Cut The Confusion With Our Corner Cabinet Measurement Guide

Installing new corner cabinets can be a frustrating experience if you don't get the measurements right. An improperly sized corner cabinet sticks out like a sore thumb, wasting precious space in your kitchen layout and requiring time-consuming adjustments after installing. Fortunately, you can cut the confusion and hassle by learning the proper techniques for measuring corner cabinets prior to installation.

With these pro tips, you'll get corner cabinet sizing exact on the first try for a perfect fit.

Overview of Standard Corner Cabinet Dimensions

Before starting any measuring project, it's helpful to know the typical widths, heights, and depths of standard corner cabinets. This gives you a target to aim for and helps ensure your new cabinets will integrate into your existing kitchen layout.

Typical Base Corner Cabinet Dimensions

For most kitchen designs, the ideal base corner cabinet size is:

• Width - 36 inches
• Height - 34.5 inches
• Depth - 24 inches

This provides a spacious cabinet that fits flush against the two intersecting walls in a corner. The width spans the entire corner, while the 34.5 inch height matches standard counter height. The 24 inch depth provides ample storage space.

Typical Wall Corner Cabinet Dimensions

Wall corner cabinets are mounted above base cabinets and have slightly different standard measurements:

• Width - 36 inches
• Height - 30 inches
• Depth - 12 inches

The reduced 12 inch depth prevents upper corner cabinets from protruding too far into the room. Meanwhile, the 30 inch height aligns with the tops of base cabinets to maintain your kitchen's flow and proportions.

Measuring for Corner Base Cabinets

Follow these steps to measure correctly when preparing to install a new corner base cabinet:

Gather the Right Measuring Tools

Having the proper gear ensures you get precise measurements:

• Tape measure - Retractable metal tape measures work best.
• Level - A 4 foot level will help keep measurements consistent.

Measure Cabinet Width

Start by measuring the width of the corner from each adjoining wall. Standard corner base cabinets are 36 inches wide, but it's important to double check:

• Measure from the corner along one wall to 36 inches.
• Measure from the corner along the adjoining wall to 36 inches.

If the measurements differ, use the smaller number for the width to ensure your cabinet will fit flush.

Measure Cabinet Height

Next, determine the cabinet height by measuring from the floor to the desired height. The standard is 34.5 inches to match most counter heights:

• Place one end of the level on the floor in the corner.
• Measure up 34.5 inches and mark the height with a pencil.

Adjust if your kitchen has a non-standard counter height.

Measure Cabinet Depth

Finally, measure the corner cabinet's depth starting at the corner:

• Place the end of the tape measure against the corner where the walls meet.
• Extend the tape 24 inches out into the room to mark the standard depth.

You now have accurate width, height, and depth measurements tailored specifically to your kitchen!

Measuring for Corner Wall Cabinets

Many of the same rules and techniques apply when measuring for upper corner wall cabinets:

Cabinet Width

Follow the same process used for base cabinets to find the width:

• Measure from corner to 36 inches along each adjoining wall.
• Use the smaller number if the widths differ.

Cabinet Height

To determine wall cabinet height:

• Measure from the top of the corner base cabinets to 30 inches.
• Mark this standard height, adjusting if needed.

Cabinet Depth

Standard depth for upper corner cabinets is 12 inches:

• Measure 12 inches out from the corner along the ceiling.
• Mark this reduced depth to allow room for trim.

Design Considerations for Corner Cabinets

In addition to getting the right measurements, optimizing how you use corner cabinet space requires strategic design choices:

Lazy Susans and Organizers

Fitting a lazy susan or pull-out organizers in corner cabinets maximizes storage access in an otherwise hard to reach area.

Door Clearance

Ensure enough clearance for the cabinet doors to fully open without colliding.

Accessibility

Corner cabinet contents should be conveniently accessible, not trapped in an unusable black hole.

Layout Optimization

Carefully consider how upper and lower corner cabinets integrate into your overall kitchen layout.

Accurately measuring for new corner cabinets before installing is crucial for getting a perfect fit, avoiding problems, and maximizing kitchen storage space. Follow the standard corner cabinet dimensions, utilize the proper tools and techniques, and consider smart design factors when planning your kitchen layout and you'll get corner cabinet sizing spot-on every time.

If this process seems complex or daunting, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional kitchen designer or contractor. Their expertise can prove invaluable for ensuring flawlessly fitted corner cabinets tailored to your unique kitchen design.