Getting your kitchen measurements right before ordering new cabinets can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of frustration. The good news is that with a few basic tools and a methodical approach, most homeowners can produce an accurate floor plan that a cabinet maker or supplier can work from. That said, a professional cabinet maker will always do their own site measure before fabrication — so treat your measurements as a planning tool rather than a final specification.
Tools You'll Need
Before you start, gather the following:
Step 1 — Sketch Your Floor Plan First
Before measuring anything, draw a rough bird's-eye sketch of your kitchen on paper. Mark every wall, doorway, window, and fixed feature (rangehood flue, chimney breast, structural columns). Label each wall A, B, C, D going clockwise. This sketch becomes your measurement map.
Step 2 — Measure the Walls
Measure each wall at bench height (approximately 900 mm from the floor), not at floor level — floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level in NZ homes, especially in older villas and bungalows.
- Measure the full wall length from corner to corner.
- Then measure the position of every door, window, and opening from the nearest corner, noting both the distance to the edge and the width of the opening.
- Record the height of each wall from floor to ceiling in at least two spots per wall, as ceiling heights can vary.
- Note any soffits, bulkheads, or dropped ceilings — these affect upper cabinet height.
Tip: Always double-check measurements by measuring twice in opposite directions. If your numbers don't add up, measure again.
Step 3 — Measure Windows and Doors Carefully
For each window, record:
- Distance from the corner to the window frame edge
- Width of the window (frame to frame)
- Sill height from the floor (this determines whether a cabinet can sit below it)
- Head height from the floor (this affects upper cabinet placement)
For doors, note which way they swing — a door that opens into the kitchen can block cabinet access if not accounted for in the layout.
Step 4 — Locate Services and Fixed Points
This is where many DIY measurements fall short. You must mark the exact location of:
- Sink waste and water supply rough-in positions (measure from the nearest corner and from the floor)
- Dishwasher water and waste connections
- Oven and cooktop power outlets or gas connections
- Rangehood ducting or flue position
- Electrical outlets and switches on the walls where cabinets will go
These fixed points often dictate where certain cabinets must go. Plumbing and gas connections in particular are expensive to move — always work around them where possible. Remember that any changes to gas or plumbing are restricted work under NZ law and must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Similarly, moving or adding electrical outlets requires a registered electrician under the Electrical Workers Registration Board.
Step 5 — Check for Square, Level and Plumb
NZ homes — particularly those built before the 1980s — are notorious for walls that aren't square, floors that aren't level, and corners that aren't 90 degrees. Use your spirit level to:
- Check whether the floor is level along each wall run
- Check whether walls are plumb (vertical)
- Check corner angles with a large set square or by measuring diagonals
Record any significant variations. A cabinet maker will need to scribe or pack cabinets to compensate — this is normal, but they need to know about it upfront.
Step 6 — Record Appliance Dimensions
If you're keeping existing appliances or have already purchased new ones, note their exact dimensions:
| Appliance | Key Dimensions to Record |
|---|---|
| Fridge/freezer | Width, depth, height + hinge clearance |
| Oven (built-in) | Cutout width, height, depth |
| Cooktop | Cutout width and depth |
| Dishwasher | Width, height, depth |
| Rangehood | Width, mounting height above cooktop |
Standard NZ bench height is 900 mm and standard bench depth is 600 mm, but confirm these suit your household before ordering.
Step 7 — Photograph Everything
Take clear photos of every wall, every corner, and every service location. Photos of existing cabinets showing their relationship to windows, doors and appliances are invaluable for your cabinet maker.
Putting It All Together
Once you have all your measurements, transfer them neatly onto your sketch with all dimensions clearly labelled. Some cabinet suppliers offer free planning software or will accept a dimensioned sketch to produce a 3D layout. PlaceMakers and specialist kitchen retailers often provide this service.
For compliance purposes, note that kitchen renovations involving structural changes, new wet areas, or significant alterations may require a building consent — always check with your local council. Minor like-for-like cabinet replacements are generally exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, but confirm this with your council before starting work. The MBIE Building Performance website has useful guidance on what requires consent.
When to Call a Professional
While measuring is something most homeowners can do, a qualified cabinet maker will always carry out their own precise site measure before fabrication. If your kitchen has complex angles, unusual ceiling heights, structural features, or you're planning a full renovation involving plumbing, electrical or gas work, bring in the professionals early. A cabinet maker can spot potential problems — like a wall that's out of plumb by 20 mm — that could cause costly issues later.
You can find experienced, local cabinet makers on tradedirectory.co.nz to help with your project from measure-up through to installation.
Sources & Further Reading
- MBIE Building Performance — Building Consent Exemptions
- BRANZ — Kitchen Renovation Guidance
- Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board — Licensed Tradespeople
- Electrical Workers Registration Board — Find a Registered Electrician
- Bunnings — Measuring and Planning Tools
- Mitre 10 — DIY Advice and Tools
