Design Help

This page will guide you through the design and planning process of your kitchen. Here, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to measure your kitchen or bathroom, and how to create the floor plan you will use to create your new room. We recommend that you download our kitchen design grid paper to sketch your kitchen layout.

Measuring 101

Follow these steps in sequence around your room until you return to the starting point.

Important Tips

Measure in inches only.
Do not measure your cabinets. Measure your walls as if the room were empty.
Measure any appliances that you are keeping and note their locations. This will ensure that your new kitchen is compatible with the appliances you intend to use.
Keep in mind the measurements of any new appliances 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 your new appliances before you begin.

Ceiling Height

Note ceiling height and soffit height (if applicable). A soffit is the lower surface of a part of a ceiling that has been built lower, such as to contain an air duct or light fixture. Soffits are more common in older homes.

Wall Length

When measuring a wall, you must also keep in mind the exact size of any wall space that is lost to features such as windows. To ensure accurate measurements, follow these steps.

A. Measure the size of the wall.

B. If there are any windows, measure from the left corner to the window molding.

C. Measure the window itself.

D. Measure from the window molding to the right corner.

NOTE: Measurements "B" "C" and "D" should equal "A"

For detailed assembly information, please refer to our 2021 Cabinet Assembly Guide.

Measuring the Room

Perform the following steps in sequence around your room until you return to the starting point.

1 First, draw a rough sketch of your room

2 Now measure every wall (as described above), beginning at the left corner to the far-right corner. Write the total measurements in inches.

3 Measure from the left corner to the edge of the opening, window or door etc.

4 Now measure across the opening, from trim edge to trim edge.

5 Next, measure from trim edge to far wall. Compare this measurement to the total of the previous three. They should be equal. Make sure to mark exact locations of sinks, water lines, electrical outlets, and switches on the drawing. Measure to the center of these, not the edge.

6 Now we'll measure all the openings in the room. For the windows, measure from the floor to the windowsill, then measure from the windowsill to the top of the window. Now measure from the top of the window to the ceiling. Now measure from the floor to the ceiling. Compare this measurement to the total of the previous three. They should be equal.

7 To measure door openings, measure the width of the door from trim edge to trim edge. Indicate the position of the door swing on your drawing.

8 Now get height, width, and depth measurements for all the appliances in the room, (stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, etc.), and mark their locations on your drawing. Keep clearance in mind as described above. Then go back and double check your measurements.

Designing Your Kitchen

Online Cabinet Direct will design your kitchen for you utilizing our advanced kitchen design software. However, you will be responsible for the accuracy of the measurements and online ordering.

Ensure your measurements are correct. Online Cabinets Direct will accept no responsibility for any inaccurate measurements or designs due to measurements sent to Online Cabinets Direct. Online Cabinets Direct recommends you to have your kitchen designed by a professional that is able to be onsite and measure your kitchen/bath/entertainment center for you. If you are unsure of the kitchen measurements, please have a professional assist you.

Once the measurements are taken, email the measurements to [email protected] and we will design your kitchen for you. When the design is complete, we will email the design to you with a price quotation. Additionally, we will also tell you how much filler, molding and toe kick to purchase. When you have received this information, you will be able to complete the process of ordering your beautiful kitchen online. You are responsible for checking the measurements and design to ensure the proper fit of the cabinets for your kitchen.

Please call 615-985-6992 or email us at [email protected] with any questions.

FREE Kitchen Design Guide

Please use our Kitchen Design Guide to help you through the design and planning process of your kitchen. Our guide includes step by step instructions on how to measure your kitchen or bathroom, and how to create the floor plan you will use to create your new room.

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