Are you planning to install new cupboard doors in your home? Or you may want to replace your existing ones with a different style or design. Whatever the reason may be, knowing how to measure cupboard doors is an essential skill that every homeowner should have.
If you’re looking for an easy and foolproof way to upgrade the look of your kitchen, installing new cupboard doors is one of the best investments you can make. But before taking on this project, it’s essential that you accurately measure your cupboard doors to ensure a good fit.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at measuring cupboard door openings so that when it comes time to shop for replacements, you know exactly what size will work best in your space. Read on to learn some practical tips and tricks for measuring cupboards correctly!
What Will You Need?
Before you start measuring, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Tape measure: This is a must-have for accurate measurements.
- Pencil and paper: You’ll need to write down your measurements as you go along.
- Level: This will come in handy when measuring doors that open outwards or inwardly.
- Optional: If you plan to replace your cupboard doors with new ones, you may also need a screwdriver and other essential tools to remove the old doors.
10 Easy Steps on How to Measure Cupboard Doors
Step 1. Remove the Cupboard Door:
Start by removing the existing door if it’s still attached. To do this, unscrew the hinges from the cabinet frame. Be sure to set all hardware aside in a safe place if you need it for the new door. If your cupboard doors are sliding, you can skip this step.
Step 2. Measure the Width:
After your door is removed, take your tape measure and measure the width of the door. Depending on your door type, you may need to measure the total width or the width of one door leaf (for double doors). Measure from the left edge to the right edge of the door. Write down your measurement to the nearest 1/16th of an inch on your paper.
Step 3. Measure the Height:
Next, measure the height of the door. Place the end of your tape measure at the bottom edge of the door and extend it to the top edge. Record this measurement, again to the nearest 1/16th of an inch, on your piece of paper. If your cupboard has more than one door, repeat these steps for each door.
Step 4. Measure the Depth:
The next step is to measure the depth of your cupboard. To do this, start from the front edge of your cupboard frame and extend your tape measure to the back wall of the cupboard. Note this measurement on your paper. This step is crucial if you’re considering replacing your doors with a different style that may require more or less clearance.
Step 5. Check for Square:
To ensure your door will fit properly, it’s essential to check if your cupboard opening is square. Using your level, check the vertical and horizontal lines of your cupboard. If the bubble in your level is centered, your cupboard is square. If not, you may need to make adjustments when installing your new door. Record any discrepancies on your paper. If you have multiple cupboard doors, repeat steps 2 to 5 for each door. Remember, each door may have a slightly different measurement, so it’s crucial to measure them individually.
Step 6. Measure the Door Frame:
You will also need to measure the door frame, as this is where your new door will be mounted. Start by measuring the width of the frame from one inside edge to the other. Then, measure the height from the top to the bottom of the frame. Take note of these measurements, as they will be necessary when selecting your new cupboard doors. Record these measurements on your paper. If your cupboard has more than one door frame, repeat this step for each frame.
Step 7. Measure the Hinge Placement:
The placement of the hinges on your cupboard is an essential factor to consider when measuring cupboard doors. Start by measuring from the top of the door to the top of the first hinge and then from the bottom to the bottom of the second hinge. Record these measurements on your paper.
Step 8. Measure the Door Thickness:
The thickness of your cupboard door is another critical measurement. Take your tape measure and measure the thickness of the door at its thickest point. This is typically at the edges of the door, but it can vary depending on the door’s design. Write down this measurement on your paper. Remember that this measurement is crucial when choosing the suitable hinges for your new cupboard doors.
Step 9. Double-check All Measurements:
Once you’ve taken all necessary measurements, take a moment to double-check them. Mistakes can easily be made, and a few millimeters can make a big difference when fitting your new cupboard doors. Check all of your measurements for accuracy before moving on to the next step.
Step 10. Choose Your New Cupboard Doors
With all the measurements in hand, you can now choose your new cupboard doors. Remember to consider the style, material, and color that will best complement your kitchen decor. Also, ensure that the doors you select are compatible with your measurements. If you need more confidence about doing this on your own, it might be a good idea to seek professional advice.
By following these 10 easy steps on how to measure cupboard doors, you can be sure that the replacement doors you choose will fit perfectly into your space.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
Tip 1.Use a Metal Tape Measure:
While cloth or paper measures can serve in a pinch, a metal tape measure is preferable for its accuracy and durability. The stiff metal makes it easier to measure distances vertically or across large spaces.
Tip 2. Always Measure Twice:
As the old saying goes, “Measure twice, cut once.” This adage holds for measuring cupboard doors. It’s always a good idea to double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.
Tip 3. Take Note of Any Obstructions:
It’s essential to take note of any obstructions, such as light switches, outlets, or pipes, that may impede the installation of your new cupboard doors. Keep these in mind when choosing a door style and size.
Tip 4.Consider Door Handle Placement:
If your old doors had handles or knobs, you must factor in their placement when selecting your new doors. Ensure the new door’s handle placement aligns with the existing holes in the frame.
Tip 5. Seek Professional Help if Needed:
Measuring cupboard doors may seem like a simple task, but it can be challenging for those who are not familiar with it. If you need clarification or are uncomfortable with measuring on your own, feel free to seek professional help.
With these additional tips, you can ensure that your measurements are accurate and that the installation of your new cupboard doors will be smooth and hassle-free.
5 Things You Should Avoid
Avoid 1. Refrain From Paying Attention to Account for Door Swing: Always consider the direction your door will swing open. This is important not only for functionality but also for safety. Ensure there’s enough space for the door to open fully without hitting any appliances or fixtures.
Avoid 2. Ignoring Discrepancies in Measurements: If your measurements vary significantly from one door to another, do not ignore these differences. They can indicate issues with the cupboard’s structure that may need to be addressed before installing new doors.
Avoid 3. Using Incorrect Measuring Tools: Though it can be tempting to use whatever measuring tool is at hand, precision is key when measuring cupboard doors. Always use a reliable metal tape measure for accurate results.
Avoid 4. Forgetting to Measure the Hinges: The hinges play a crucial role in the functionality of your cupboard doors. Always measure the location and size of the hinges to ensure the new door fits correctly and operates smoothly.
Avoid 5. Attempting to Do It All Yourself: If you need more certainty about any part of the measurement process, feel free to seek professional help. It’s better to get the measurements correct the first time than to realize a mistake after your new doors have been cut and delivered.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your cupboard door measurements are accurate and that the installation process goes smoothly.
Conclusion
To conclude, we have discussed the steps needed to measure cupboard doors accurately. Taking time to get your measurements correct will ensure that you have the perfect fit for your task. Once you’ve got your cupboard door measurements, consider taking the next step and begin building or renovating!
There are many tools and materials necessary depending on the type of project being done, so it’s best to do some research and purchase everything before beginning. Start from a good foundation by investing in quality hardware and supplies. With reliable guidance, you’re guaranteed an enjoyable experience that will leave you with beautiful creations!
Hopefully, the article on how to measure cupboard doors has been helpful for you. Remember to measure twice and cut once! Good luck with your project!
You Can Check It Out to Install a Lock on a Bedroom Door
