Measuring upper corner cabinets accurately is essential for planning your kitchen layout and ensuring a proper fit for new or replacement units.
Upper corner cabinets, whether diagonal or blind corner types, require specific measurements to determine the space they occupy and how they interface with adjacent cabinets and walls. The primary measurement needed for planning is often the distance the cabinet extends along each perpendicular wall from the corner.
Why Accurate Measurement is Crucial
Precise measurements prevent costly errors, ensure new cabinets fit seamlessly, and help you plan the surrounding cabinet layout effectively.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
To measure your upper corner cabinets, follow these steps, focusing on the critical dimensions that determine the cabinet's footprint in the corner:
- Identify the Corner Point: Locate the inside corner where the two walls meet and where the backsides of the corner cabinet connect.
- Measure Along One Wall: Place the end of your measuring tape directly close to this corner point, near one of the cabinet's back sides. Extend the tape straight out along the cabinet's side until you reach its outside edge. Read the measurement at this point. This measurement tells you how far the cabinet extends along one wall from the corner. (Based on reference)
- Measure Along the Other Wall: To measure from the opposite side of the corner, repeat the procedure. Place the tape end at the exact same corner point and extend it straight out along the adjacent cabinet side to its outside edge. Read this measurement. This shows how far the cabinet extends along the other wall. (Based on reference)
- Measure Height: Measure the vertical distance from the bottom edge to the top edge of the cabinet.
- Measure Face Width: Measure the width of the cabinet's face frame or the opening across the front. For diagonal corner cabinets, this is typically the width across the front diagonal panel. For blind corner cabinets, it's the width of the visible cabinet front before it turns into the wall.
- Measure Depth: While often the 'return' measurements (steps 2 & 3) are key for corner fit, you may also need the total depth from the front of the cabinet to the wall or back corner.
Key Measurements to Record
Keep a clear record of the dimensions you gather. The most important for corner cabinet planning are typically:
- Return Along Wall 1: Distance from the corner to the cabinet's edge on the first wall.
- Return Along Wall 2: Distance from the corner to the cabinet's edge on the second wall.
- Height: Total vertical measurement.
- Face Width: Measurement across the visible front of the cabinet.
Tips for Precise Measuring
- Use a Sturdy Tape Measure: A metal retractable tape measure with a hook end is ideal.
- Measure Multiple Times: Double-check each measurement to ensure accuracy.
- Get a Helper: Having someone hold the end of the tape measure at the corner can make the process easier and more accurate.
- Note Any Obstructions: Record the location of windows, vents, or other elements that might affect cabinet placement.
Understanding how to measure the distance a corner cabinet extends along each wall from the corner is crucial for successful kitchen planning and installation.
