Simple Guide to Measuring All Cabinet Doors

Measuring your kitchen cabinet doors is a simple task that ensures a seamless fit for your new or replacement cabinet doors. Whether you're a beginner or need a refresher, this simple guide will provide all the information you need to measure accurately. Follow these steps to achieve precise measurements that guarantee a perfect fit for your kitchen cabinets.

Download the Printable Measuring Guide

Measuring Existing Cabinet Doors

If you plan to replace your cabinet doors with ones of the same size, the process becomes straightforward. Measure your existing door from outside edge to outside edge, noting the measurements in a width x height format. Be sure to measure to the nearest 1/16th of an inch for optimal accuracy. Double-check your measurements, and you're done!

Measuring for New Cabinet Doors

Sizing new cabinet doors requires a bit more effort but is still manageable. Start by measuring the opening on the cabinet box you intend to cover. Similar to measuring existing doors, strive for accuracy and record measurements to the nearest 1/16th of an inch.

Once you have the box opening measurements, you'll need to determine the overlay you desire for your cabinets. The overlay refers to the amount of the cabinet box covered by the door.

For instance, if your cabinet box opening measures 15" wide by 22" tall, and you want a ½" overlay, add 1" to the width and height. This accounts for the left and right sides, as well as the top and bottom so your measurements would equal to 16” W x 23” H for your new cabinet doors. If your opening is wider and requires split doors, there is a bit more calculating to do.

Split Cabinet Doors:

If you're dealing with split door openings, follow these steps to determine the measurements accurately. In this example, we'll add 1" to the height and 1" to the width for a ½” overlay, divide the width by 2, and subtract 1/16" for a 1/8" gap between the cabinet doors.

Let's use a 36" width as an example:

Step 1: Add 1" to the height

36" + 1" = 37"

Step 2: Add 1" to the width and divide by 2

(36" + 1") / 2 = 18 1/2

Step 3: Subtract 1/16" for the 1/8" gap

18 1/2 - 1/16" = 18 7/16"

These calculations result in a final size of 18 7/16" for each split door. Remember that this technique allows for a 1/8" gap between the cabinet doors.

It's important to note that if you're unsure about ordering split doors, follow this rule: for any opening wider than 22", it's recommended to order two doors.

If you have any questions or need assistance don’t hesitate to contact us!

Types of Kitchen Cabinets

Additionally, it's essential to ensure that your chosen sizes and overlay will work harmoniously with your hardware. If necessary, you may need to source new hardware for the replacement doors. The type of cabinet box you have determines your overlay options. Let's explore the distinction between framed and frameless cabinets.

Framed Cabinets

Traditional cabinets feature a face frame, which means a wooden frame is visible when the doors are open or removed. Typically made of 3/4-inch thick hardwood, the frame is partially covered by the cabinet door or drawer. A standard partial overlay is 1/2 inch around, requiring the door to be 1 inch wider and 1 inch taller than the opening size. Other common overlay sizes include 1/4 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch.

Frameless Cabinets

Frameless cabinets, also known as full-overlay cabinets, do not have a face frame. The sidewalls of these cabinets are typically around 3/4 or 5/8 inches thick. Since there is no frame to display, the hinges for the doors are mounted inside the cabinet wall. Consequently, you can only install cabinet doors with a full overlay in this style. One major advantage of frameless cabinets is their increased storage capacity.

Two Other Important Factors to Consider

1. Sufficient space for two doors to open simultaneously: If your cabinet has more than one door, ensure there is enough space for both doors to open without obstruction. A single door should not cover more than half the thickness of the vertical frame stiles.
2. Correct hinge size and compatibility: Ensure that the hinges you use are suitable for the overlay. Consider both the correct hinge size and the boring requirements. It's crucial to verify that the hinges, boring, and overlay will work together seamlessly.

Conclusion

Measuring kitchen cabinet doors is a vital step in ensuring a precise fit for your new or replacement doors. Whether you're replicating the size of existing doors or determining the dimensions for new ones, following the guidelines provided will help you achieve the best fit possible. Remember to consider overlay options, the type of cabinet you have, and compatibility with hardware. By adhering to these instructions and utilizing helpful tips and tools, you'll be well-equipped to measure your kitchen cabinets accurately.

For any further questions or assistance, contact our knowledgeable sales team. We're here to guide you from measurement to ordering, ensuring a successful cabinet door upgrade.