How To Estimate Your Kitchen Cabinets Size

How to Estimate Your Kitchen Cabinet Size

Planning a kitchen renovation is a big undertaking. It involves many decisions, one of the most important being the design and size of your cabinets. Properly estimating the size of your cabinets is crucial for a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen space. This article will outline the key steps to accurately estimate your kitchen cabinet size.

1. Measure Your Existing Cabinets

If you are replacing existing cabinets, measuring them is a great starting point. This gives you a baseline for understanding the current layout and the potential for changes. Start by measuring the height, width, and depth of each cabinet. Use a measuring tape and ensure accuracy, taking notes of the measurements in a notebook or spreadsheet for easy reference. It's also helpful to note the placement and configuration of doors and drawers for each cabinet.

Consider taking photographs of your existing kitchen layout. These can provide a visual reference for planning your new cabinets. By studying the existing configuration, you can identify potential for improvement and adjust your cabinet size estimates accordingly.

2. Draft a Floor Plan

Creating a floor plan is essential for visualizing how your cabinets will fit in your kitchen. This can be done using graph paper, specialized software, or online tools. Start by drawing the outline of your kitchen, including walls, windows, doors, and any other fixed elements like appliances. Then, sketch in your desired cabinet layout, ensuring that the placement is functional and efficient.

When drawing your floor plan, consider the following factors:

Work triangle: The ideal distance between the refrigerator, sink, and stovetop should be between 4 and 13 feet for optimal workflow.
Traffic flow: Ensure that the cabinet layout does not obstruct walkways or create bottlenecks.
Storage needs: Allocate sufficient cabinet space for all your kitchen necessities, taking into account your cooking habits, storage preferences, and the size of your family.
Appliance placement: Account for the size and placement of appliances such as the dishwasher, oven, microwave, and refrigerator.

3. Identify Cabinet Types and Sizes

Once you have a floor plan, you can start identifying the different types of cabinets you need. Common cabinet types include:

Base Cabinets: Lower cabinets that support the countertop and provide storage space for cookware, appliances, and other items. Base cabinets often have drawers and doors, and their height typically ranges from 34.5 inches to 36 inches.
Wall Cabinets: Upper cabinets that are mounted on the wall and provide additional storage space for dishes, glasses, and pantry items. Wall cabinets typically have doors and their height can vary depending on your needs and the ceiling height of your kitchen.
Tall Cabinets: Often located on the ends of base cabinet runs, tall cabinets are typically used to store tall items like brooms, mops, or food items. Tall cabinets can be pantry cabinets with shelves, refrigerator cabinets, or even cabinets for appliances.
Corner Cabinets: Cabinets designed to fit into the corners of your kitchen, maximizing space utilization. These cabinets can have doors and drawers, and some models have a lazy susan for easier access to stored items.
Specialty Cabinets: These cabinets are designed for specific needs, such as appliance garages, spice racks, or wine racks. Their size and specifications will depend on your specific requirements.

For each cabinet type, you will need to determine the specific dimensions:

Width: The width of each cabinet, measured from the left edge to the right edge.
Height: The height of each cabinet, measured from the bottom to the top.
Depth: The depth of each cabinet, measured from the front to the back.

4. Consult with a Professional

While you can estimate your kitchen cabinet size on your own, consulting with a professional kitchen designer or cabinet maker can provide valuable expertise and ensure a successful outcome. They can help you with the layout, identify potential issues, and recommend the most suitable cabinet sizes and configurations for your specific needs.

A professional can also assist with other aspects of your kitchen design, such as countertop selection, backsplash design, and lighting fixtures.