How to Measure for Cabinets When Keeping Existing Flooring

When replacing cabinets while keeping existing flooring, the measuring process is different than new construction or full renovation. The goal is not to measure the entire room—it is to measure the existing cabinet footprint and major room features so your new cabinets fit correctly.In many kitchens, flooring may extend under some cabinets or islands—but not others. Every kitchen is different, so measuring helps determine what layout changes are possible without replacing flooring.This guide focuses on measuring cabinet locations and understanding existing conditions before removal.

Before You Start

• Remove rugs, mats, and loose items
• Do not remove cabinets before measuring
• Measure cabinet runs from outside face to outside face
• Record dimensions to the nearest 1/16"
• Take photos of every wall before demolition

Good To Know

Flooring may extend under cabinets, under the island, under both, or under neither. Existing floor coverage affects how much flexibility you have when redesigning your kitchen.

If you plan to change the layout, move appliances, add an island, or extend cabinets into new areas, follow our NEW CONSTRUCTION-TOTAL RENOVATION MEASURING
GUIDE instead.

Step-by-Step Measurement Process

In this scenario, we measure the kitchen below for new cabinets. The existing floors will remain. The cabinets must fit the spaces left in the flooring when the cabinets are removed. Plumbing locations are usually less important in this scenario because sink base cabinets often remain in approximately the same location. If plumbing relocation is planned, record those dimensions separately.

Measure the face of the cabinet to the left of the dishwasher

Measure the face of the cabinets from the right of the dishwasher to the right corner

Measure the face of the cabinets from the left corner to the range

Measure the face of the cabinet to the right of the range

Measure the depth of the island

Measure the length of the island

Measure the width of the window

Measure the window offset

Cabinets Removed — Existing Flooring Exposed

Because flooring remained under the island, the layout could be redesigned without installing new floors.

Kitchen cabinet measurements

Kitchen cabinet plan

How These Measurements Became This Design

The original cabinet footprint was measured instead of the full room, allowing the new layout to fit existing flooring while improving storage, workflow, and visual balance.

The island was resized to align with existing floor coverage, while cabinet spacing maintained appliance clearances and efficient movement throughout the kitchen.

Explore Cabinets Used In This Design → WHITE SHAKER CABINETS

Common Existing Flooring Measuring Mistakes

• measuring countertop overhang instead of cabinet face
• removing cabinets before recording measurements
• forgetting toe kick recess dimensions
• assuming island flooring coverage
• not measuring appliance openings separately
• forgetting filler allowance at walls

Need help turning your measurements into a layout?

Contact us to receive a FREE KITCHEN DESIGN

Once your measurements are complete, continue with  CABINET LAYOUT & DESIGN RULES