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DIY Kitchen Planning Guide
How to Measure
How to Measure
Your Kitchen Correctly
Get precise measurements before you shop — the right dimensions ensure your cabinets and countertops fit perfectly, first time.
Who's Behind This Guide
Apex Granite Outlet has been helping California homeowners and contractors get their kitchens right since 2005. We don't just sell cabinets and countertops — we walk you through the process.
Bring your measurements into any of our 8 California showrooms and our specialists will turn your numbers into a complete kitchen plan. See materials in person, compare real options side by side, and move your project forward — on budget and on schedule.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Measuring Your Kitchen
Follow these steps with a tape measure and pencil. Takes about 20 minutes.
1
Sketch your kitchen layout
Draw a rough overhead view of your kitchen on paper. It doesn't need to be to scale — just outline the basic shape of the room and where cabinets currently sit.
Pro tip: Note window, door, and appliance positions too — these directly affect cabinet placement.
2
Draw your cabinet outline
On your sketch, draw in the existing or planned cabinet footprint along each wall. Mark upper (wall) cabinets and lower (base) cabinets separately for clarity.
3
Gather your tools
You'll need a tape measure (at least 25 ft), a pencil, and your kitchen sketch. A helper makes long wall measurements much easier and more accurate.
Pro tip: A laser measure ($30–$60) eliminates the need for a helper and dramatically improves accuracy.
4
Measure cabinet width
Place your tape measure at one end of the cabinet frame and extend it to the opposite end. Record as W = ___ in.
Remember: Measure from frame edge to frame edge — not door to door.
5
Measure cabinet height
Place the tape at the top of the cabinet and extend it straight down to the bottom. Record as H = ___ in.
Standard: Base cabinets floor to countertop underside — typically 34.5 inches.
6
Measure cabinet depth
Open the cabinet door. Place the tape at the inside back wall and extend to the outer frame edge. Record as D = ___ in.
Standard depths: Base cabinets = 24"; Wall cabinets = 12".
7
Label each cabinet on your sketch
Write W, H, and D values next to each cabinet on your sketch. Use a consistent format: W=30" H=34.5" D=24"
8
Measure wall lengths
Measure corner-to-corner along every wall where cabinets will be installed. Note window and doorway widths separately.
Accuracy tip: Measure each wall twice. If numbers differ, always use the smaller measurement.
9
Bring your measurements in
Visit any Apex Granite Outlet location with your completed measurements. Our free design specialists will create a complete cabinet and countertop plan from your dimensions.
Not sure? Call us before your visit — we're happy to guide you through the process.
Expert Advice
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Don't measure just once
Walls are rarely perfectly square. Measure each wall in at least two spots and record the smaller number to ensure cabinets fit without gaps.
Account for windows & doors
Note the exact position and size of every window, door, and opening — they determine where upper cabinets can be safely installed.
Mark outlets & plumbing
Note the location of all electrical outlets, switches, and plumbing rough-ins. These directly affect cabinet and appliance placement.
Measure ceiling height too
Standard ceiling height is 96". If yours differs, it significantly affects your wall cabinet sizing and stacking options.
Bring Your Measurements In
Our free design specialists will turn your dimensions into a complete kitchen plan — no pressure, no commitment required.
Find Us
A Location Near You
Visit any of our California warehouse showrooms to compare cabinet styles, countertop materials, and talk to our team in person before you buy.
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