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Measuring Width and Height

Published in Cabinetry Measurement 3 mins read

How to Measure Drawer Fronts

Accurately measuring your drawer fronts is crucial for a perfect fit. This process involves determining both the width and height, considering the desired overlay.

The basic principle is to measure the cabinet opening and then adjust for the desired drawer front overlay. Overlay refers to how much the drawer front overlaps the cabinet frame.

1. Measure the Cabinet Opening: Use a tape measure to accurately determine the width and height of the inside of your cabinet drawer opening. This is your base measurement.

2. Determine the Overlay: Decide on your desired overlay style:

  • Full Overlay: The drawer front completely covers the cabinet frame.
  • Partial Overlay: The drawer front partially overlaps the cabinet frame.
  • Inset: The drawer front sits within the cabinet frame.

3. Calculate Drawer Front Dimensions:

  • For Full or Partial Overlay: Multiply your chosen overlay amount by 2. Add this result to the corresponding cabinet opening measurement (width or height). For example, with a 1/2-inch overlay:

    • Width Calculation: (1/2 inch x 2) + Cabinet Opening Width = Drawer Front Width
    • Height Calculation: (1/2 inch x 2) + Cabinet Opening Height = Drawer Front Height

  • For Inset: The drawer front dimensions will be slightly smaller than the cabinet opening to allow for a gap. The precise amount depends on your design preference and the type of drawer slides used.

Example:

Let's say your cabinet opening is 24 inches wide and 10 inches high, and you want a 1/2-inch full overlay.

  • Drawer Front Width: (0.5 inches x 2) + 24 inches = 25 inches
  • Drawer Front Height: (0.5 inches x 2) + 10 inches = 11 inches

Additional Tips

  • Always double-check your measurements before ordering new drawer fronts. Inaccurate measurements can lead to a poor fit.
  • Consider using a helper to ensure accuracy, especially when measuring larger cabinets.
  • Refer to the instructions provided by your drawer front supplier for specific measurement guidelines. They might have slightly different approaches depending on their product design.
  • YouTube offers many helpful videos demonstrating these measurements in action, such as those found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o6c_lQm9FE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGEiUO1yfgI.

Remember to always prioritize accurate measurements to ensure your new drawer fronts fit perfectly.

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