Kitchen Measurement and Layout Guide
Great tips to help you design your perfect space
Here are some helpful tips that will ensure you measure accurately and account for everything that will affect your kitchen’s layout. Keep them in mind as you measure your space and create your plan.
Tools and Materials Needed to Begin
Gather the following tools and materials together before you get started:
- Canada Cabinets Online’s Kitchen Measuring Guide
- Pencil with an eraser
- Measuring tape (inches)
- Notebook and graph paper (or
You can also print out our guide and record your measurements and floor plan in the provided spaces.
Measuring Tips and Techniques
Tip #1: Make and record every measurement in inches only.
Tip #2: Use a pencil when recording your measurements and drawing your floor plan so you can make any correction that may be needed.
Tip #3: Do not measure your existing cabinets, if any. Measure your walls as if the room were empty.
Tip #4: Record locations and measurements of all windows, doors, and any other gaps in the walls.
Tip #5: Measure all doors and windows from the outside edges of the trim.
Tip #6: Record the direction each door swings and which rooms are adjacent.
Tip #7: Record locations and measurements of all the following:
- fixtures
- utilities
- plumbing
- lighting and switches
- electrical oulets
- all other features
Tip #8: Record the locations and measurements of any appliances that you are keeping. This will ensure that your new kitchen is compatible with the appliances you intend to use.
Tip #9: Keep in mind the measurements of any new applicances you plan to add to your kitchen.
For example, a refrigerator needs at least 1.2″ to 1″ of clearance on both sides.
If you are not sure, obtain the exact measurements and clearance specifications of yoru new appliances before you begin.
Tip #10: When measuring ceiling height, record the locations and measurements of all soffits, transistions, vents, or other features.
For a complete list of measurement instructions and design tips, download our FREE guide now.
Kitchen Design Tips
Here are some kitchen design tips that will help you plan out a kitchen layout that works best for you.
Tip #1: Think about what you like about your current kitchen and what you dislike and want to change.
Tip #2: Consider your preferences for a kitchen. do you like using a central island or do you prefer everything to be along a wall? Do you want to include both?
Tip #3: Consider the layout of your work area and picture yourself walking through your kitchen as you perform different tasks. this will help you decide on the layout of yoru applicances, if your plans include moving their locations.
Tip #4: Think about how many people are going to be using the kitchen at once and how they’ll move through it as they work.
Tip #5: Note if anyone who is going to be using the kitchen has accessibility requirements that could affect your layout such as the need for wider spaces to accommodate a wheelchair.
For more great tips like these and further design assistance, download our complete guide.