Accurate measurements are the backbone of any successful cabinet door project.
Whether you’re replacing old doors or installing new ones, getting the measurements right ensures a perfect fit and a polished look.
In this guide, we will discuss the process of measuring cabinet doors in a simple, straightforward way.
Table of Contents
Tools Needed
Before we start, let’s gather the tools you’ll need for this task. Don’t worry, you probably already have most of these at home:
- Tape Measure
- Pencil and Notepad
- Level
- Calculator (optional)
- Masking Tape (optional)
These basic tools are all you need to get accurate measurements for your cabinet doors.
5 Easy DIY Steps to Measure Cabinet Doors
Step 1: Measure the Cabinet Opening
Start by measuring the width and height of the cabinet opening.
Place the tape measure inside the frame, taking care to measure from edge to edge, not from the outer edges of the cabinet.
Write down these measurements, as they will form the basis of your new cabinet door sizes.
Step 2: Account for Overlay
Overlay refers to how much the cabinet door will overlap the frame.
This is important for both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your cabinet.
Standard overlays are usually 1/2 inch, but they can vary.
Add this overlay measurement to both the width and height of your cabinet opening measurements.
For example, if your cabinet opening is 20 inches wide and you want a 1/2 inch overlay, your total width would be 21 inches.
Step 3: Check for Squareness
It’s crucial to ensure that your cabinet opening is square.
Measure diagonally from corner to corner both ways.
If the measurements are the same, your opening is square.
If not, note the discrepancy and consider it when ordering your doors.
This helps avoid any fitting issues later on.
Step 4: Consider Door Gaps
You need to factor in the gaps between doors if you’re installing double doors on one cabinet.
Typically, a 1/8 inch gap is ideal.
Subtract this gap from the total width before dividing by two to get the width of each door.
For example, if your total adjusted width is 40 inches, subtract 1/8 inch for the gap and then divide by two, giving you 19 15/16 inches for each door.
Step 5: Measure for Hinge Placement
Finally, measure the locations for your hinges.
Most cabinets have hinges located 2 inches from the top and bottom.
Mark these spots carefully, as precise hinge placement ensures smooth door operation.
Be Careful, Do Not Commit These Common Mistakes
- Not Measuring Twice: Always double-check your measurements. A small mistake can lead to ill-fitting doors.
- Ignoring Squareness: Overlooking whether your cabinet opening is square can cause fitting issues.
- Forgetting Door Gaps: Not accounting for gaps between double doors can result in doors that rub against each other.
3 Pro Tips for Ultimate Accuracy
- Use a Level: Ensure your tape measure is level when taking horizontal measurements. This helps prevent inaccuracies.
- Masking Tape: Place a strip of masking tape on the cabinet frame where you’ll take measurements. Write directly on the tape to avoid confusion.
- Consistent Units: Stick to either inches or centimeters throughout the measurement process to avoid conversion errors.
Conclusion
Taking accurate measurements is a crucial step in any cabinet door project. It ensures your doors will fit perfectly, look great, and function smoothly.
By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember, precision is key, so take your time and measure twice.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if my cabinet opening is not square?
A: If your cabinet opening is not square, you can either order custom doors to fit the non-square opening or use filler strips to adjust the frame and make it square.
Q: How do I measure for glass panel doors?
A: Measure the same way as for solid doors, but also account for the frame around the glass panel. Ensure you specify this detail when ordering.
Q: Can I reuse my old hinges?
A: Yes, if your old hinges are still in good condition, you can reuse them. Just make sure to measure and mark their locations accurately on your new doors.
Q: What if my cabinet doors are overlapping?
A: For overlapping cabinet doors, measure the entire overlap area and then divide by the number of doors to ensure each door fits perfectly.
Q: How do I ensure my new doors match my existing cabinets?
A: Take a sample of your cabinet finish to the store or provide detailed photos and measurements to ensure a good match.