step 2 how to measure
Cabinet Measuring Guide
Measuring for your new cabinet doors is rather easy. All you need is a tape measure and some careful measurement and you'll be ready to place your order. You will need to be able to read the tape measure to the closest 1/16 of an inch. Have a note pad and pencil ready to write it all down and it’s best to measure at least twice to prevent mistakes.
Measure all door openings to the nearest 1/16" and record your measurements carefully on your note pad. Be sure to record your measurements as width x height. For example, you may write down something such as ’ 14" W x 30" H ’ . When measuring, make sure that there is at least 1/8" clearance around all openings. If you are replacing doors, it is easier to measure the current door for the exact size of your replacement door.
Accurate measurements are key, as your cabinet doors will be custom made to your specifications and incorrect measurements lead to poor-fitting, non-returnable cabinet doors. Double-check your work until you are confident that you are ordering the perfect size cabinet doors for your project.
Note: These instructions are helpful if you are installing popular concealed hinge cabinet doors. If you choose a different type of hinge, your measuring instructions may differ according to the hinge specifications.
Measuring For Partial Overlay Doors
Add 1 inch to both the width and the height of each opening size measurement. For example, a 15" x 32" cabinet opening should now read 16" x 33". This technique allows for a 1/2" overlay of cabinet door openings all the way around the door. If you order by cabinet opening size alone, your doors will be too small.
If you are dealing with split door openings, meaning 2 doors in one opening, add 1" to the height. Then add 1" to the width, divide by 2, and subtract 1/16". This will provide an ⅛” gap between the doors so they open without touching each other. Take a look at this example:
33" + 1" = 34" wide
34/2 = 17” wide
17” - 1/16" = 16 15/16" wide for each door
If you are unsure whether you should order split doors, typically any opening greater than 22" wide, order two doors.
If your cabinet doors have overlays greater than or less than 1 inch (3/4,", 2", etc), substitute that number into any of the above equations.
This is where it is best to write everything down and show how you got to your final numbers. Keep careful record of your calculations on your notepad and be sure to double check—or triple check—your work. Make your final sizes distinct by underlining them or drawing a circle around them. Carefully transfer your final custom cabinet door sizes as well as how many of each type you want to the order form.
Proofread it to make sure you entered every detail to what you want. When you feel confident that all the details are noted, you are now ready to submit your order for a quote.
Measuring For Inset Doors
To properly measure for an inset cabinet door, measure the opening as instructed above and then subtract 1/8" all the way around the opening of the frame.
Unlike the overlay cabinet door sitting on top of the face frame, inset cabinets are completely flush with the cabinet box. This look is typically associated with more traditional styles, but, the measuring must be precise to ensure an even gap around the doors to the frame.
- If you have any questions or need any assistance with the calculations, our trained customer service personnel can help you with your order from start to finish.
- Split Doors with Overlay: (Opening + (2 x overlay)) / 2 - (Reveal / 2)
- Inset Split Doors: (Opening - (2 x reveal)) / 2 - (Reveal / 2)
- Drawer Box: Opening - manufacturer specification for hardware