1) Each wall from corner to corner. VERTICAL DIMENSIONS: 6) From the floor to the ceiling. Once you have those dimensions, you're ready to do a basic layout. First, make a few copies of your sketch, so you can play with different ideas. You can also make cardboard cutouts of your appliances, sink and basic cabinet sizes (to scale), and move them around on your sketch. Decide on the general location of each of the work centers. Make sure that the layout fits general kitchen planning guidelines, and that no structural or other considerations prevent you from building your layout. Plan a sink base cabinet under the sink, then choose the types of cabinets that will go near each appliance. Work from the nearest corner to the sink and each appliance, sizing the cabinets so you are left with a gap at the end that is less than 3". You'll use a filler strip that matches the cabinet finish to fill those gaps. Make sure each type of cabinet fits the need at that work center–mixing bowl and utensil storage near the mixing/preparation center, cooking utensils near the range, and dish storage near the sink, for example. Finally, add up the materials you will need–cabinets, countertops, appliances, electrical, plumbing and heating supplies, light fixtures, fan and all the surface materials such as floor coverings, wallboard, wallpaper and paint.
HORIZONTAL DIMENSIONS:
2) From the nearest corner to the outside edge of each door or window casing.
3) The overall width of the doors and windows, including the casing.
4) From the nearest corner to the centers of water supply lines, drain lines and gas feed lines.
5) From the nearest corner to the centers of electrical outlets and switches.
7) From the floor to the bottom edge of window stools or casings.
8) From the ceiling to the top edge of door and window casings.
Next, determine the rough position of the major appliances (refrigerator, range and ovens) and the sink. Double check the layout to make sure you've allowed the proper amount of counter space in each work center, as outlined above. Also, double check to make sure your work triangle is within guidelines.
TOOL AND MATERIAL CHECKLIST
- Steel Measuring Tape
- Straightedge
- Graph Paper
- Square
Ask for Other "Show-How" Instruction Sheets
Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the National Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.
Additional easy-to-use instruction sheets for home do-it-yourself projects are available from your local supplier of materials. Come in and ask for "Show-How" instructions when you get ready for that next handyman project!
.
Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our
"