Measure Wall to Wall
- Measure each wall from corner to corner.
- Write the total length on your floor plan.
Learn & Plan
Measure Your Space
Accurate measurements are the first step to a kitchen you'll love.
Use this step-by-step guide to measure your room with confidence before your design consultation. You do not need professional drawings — a clear sketch, useful dimensions, and photos are enough to prepare for the next step.
Prefer Bates to Handle It? Measure + Design starts at $150
For a typical local project, Bates Cabinetry can come to the project, take the field measurements, and use those measurements to create the cabinet design.
- In-home measuring included for eligible local projects
- Initial cabinet design and shared floor plans included
- Up to 3 redesigns / revisions included
- Larger homes, multiple rooms, or complex projects may be priced higher based on scope
What You'll Need
Tape Measure25 ft. recommended
Paper & PencilGraph paper is helpful
Helper (Optional)Makes long walls easier
Camera or PhoneFor room photos
Helpful Floor Plan Example
Use this as a guide when sketching your room.
W = Window
D = Door
P = Sink Plumbing
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
Work around the room in one direction. Write each measurement directly on your sketch so nothing gets lost.
Measure Windows & Openings
- Measure the full window width and height, including all casing / trim.
- Find the center of the window by dividing the full casing-to-casing width in half.
- Measure from the nearest finished corner to the window centerline.
- Measure from the finished floor to the bottom of the window casing / sill.
- For doors and open passages, record the finished trim-to-trim opening, distance from the nearest corner, and door-swing direction.
Measure Wall Heights
- Measure floor to ceiling in several locations.
- Note vaulted or sloped ceilings.
Locate Sink Plumbing
- Find the centerline of the existing sink drain / plumbing.
- Measure from the nearest finished corner to that plumbing centerline.
- If the sink location needs to stay, note that clearly on your sketch.
Check Obstacles & Appliances
- Note soffits, bulkheads, pillars, vents, beams, outlets, switches, and utility locations.
- Measure their size and exact location.
- Record appliance locations, model numbers, and actual width / height / depth when available—especially the refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave, and hood.
Take Photos
- Take clear photos of every wall and corner.
- Include close-ups of sink plumbing, windows, obstacles, and other important details.
Helpful Visual Tips
Measure the actual finished wall
Measure drywall / plaster corner to corner, not the face of removable baseboard. Note baseboard and other trim separately.
Locate sink plumbing by centerline
Measure from a finished corner to the drain / plumbing center.
Locate windows by centerline
Record corner-to-center and floor-to-window height.
Double-check your numbers
A quick re-check saves time later.
It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect!
We know measuring can feel overwhelming, but don't worry — we'll help you make sense of it. Even a simple sketch is enough to begin the conversation. Customer-supplied measurements are planning dimensions; final field dimensions, appliance specifications, and clearances should be verified before cabinets are ordered.