HOW TO MEASURE NEW CONSTRUCTION OR TOTAL RENOVATIONS FOR CABINETS

Measuring for cabinets is easiest when the room is open and unfinished, but accuracy still matters. This guide walks through common new construction and total renovation layouts, including kitchens, vanities, and laundry rooms. You will see what to measure, how to record the dimensions, how those measurements turn into a cabinet layout, and what the finished space can look like.

In This Guide

Choose the room type below to jump directly to the measuring instructions

• Measuring a U Shaped Kitchen
• Measuring an L Shaped Kitchen with an Island
• Measuring an L Shaped Kitchen with a Peninsula
• Measuring a Galley Kitchen
• Measuring a Traditional Kitchen with an Island
• Measuring a Primary Vanity
• Measuring Secondary Vanities
• Measuring Laundry Rooms

What Every Scenario Includes

Each example below follows the same process:

• Measure the room dimensions
• Measure windows and doors
  
• Measure plumbing and appliance locations
• Create a wall measurement sketch
• Convert measurements into a cabinet layout
• See a completed cabinet design example

The finished examples are included to show how measurements affect cabinet placement, appliance spacing, fillers, and overall layout decisions.

Before You Start Measuring

Draw the room shape on paper first, then measure each wall from corner to corner. Mark windows, doors, plumbing, vent locations, appliance locations, and ceiling height. For sinks, vanities, ranges, and laundry rooms, note the centerline of plumbing or vents whenever possible. Small details like trim, wall offsets, and appliance clearances can affect the final cabinet layout.

After measuring your room, use our CABINET LAYOUT & DESIGN RULES guide to learn how to position cabinets correctly.

Measuring a U Shaped Kitchen

Follow the example below to measure a U shaped kitchen. Start by measuring each wall from corner to corner, then measure windows, doors, and any openings that affect cabinet placement. Record all dimensions on a simple sketch and include ceiling height. These measurements can be used to create your own cabinet layout or submitted for a Free Kitchen Design. FREE KITCHEN DESIGN

Measure each wall independently instead of assuming opposite walls are identical. Record dimensions to the nearest 1/16" where possible and note any windows, doors, vents, plumbing, or obstructions that could affect cabinet placement. Include ceiling height if you plan to install stacked cabinets, crown molding, or tall pantry cabinets

Why These Measurements Matter

U shaped kitchens depend heavily on balance and spacing. Window location affects sink placement, while wall lengths determine appliance spacing and cabinet sizes. Accurate measurements also help maintain proper walkway clearance between cabinet runs.

Measuring an L Shaped Kitchen with an Island

Follow the example below to measure an L shaped kitchen with an island. In addition to wall dimensions, this layout requires recording the center of the hood vent and the exact location of island plumbing. Draw your room layout on paper, include ceiling height, and note all dimensions carefully. These measurements can be used to plan your own layout or submitted for a FREE KITCHEN DESIGN

Measurement Tips

Measure all walls independently and do not assume plumbing or vent locations are centered. Record appliance locations, island plumbing centerlines, and hood vent centerlines whenever possible. Include ceiling height if your design includes tall cabinets, stacked cabinets, decorative hoods, or crown molding.

WHY THESE MEASUREMENTS MATTER

L shaped kitchens with islands require more than wall measurements alone. Island plumbing and vent placement directly affect sink location, appliance spacing, and walkway clearance. Accurate measurements help maintain comfortable movement around the island while maximizing storage and countertop space.

Watch: How to Measure an L-Shaped Kitchen With an Island

This video walks through the same L-shaped kitchen with island scenario shown below. It shows where each wall, opening, appliance space, plumbing location, island wall, and ceiling height measurement should be taken before cabinet design begins.

HOW THESE MEASUREMENTS BECAME THIS DESIGN

The measurements above allowed the island to align with the working areas of the kitchen while maintaining comfortable circulation space around all sides. The hood vent centerline determined range and hood placement along the main cooking wall, and the island plumbing established sink positioning without sacrificing storage or seating. Planning from accurate measurements reduces fillers, improves appliance fit, and minimizes layout changes during installation.

Shop The Cabinets Used In This Layout → UNFINISHED SHAKER CABINETS

Cabinet sizes shown are examples only and may vary based on your room dimensions and appliance selections.

COMMON L SHAPED ISLAND MEASURING MISTAKES

• forgetting to measure hood vent centerline
• measuring island plumbing from finished cabinets instead of walls
• leaving insufficient walkway space around the island
• not accounting for appliance door swing
• forgetting countertop overhang requirements

Accurate measurements make cabinet design faster, reduce revisions, and improve installation results.

Measuring an L Shaped Kitchen with a Peninsula

Follow the example below to measure an L shaped kitchen with a peninsula. Record each wall independently and include openings, windows, appliances, and any plumbing or electrical locations that affect cabinet placement. Measure peninsula dimensions carefully because walkway spacing and appliance clearances directly impact the final design.

MEASUREMENT TIPS

Measure wall lengths, peninsula projection, and all openings separately. Do not assume corners are perfectly square. Record appliance locations and maintain accurate walkway dimensions between cabinet runs to ensure comfortable use after installation.

Measure window to door

Measure width of window

Measure window offset

Measure hood vent center

Measure left wall

L Shaped Kitchen with Peninsula Wall Measurements

L Shaped Kitchen with Peninsula Cabinet Design

WHY THESE MEASUREMENTS MATTER

Peninsula kitchens rely heavily on maintaining comfortable walkway spacing while maximizing cabinet storage and countertop area. Appliance placement, corner transitions, and peninsula sizing all affect usability. Accurate measurements help create efficient layouts while avoiding tight clearances.

HOW THESE MEASUREMENTS BECAME THIS DESIGN

The measurements above allowed the peninsula to create additional workspace and seating while maintaining comfortable circulation throughout the kitchen. Cabinet sizes and appliance placement were adjusted to preserve workflow and keep clearances functional before installation began.

Shop The Cabinets Used In This Layout → LIGHT GRAY SHAKER CABINETS

Cabinet sizes shown are examples only and may vary based on your room dimensions and appliance selections.

COMMON L SHAPED PENINSULA MEASURING MISTAKES

• measuring countertop overhang instead of cabinet depth
• forgetting appliance door swing
• not measuring walkway width
• assuming corners are square
• forgetting outlet and plumbing locations

Ready for a layout?

Submit your measurements and our team can turn them into a cabinet design before ordering.

→ START YOUR FREE DESIGN

Measuring a Galley Kitchen

Follow the example below to measure a galley kitchen. Measure each wall independently and record all windows, doors, appliances, and openings. Because galley kitchens rely on balanced cabinet runs and comfortable walkway spacing, accurate measurements are especially important before planning your cabinet layout.

MEASUREMENT TIPS

Measure both cabinet walls separately and do not assume they are equal. Record window and door positions, appliance openings, and walkway width between opposing cabinet runs. Include ceiling height if your design includes stacked cabinets, tall cabinets, or crown molding.

Measure right wall

Measure back wall

Measure window offset

Measure window width

Measure left of window

Galley Kitchen Wall Measurements

Galley Kitchen Cabinet Design

WHY THESE MEASUREMENTS MATTER

Galley kitchens depend on maintaining efficient movement between opposing cabinet runs while maximizing storage and countertop space. Window and appliance placement influence cabinet sizing, and walkway dimensions affect overall comfort and usability. Accurate measurements help prevent clearance issues during installation.

HOW THESE MEASUREMENTS SHAPED THE LAYOUT

These measurements allowed the cabinet layout to maintain balanced work zones while preserving comfortable movement through the kitchen. Appliance placement and cabinet widths were adjusted to maximize storage without narrowing the walkway. Measuring first also reduces fillers and layout changes during installation.

SHOP THE CABINETS USED IN THIS LAYOUT→ WHITE SHAKER CABINETS

Cabinet sizes shown are examples only and may vary based on room dimensions and appliance selections.

COMMON GALLEY KITCHEN MEASURING MISTAKES

• assuming both walls are equal length
• forgetting walkway dimensions
• measuring to trim instead of finished walls
• not accounting for appliance clearance
• forgetting ceiling height

Ready for a layout?

Submit your measurements and our team can turn them into a cabinet design before ordering.

→ START YOUR FREE KITCHEN DESIGN

Measuring a Traditional Kitchen with an Island

Follow the example below to measure a traditional kitchen with an island. In this scenario, the island plumbing comes up through the floor into the island sink cabinet rather than through an island wall. Record each wall independently and measure island plumbing locations carefully since they directly affect sink placement and final cabinet layout.Draw your room layout on paper and include wall dimensions, openings, appliance locations, plumbing positions, and ceiling height. These measurements can be used to plan your own layout or submitted for a Free Kitchen Design.

MEASUREMENT TIPS

Measure all walls independently and do not assume the room is perfectly square. Record appliance locations, island plumbing centerlines, door openings, and any offsets that affect cabinet placement. Include ceiling height if your design includes stacked cabinets, decorative hoods, tall cabinets, or crown molding.

Measure the left wall

Measure the back wall

Measure the door offset

Measure wall inset

Measure Refridgerator wall

Measure pipes from left wall

Measure pipes from back wall

Measure ceiling height

Traditional Kitchen Wall Measurements

Traditional Kitchen Cabinet Design

WHY THESE MEASUREMENTS MATTER

Traditional kitchens with islands require more than measuring wall lengths alone. Island plumbing location, appliance spacing, and surrounding walkways directly influence cabinet sizing and island placement. Accurate measurements help maintain symmetry, improve workflow, and maximize usable countertop and storage space.

Completed Traditional Kitchen with an Island using White Shaker Cabinets

These measurements allowed the island sink to align with the surrounding work zones while maintaining comfortable circulation on all sides. Appliance placement and cabinet sizing were adjusted to preserve symmetry and provide efficient prep and cleanup areas. Measuring first also reduces fillers, minimizes layout changes, and improves installation planning.

SHOP THE CABINETS USED IN THIS LAYOUT→ WHITE SHAKER CABINETS

Cabinet sizes shown are examples only and may vary based on room dimensions, appliance selections, and required clearances.

COMMON TRADITIONAL KITCHEN WITH ISLAND MEASURING MISTAKES

• forgetting to measure island plumbing location
• assuming walls are perfectly square
• not accounting for appliance clearance zones
• forgetting ceiling height for stacked cabinets or crown
• measuring countertop size instead of cabinet footprint

Accurate measurements make kitchen design faster, reduce revisions, and create a smoother installation experience.

Measuring a Primary Vanity

Follow the example below to measure a primary vanity for a new construction or total renovation project. In bathrooms, plumbing locations are critical because they determine sink placement and cabinet sizing. Measure each wall, record plumbing locations and spacing, and include ceiling height on your sketch. You can use your measurements to design your layout or send them to us for a Free Kitchen Design

Measure the left wall

Measure the back wall

Measure the right wall

Measure left plumbing offset

Measure left plumbing span

Measure right plumbing offset

Measure right plumbing span

Measure ceiling height

Primary Vanity Wall Measurements

Primary Vanity Cabinet Design

Watch This Measurement Process

See exactly how to measure a primary vanity wall step by step. Follow along as each measurement is taken and learn which dimensions matter for cabinet layout and sink placement.

Completed Primary Vanity using UNFINISHED VANITY CABINETS

Measuring a Secondary Vanity

Follow the example below to measure a Secondary Vanity. With these bathrooms, you always need to measure the plumbing and often there will be toilet flange that you should measure to ensure you leave enough space for the toilet. As a rule, we leave 18" from the center of the toilet before the cabinets start. Check your local building codes.  Draw your layout on paper, include the ceiling heights. You can use this sketch to plan your own design, or you can send it to us for a FREE KITCHEN DESIGN

Measure the left wall

Measure the back wall

Measure to flange center

Measure plumbing offset

Measure plumbing span

Secondary Vanity Wall Measurements

Secondary Vanity Cabinet Design

Completed Secondary Vanity using UNFINISHED VANITY CABINETS

Measuring a Laundry Room

Follow the example below to measure a Laundry. Ensure you note the position of the washer and dryer as well as the plumbing. Draw your layout on paper, include the ceiling heights. You can use this sketch to plan your own design, or you can send it to us for a FREE KITCHEN DESIGN

Measure the left wall

Measure the back wall

Measure right wall

Measure plumbing offset

Measure plumbing span

Laundry Room Wall Measurements

Laundry Room Cabinet Design

Completed Laundry Room using WHITE SHAKER CABINETS

Continue to:

•  CABINET LAYOUT & DESIGN RULES

•  MEASURING WITH EXISTING FLOORING (if you're remodeling instead of building new)