Measure every wall at three heights, use the smallest, and record services before drawing. Check corners with a 3-4-5 triangle and note the ceiling at each corner. Most measuring errors come from using the average instead of the smallest, or from measuring the bare wall instead of the finished face.
Measure each wall at top, middle and bottom; use the smallest.
Check corners with a 3-4-5 triangle.
Record five services: sockets, water, waste, gas, extract.
Measure again after the old kitchen is removed.
Sketch, photograph and dimension each wall.
1. Tools and preparation
You need a tape long enough for the room, a spirit level, a pencil, a notebook and a camera. Clear the room if possible; measuring around an old kitchen hides the wall and the services. Two visits are better than one: the first with the old kitchen, the second after removal.
2. Measuring walls
Measure each wall at three heights: near the floor, at counter height and near the ceiling. Use the smallest. A wall that bows 10 mm over three metres will change the filler and may change the cabinet width. Record every dimension on a sketch, not just in a list.
3. Corners and square
Use a 3-4-5 triangle to check each corner. Measure 300 mm along one wall and 400 mm along the other; if the diagonal is 500 mm, the corner is square. If not, the difference tells you how much filler or scribe the corner needs. The clearances guide covers the door swing implications.
4. Services
| Service | Record | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sockets | Height and offset | Cabinet cannot cover a misplaced socket |
| Water | Height and offset | Sink position depends on it |
| Waste | Height and offset | Fall and trap position |
| Gas | Height and offset | Hob position and ventilation |
| Extract | Duct route | Hood position |
Record the service, its height and its offset from the nearest corner. A service that is 50 mm off can be the difference between a cabinet and a filler.
5. Ceiling and height
Measure the ceiling at each corner, not just the centre. Ceilings slope and bulkheads vary. A 20 mm difference across a room changes the tall cabinet height and the scribe at the top. Record the lowest point, because that is what the cabinet must fit under.
6. Appliances
Record the make and model of every appliance, and its dimensions including hoses and ventilation. A fridge that needs 20 mm at the back changes the cabinet depth; an oven that needs a 600 mm opening cannot go into a 580 mm gap. The shop drawing guide covers how the appliance data moves onto the drawing.
7. Recording the measurement
Sketch each wall, write the dimensions on the sketch, photograph the wall and note the services. A sketch with dimensions is better than a list of numbers, because it shows the reference point. Keep the photos with the sketch, so the factory can see what you saw.
8. A measurement checklist
| Check | Done |
|---|---|
| Each wall measured at three heights | Yes / No |
| Corners checked with 3-4-5 | Yes / No |
| Five services recorded | Yes / No |
| Ceiling measured at each corner | Yes / No |
| Appliance models recorded | Yes / No |
| Sketch, dimensions and photos filed | Yes / No |
If any row is No, the measurement is not ready for drawing. The dimensions guide covers what the numbers should be.
9. A checklist before you commit
Before you sign, confirm six things: the board grade, the hardware model, the finish system, the packing standard, the inspection scope and the payment schedule. Each should be in writing, not in a call. The quote checklist turns the six into a one-page comparison.
10. Common mistakes
The most common mistake is comparing a factory price with a landed cost. The second is leaving the inspection out of the budget. The third is paying the balance before the inspection is signed off. Each is avoidable with a written scope and a pre-shipment inspection.
11. How to measure the room
Measure each wall at three points, top, middle and bottom, and use the smallest. Walls are rarely square, and a 10 mm bow over three metres changes the filler. Measure the ceiling at each corner and note sockets, radiators and soil pipes before drawing. A measured survey saves more time than a faster drawing, and the measuring guide has a printable sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I measure a wall?
At the top, middle and bottom, then use the smallest. Walls bow, and a 10 mm bow over three metres changes the filler and the cabinet width.
How do I check a corner is square?
Use a 3-4-5 triangle: measure 300 mm along one wall and 400 mm along the other; the diagonal should be 500 mm. If it is not, the corner is out of square.
What services should I record?
Sockets, water supply, waste, gas and extract. Mark their height and offset from a corner, because a cabinet cannot cover a service that is in the wrong place.
Should I measure with the old kitchen in place?
Yes, if possible, and again after removal. The old kitchen hides the wall and the services, so the second measurement is the one that matters.
How do I record the measurement?
Sketch each wall with dimensions, photograph it, and note the ceiling height at each corner. A measured sketch beats a set of numbers with no reference.
Can I measure from a photo?
No. A photo helps record condition and services, but dimensions must come from a tape. Photo-based estimates are a common source of error.
