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Kitchen Measuring Guide


 

Grab a tape measure, pencil, paper and a straight edge. We are going to measure your Kitchen!

Kitchen measuring guide

When you are ready to start designing your kitchen you will need to measure your space. Having the right dimensions of your space will allow you to estimate costs and shop for appliances and cabinets. Below are some tips for measuring your space.


Measuring Your Kitchen


Kitchen Floorplan

  • When you record the length of each wall, work to your right (clockwise) around the room.


  • Label walls, windows and doors with numbers.




  • First take horizontal measurements of walls at 36” height. Then, take measurements of all vertical dimensions; floor to windowsill, from windowsill to top of window, from top of window to ceiling, and lastly from floor to ceiling.


  • Mark the centerline of all permanent appliances and building details such as wall oven, range, sinks, windows, doors, closets, ducts and outlets.


  • Don’t forget to include the trim of doors and windows. The casing is considered part of the door or window.


 

Kitchen Design tips

Now that you have your kitchen measured you are ready to start designing the new layout. Below are basic kitchen "rules" for a functional kitchen design.


Kitchen appliance graphics

  • Work Isle - For one cook, the width of a work aisle should be at least 42”. For multiple cooks, the width should be at least 48”.


  • Lighting - Task Lighting should be used to illuminate task areas in addition to general lighting


  • Cabinet Height - Base Cabinets are usually 36”H. Upper cabinets are normally 18” from the countertop and 30-42” High


  • Waste Receptacles - plan for at least two waste receptacles. One should be near the sink for waste and one for recycling.


  • Dishwasher - place the dishwasher within 36” of the sink. Ideally, there should be at least 21” of space for standing between the edge of the dishwasher, cabinets, appliances, and/or cabinets at a right angle to the dishwasher.


  • Electrical Outlets - A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) can help prevent electrocution. GFCI protection is required on all outlets serving countertop surfaces in the kitchen. Check your local codes for spacing requirements, but you can usually plan on one outlet for every 2 ft of countertop space.


Landing Areas

  • Refrigerator - Include at least 15” of countertop landing space within 48” of the refrigerator front

  • Cooking Surface - Include a minimum of 12” of landing area on one side of a cooking surface and 15” on the other side.

  • Oven - Include at least a 15” landing area next to or above the oven.

  • Sink - Include at least a 24” wide countertop landing area on one side of the sink, and at least an 18” wide landing area on the other side

Hopefully these tips will help you get started on measuring and planning your space!





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