depth if you want to match it.
- Overhang Allowances - Countertops typically overhang 1.5 inches on the front and sides. Islands with seating need 10-12 inches of overhang.
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Sink Cutout Location - Measure from the wall to the center of the sink. Then note the width. The location of the sink is determined by how the plumbing is configured.
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Cooktop Dimensions - Measure cutout size for drop-in cooktops. Bring manufacturer specs for new appliances. Remember to bring appliance specs or model number, if available.
- Backsplash Height - Standard is 4 inches. Full-height backsplashes go to upper cabinets (typically 18 inches).
- Material Patterns - Consider if the materials you choose have patterns that need to match up with existing walls.
Common Mistakes
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
After helping over 2,000 homeowners with kitchen remodels in Pinellas County, we’ve seen these mistakes repeatedly:
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Not accounting for appliance clearances -We leave a 1” space on top, and a total of ½” clearance between the left and right side of the fridge (¼” on each side).
- Forgetting door swing clearances - Make sure cabinet and appliance doors can open fully.
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Missing soffit measurements - That boxed area above cabinets affects upper cabinet height.
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Not measuring diagonally - Walls aren't always square, especially in older homes.
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Forgetting outlet locations - Document all electrical outlets and switches.
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Not noting existing plumbing - Measure sink drain location precisely.
- Measuring at different heights - Always measure at counter level for consistency.
Cabinets Consultation
What to Bring to Your Gulf View Cabinets Consultation
- Your Measurement Sketches - Hand-drawn kitchen layout with all measurements labeled.
- Photos of Your Current Kitchen - Multiple angles showing walls, appliances, windows, doors, and any problem areas.
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Inspiration Photos - Pictures of cabinet styles, colors, or layouts you love.
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Appliance Dimensions - Specification sheets for new appliances or measurements of existing ones.
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Your Questions - Write down concerns about layout, storage, or design.
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Your Budget Range - Honesty about budget helps Joe design solutions that work financially.
- Decision Makers - Bring your spouse or partner if deciding together for same-day estimates.
Professionals Love gulf View Cabinets
Why Professional Field Measurements Matter
Your DIY measurements are a great starting point, but here’s why we visit your home for precise field measurements after your free consultation.
- Older Homes Have Settling - Walls aren't always square in Pinellas County homes built 20+ years ago. Foundation settling and humidity affect alignment.
- Floor-to-Ceiling Heights Vary - Your ceiling might differ by an inch across the room. We measure multiple points to ensure a perfect upper cabinet fit.
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Hidden Obstacles - Pipes, electrical boxes, or structural elements hidden behind existing cabinets need to be discovered before fabrication.
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Precision Prevents Problems - Cabinet fabrication is exact. A half-inch error causes installation issues. Professional measurements eliminate costly mistakes.
- You Can Relax - Don't stress about perfection. Your measurements get us 80% there. There is a fee associated with field measurements; however, our owner, Joe, will discuss this with you when you make your appointment.
Free Consultation
What Happens at Your In-Office Consultation
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Meet with Joe - Sit down with Joe Flannagan, our owner, with 40+ years of cabinetry experience. This is a real consultation, not a sales pitch.
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Review Your Measurements - Joe goes through your measurements, asks questions, and identifies opportunities you might have missed.
- Hand-Drawn Custom Designs - Joe hand-draws your kitchen design during your visit. You'll see exactly how cabinets will be configured and where storage goes.
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See Cabinet Samples - Choose from over 100 door styles and colors, including white kitchen cabinets, shaker cabinets, modern kitchen styles, black kitchen cabinets, and green kitchen cabinets.
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Discuss Countertops - If adding countertops, we'll show quartz and granite samples that complement your cabinet choices.
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Same-Day Estimate - You get detailed, accurate pricing before you leave. No waiting weeks for quotes.
- No Pressure - We treat people like family. Take the estimate home, compare options, and call when you're ready.
in Pinellas County
Common Questions About Measuring for Cabinets
Do I need to be exact with my measurements?
What if my walls aren't square?
Most walls aren’t perfectly square, especially in older homes. Note it if you can tell.
Joe has 40+ years working with imperfect walls and quirky layouts. Field measurements catch variations.
Should I measure in inches or feet?
Measure in inches for accuracy. It’s easier to work with 144 inches than to convert feet. Write exact numbers from your tape measure.
Can I just send photos instead of measurements?
Photos are helpful, but we need measurements to design cabinets and provide pricing. Bring both to your consultation for the best results.
What if I measure wrong?
Your measurements start the conversation, but professional field measurements verify everything before cabinets are built. We’ve never had a project fail from customer measurement mistakes.
Do you charge for the consultation if I bring measurements?
Your consultation is always free. Joe provides hand-drawn layouts and same-day estimates at no charge.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
You’ve learned how to measure for cabinets and what to expect at Gulf View Cabinets. Now schedule your free consultation and turn measurements into your dream kitchen.
Bring your measurements, photos, and questions. Joe will hand-draw custom designs, show cabinet samples, and provide a same-day estimate.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Tampa Bay, updating bathroom cabinets, or exploring affordable kitchen cabinets with semi-custom quality, Gulf View Cabinets brings expertise to every project.
We specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, not full-scale home renovations. This focused approach means faster timelines and expertise that general contractors can’t match. We’ve completed over 2,000 kitchens across Pinellas County.
0% financing available makes your kitchen renovation accessible today.
3-year service warranty backs every installation.
Gulf View Cabinets – Where your DIY measurements become professionally designed, beautifully installed kitchen cabinets that transform your home.