Installing a corner cabinet can be a great way to maximize storage in your kitchen or bathroom. But accurately measuring for a corner cabinet is crucial for ensuring a proper fit and function.
Proper measurements allow you to select the ideal corner cabinet and position it perfectly in your space. Precise measurements also prevent headaches down the road, like cabinets that are too small or awkward fits that restrict access. We’ll cover techniques for measuring both the corner area and the cabinet itself. With the right approach, you’ll remove the confusion and install your corner cabinet with total measuring success!
Why Accurate Measurements Are Essential
You may be tempted to eyeball it or guesstimate the corner cabinet dimensions. But accurate measurements are essential for three key reasons:
Maximizing Storage Capacity
A corner cabinet is all about making the most of an often underutilized space. Taking careful measurements of the corner allows you to choose a cabinet sized perfectly for the area. You can maximize every inch for storage. No more wasted space! For tight corners, precise measurements ensure you get a cabinet adapted to fit. You won’t lose any capacity by squeezing a cabinet too big into a small corner.
Achieving Proper Fit
Measurements guarantee your new corner cabinet integrates seamlessly into your space. Dimensions like height, width, depth, and diameter must align closely with the corner area. Tight fits and awkward spacing will ruin the finished look. Precise measurements prevent a sloppy, unaligned appearance by ensuring the cabinet aligns properly within the corner. No more gaps, overlaps, or mismatched edges.
Allowing Room to Open and Access Contents
Measurements also account for needed clearances around the perimeter of the cabinet. This ensures doors and drawers can fully open without obstruction. With poor measuring, cabinet doors could collide with walls or block access to nearby cabinets or appliances. Proper measurements guarantee you can fully open the cabinet and comfortably access contents after installation.
Measuring the Corner Area
First, whip out your tape measure and assess the actual corner space:
Length and Width
Measure both the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the corner area. This includes the length across the bottom and the height from floor to ceiling. Note any obstructions like pipes, ductwork, or wiring conduits that protrude into the corner. These can limit placement options when installing the cabinet.
Depth
Next, determine the depth available for the corner cabinet. Measure from the corner outwards towards the room to find the maximum depth possible given your layout. This measurement directly impacts the size of cabinet you can install. Optimal depth allows you to choose a more spacious corner cabinet.
Diagonal
Finally, take diagonal measurements across the corner from opposite ends. This catches any irregularities that make the corner not a perfect 90-degree angle. Diagonal measurements ensure your cabinet will fit well in a skewed corner. Trying to fit a square cabinet into a crooked corner results in gaps and poor alignment.
Measuring Cabinet Dimensions
With the corner space assessed, it’s time to focus on measuring the physical cabinet itself:
Height
Determine the floor-to-ceiling height of the interior cabinet space. Account for any unevenness in your floors with a slightly taller measurement if needed. Leveling mechanisms on cabinet feet can adjust for minor variations.
Width and Depth
Measure the maximum interior width from left to right side. Then measure the interior cabinet depth from front to back. Compare these to your corner area dimensions to find a well-fitted size. Allow a bit of wiggle room with one inch of clearance added to each measurement.
Clearances
Speaking of clearance, be sure to add about one inch of space to every cabinet dimension. This gap allows easy access and movement around the perimeter. It prevents a tight squeeze getting items in and out.
Diameter
For corner cabinets, the diameter from front corner to opposite corner is key. This should match closely to the corner area for a perfect fit. An inch of clearance here provides the necessary wiggle room.
Other Considerations
A few other key factors impact proper corner cabinet measurements:
Crown Molding
If your cabinet includes crown molding along the top, measure depth from the wall to account for this extra protrusion. Ensure enough space so the molding fits flush. Adequate room prevents leaving gaps where the molding overhang is missing.
Cabinet Accessories
When measuring, consider if you’ll install accessories like lazy susans or pull-out organizers. These handy additions take up interior space, so factor them into dimensions. Measure to ensure maximum accessible storage remains.
Manufacturer’s Specs
Finally, compare your measurements to the manufacturer’s listed cabinet dimensions. This verifies accuracy and proper real-world fit. Read the spec sheet carefully to catch any discrepancies before purchase.
Corner Cabinet Measuring Procedure
For efficient success, follow this precise sequence when tackling any corner cabinet measuring project:
- Measure the corner width, height, and depth available for the cabinet.
- Note any obstructions like conduits, pipes, or wires.
- Measure diagonally across the corner to check for irregular angles.
- Determine the maximum cabinet size possible based on corner limitations.
- Measure the interior cabinet dimensions – height, width, depth, and diameter.
- Add 1 inch of clearance to each measurement.
- Factor in space needed for crown molding and accessories.
- Compare measurements to manufacturer product specs for accuracy.
- Make any necessary adjustments to dimensions based on your unique space.
Following this logical sequence helps ensure you gather all needed measurements. You’ll end up with perfectly accurate dimensions to select and install your corner cabinet like a pro.
Tips for Measuring Success
Equipped with the basic corner cabinet measuring procedure, here are some tips and tricks to guarantee a smooth process:
Use a Steel Measuring Tape
A quality steel tape measure is essential for accuracy. Stick with a major brand like Stanley or Craftsman. Select a tape at least 25 feet long to easily measure across diagonals. Avoid bendable cloth tapes that can introduce errors.
Have an Assistant Help
Measuring large areas alone can be challenging. Have a friend or family member assist by holding the tape end to simplify the process.
Account for Flooring
If flooring like tile or laminate will be installed later, measure from the subfloor and account for flooring thickness. This prevents cabinets that end up too short after new floors are added.
Mind Amazing Moldings
Consider the thickness of any decorative moldings or trim to be installed around the top or sides of the cabinet. Adjust interior dimensions so these features will fit.
Go Digital
Laser measuring tools or smartphone apps provide quick, accurate readings that are easy to record and analyze.
Take Pictures
Photograph each measurement for reference later when ordering or installing the cabinet. Clear photos prevent relying on memory or messy handwritten notes.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
An old carpenter’s motto – double check every measurement for accuracy and consistency. A second set of measurements never hurts!
Think Ergonomics
Consider the height of cabinet shelves and ease of access based on the primary users. Customize measurements for optimal ergonomic use.
Installing a properly measured corner cabinet unlocks storage potential in overlooked corner space. Gain smart storage for kitchen items, bath towels, cleaning supplies, and more. With these simple measuring techniques, you can confidently select and position a corner cabinet tailored to your unique space.
Still have questions on measuring for corner cabinets? Ask our experts! We offer professional cabinet measuring services to eliminate the guesswork. Contact us today for a quick quote and get ready to maximize your corner.
