When you are planning a DIY kitchen remodel, the difference between a dream space and a frustrating installation comes down to a single inch. At Lanae, we provide the high quality cabinetry and expert design you need to transform your home. However, because we do not offer on site measuring services, the success of your project depends on the accuracy of the measurements you provide.

To ensure your new custom kitchen cabinets fit perfectly, we recommend the Measure Twice and Order Once philosophy. This manual verification is the gold standard of the industry and should be completed before you finalize any purchase.

Why Manual Measurement is the Gold Standard

Even with the rise of modern 3D scanning technology, physical verification remains essential. Walls in older homes are rarely perfectly straight, and floors can often be unleveled. Manual measuring allows you to identify these architectural quirks before your cabinets are manufactured. 

By following a standardized process, you ensure that every base cabinet, wall cabinet, and tall pantry fits into your layout exactly as intended.

Essential Kitchen Cabinet Measurements

To provide our design team with the best information, please record your dimensions using the following steps.

Measure Horizontal Wall Lengths

Start at one corner and move clockwise around the room. Use a tape measure to record the length of every wall in total inches. For example, if a wall is 10 feet long, record it as 120 inches. This prevents conversion errors during the designing process.

Locate Openings and Obstructions

Windows and doors are the most common obstacles in a kitchen layout. Measure from the nearest corner to the outside edge of the window or door trim. It is important to include the casing in your measurement because cabinets cannot overlap your trim. You should also record the height and width of the window itself to ensure upper cabinets have proper clearance.

Account for Standard Cabinet Heights

Vertical measurements determine what type of wall cabinets you can use. Measure from the floor to the ceiling in at least three different locations. Ceilings often sag or slope, so always use the smallest measurement as your baseline.

Base Cabinet Height: Standard base cabinets are 34.5 inches tall.

Countertop Clearance: Most designs allow 18 inches of space between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets. For more information, check out our blog: Distance Between Upper and Lower Kitchen Cabinets.

Wall Cabinet Height: Depending on your ceiling, you may choose from a variety of upper cabinet heights.

Plot Your Utilities and Appliances

Measure from the nearest wall to the center point of your sink drain, gas lines, and electrical outlets. If you are keeping your current appliances, record their width, height, and depth. If you are buying new appliances, keep the manufacturer specifications handy for your Lanae designer.

Pro Tips for a Seamless Installation

To avoid common pitfalls, keep these best practices in mind:

Measure at Three Heights: Measure wall lengths at the floor level, at countertop height, and near the ceiling to check for bowed walls.

Use a Level: Check if your floors are level where the base cabinets will sit. If there is a significant slope, let our design team know.

Don't Forget the Depth: Standard base cabinets are 24 inches deep. Ensure your walkways remain at least 36 inches wide after the cabinets are in place for comfortable traffic flow.

Want to Dive Deeper?

We know that every kitchen has its unique challenges. If you are working with a complex layout or need specific clearance details for specialized storage, we’ve created detailed guides to help you master the math:

The Ultimate Guide to Corner Cabinet Dimensions: Learn how to calculate "pull" distances and ensure your corner cabinets have enough clearance to open without hitting appliance handles or adjacent drawers.

How to Find the Right Pantry Dimensions: This guide covers essential measurements for both floor to ceiling cabinet pantries and full walk in pantries. Learn the ideal shelf depths and aisle widths needed to ensure your walk in space remains functional and organized rather than cramped.

Finalize Your Lanae Design Today

At Lanae, we turn your dimensions into reality with Lanae's free design service. Once you have completed your manual verification and used our measurement checklist, you are ready to move forward with confidence. Accurate measurements are the best way to ensure your kitchen remodel is a total success. To learn more about our free design service, check our step by step guide.