Cortona Design

Why It’s Important to Measure Accurately

Accurate measurements are the foundation of every successful kitchen design. Even small inaccuracies can lead to costly mistakes in installation or delays in delivery.
cortona design measurement

Tools You’ll Need

Pen

Paper

Measuring Tape

90°

Angle Square

How to Measure Your Kitchen – Step by Step

  • Walls, doors, and windows

  • Any architectural features like soffits, beams, or columns

  • Use graph paper or grid software for accurate scale

  • Label each wall (Wall A, Wall B, etc.)

Use a tape measure to record the height of each wall:

  • Measure in at least two spots per wall

  • Identify the highest and lowest points

  • Don’t forget to measure and label soffits or dropped ceilings

📏 Tip: This ensures your cabinetry fits properly without gaps or uneven installation.

  • Record the exact width of each wall, from corner to corner

  • Measure windows and doors, including trim

  • Note distances from wall edges to door/window frames

🪟 Include window sill height, especially if it’s under a countertop line.

Identify and measure any items that extend into the room, such as:

  • Radiators, heaters, or baseboard elements

  • HVAC vents, bulkheads, or pillars

  • Electrical panels or wall-mounted units

Mark their width, height, and depth from walls.

Record the location and size of:

  • Range hood vents

  • Overhead exhaust outlets

  • Wall or ceiling-mounted fans

📌 Measure their center point from the nearest wall and from the floor.

Take note of:

  • Cold and hot water supply lines

  • Drain pipe location for sink and dishwasher

  • Height from the floor and distance from wall corners

💡 If you’re relocating plumbing, mark the new proposed location clearly.

Mark down:

  • Electrical outlets

  • Light switches

  • Gas line entry points

Include:

  • Height from floor

  • Horizontal distance from nearby corners or features

⚡ Consider your appliance layout: fridge, oven, dishwasher, microwave, etc.

If you’re remodeling or redesigning:

  • Indicate where walls will be moved or removed

  • Identify new appliance placements

  • Add planned new plumbing or electrical routes

🧠 This section informs your designer or contractor of future changes so they can avoid costly rework.

 💡Pro Tip:

Measure twice, cut once. Always double-check your measurements, and record to the nearest 1/8″ to avoid design and installation errors.

Countertop & Island Measurement Tips

Start by measuring the total length and depth of your existing or planned countertops:

  • Measure from wall corner to the edge along each run

  • Measure depth from wall to front edge (typically 25.5″)

  • Always measure from two different points to confirm accuracy

📏 Include overhang: Add 1½ inches to your front edge for standard overhang.

Record the position of the sink cutout:

  • Measure from the nearest wall or corner to the center of the base cabinet beneath the sink

  • Include the width of the base cabinet and sink model

🧠 This is critical for templating stone/quartz or pre-cut surfaces.

  • Measure from the same corner or wall to the center of your cooktop cabinet

  • Note the cooktop model and required cutout size

  • Include vertical clearance if it’s part of an island or under a hood

🔥 Keep clearance and ventilation specs in mind if your cooktop is gas.

Write down the thickness of your current or preferred countertop:

  • Standard is 1¼” (3cm) for stone

  • Laminate can vary from ¾” to 1½”

📐 Thickness affects cabinetry clearance, backsplash height, and appliance fit.

For kitchen islands:

  • Measure length, width, and height

  • Record sink or cooktop location if applicable

  • Note seating overhang (typically 12″ for bar seating)

  • Add plumbing and electrical outlet locations if built-in

🪑 Islands are often multifunctional, so be precise with functional zones (prep, cooking, seating).

If using stone or quartz:

  • Identify where seams will occur

  • Avoid seams in high-traffic or focal points

  • Note any backsplash returns or side panels

🧩 The fewer the seams, the cleaner the look — but it must be manageable for transport and install.

🛠 Bonus Tips:
  • Use a carpenter’s square to check corners are 90°

  • Sketch your layout as you go — include dimensions and labels

  • Take photos of your space for your designer or fabricator

  • Always confirm measurements on-site after cabinet install

Need Help? Book Our Kitchen Measuring Service

Let our professionals handle it for you.
We’ll come to your home, take accurate measurements, and document everything you need to plan your kitchen layout with confidence.

✅ Precise wall, ceiling, and floor measurements
✅ Window, door, and appliance spacing
✅ Marking of plumbing, gas, and electric lines
✅ Island and countertop templating
✅ Professional layout sketch included

Book a Measurement Appointment

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400 State Rt. 17, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

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