Below are some basic guidelines for measuring your closet doors. Your measurement needs may differ from the examples below. Before placing your order, please make sure you are 100% sure of your measurements. We do not accept any responsibility for errors based on our recommendations. We want to make sure you get the right size cabinet for your project. With a few basic tools and some careful measurements, you're ready to place your order and create the kitchen of your dreams.
Accurate measurements are critical to getting the correct size doors you need for your project. Accuracy is key as your cabinet doors will be custom made to your specifications and incorrect measurements will result in misfit cabinet doors that cannot be returned. Go over your work until you are sure you are ordering the perfect size cabinet doors for your project. To make sure your measurements match your needs, follow these simple steps.
tools needed
• Memo pad
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
mongrels
• We recommend measuring each opening at least twice to avoid errors.
• Record each measurement in your notebook.
• Measure all door openings to the nearest 1/16".
• Be sure to record your measurements as width x height. For example, you can write something like:14" wide x 30" tall
• If you have existing cabinet doors, it is best to remove them before measuring.
*These instructions are helpful when installing popular cabinet doors with concealed hinges. If you choose a different type of hinge, the measuring instructions may vary. Please note that we do not accept any liability for measurement errors based on these recommendations.
STEP ONE: Measure your cabinetsWith your tape measure you want to measure the inside of the frame. Measure inside edge to inside edge and write down this number, this will be your approximate opening measurement. Do this for both the width and height of each door. Write down the width x height measurements for each inside measurement of the frame.
STEP TWO: Calculate the size of the doorNow that you have all of your measurements, it's time to figure out the exact cabinet door size you need. You enter these calculations on your online order form. The calculations vary slightly depending on the type of door. This guide provides instructions for measuring:
door cushions split doorspocket doorsPocket Pocket Doorslazy susan
door cushionsThe measurements you have reflect the inside edges of your cabinets. If you want your doors to extend beyond the cabinet openings, you'll need to add a door overlap to your calculation. Most doors allow for a 1/2-inch overlap. For a 1/2 inch overlap, you will need to add 1 inch to both the width and height of each measurement noted.FORMULA(Width + 2Overlap) + (Height +2Overlap) = Measurement
EXAMPLEFor an opening measurement of 14" x 30", add 1 inch to both measurements so that it now reads 15" x 31".
*In our example we used a 1/2 inch overlap. Your door specifications may differ, so take your needs into account when calculating your tonnage.
*These dimensions are indicative. Make sure your measurements match the specifications for your exact hinge type.
Split door sizeIf you have a closet section that requires a split door (2 doors per closet opening), the calculation will be slightly different. If you are unsure about ordering split doors, we recommend ordering two doors for each opening greater than 22". For split doors with a 1/2" overlay, add 1" to each for both width and height. Then, additionally for the width, divide the total by 2 and subtract 1/16" This allows the two doors to have a 1/8" gap between the cabinet doors.
FORMULASplit door with 1/2” overlay = (width + 1)/2 – 1/16 x height + 1
EXAMPLE
For an opening dimension of 30" x 28"
Calculate the width:
Add 1 inch for overlap: 30" + 1" = 31"
Divide by 2 for the doors: 31"/2 = 15 1/2"
Subtract 1/16 for the space: 15 1/2" - 1/16" = 15 7/16"
Endmaße = 15 7/16" x 29
*These dimensions are indicative. Make sure your measurements match the specifications for your exact hinge type.
pocket closet doorsTo correctly measure a pocket closet door (doors that fit into the cabinet frame), measure the opening as above, then subtract 1/8-inch from the width and height of the frame to ensure the doors will fit the frame. correct size and have space.
FORMULACabinet Door Insert = Width - 1/4" x Height - 1/4"
EXAMPLE
For a 14" x 30" opening dimension
Insert calculation: 14" - 1/4" x 30" - 1/4" = 13 3/4" x 29 3/4"
Split Recessed Cabinet DoorsFollow the same steps as above. For the width, divide by 2 (since there are 2 doors) and then subtract 1/16".
FORMULABreakaway Cabinet Doors = (Width - 1/4")/2 - 1/16 x Height - 1/4">
EXAMPLE
For a 29" x 30" opening dimension
Calculate the width:
Insert Size: 29" - 1/4" = 28 3/4"
Divide by 2 for the doors: 28 3/4" /2 = 14 3/8"
Subtract 1/16 for the gap: 14 3/8" - 1/16"
End Width Measurement: 14 5/16"
*These dimensions are indicative. Make sure your measurements match the specifications for your exact hinge type.
Trade Shows for Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans contains the measurements of two doors that form a butt joint. A butt joint style allows doors to form a 90 degree angle by having one door overlap the other when they intersect. To do this, one door must be slightly longer than the other. Take the approximate opening measurements for both sides as you would any other door. Keep the following points in mind when choosing a Lazy Susan:
• Door overlays are on one side only when width is measured
• The width of one door (either left or right) must be shorter than the other to rest on the other door and form a 90 degree angle. The shortness in width corresponds to the thickness of the door.FORMULALeft Side = Width + 1/2" x Height + 1"
Right Side = (Width + 1/2") - Door Thickness x Height + 1"EXAMPLE
Start with the opening measurement of your Lazy Susan:
Left side = 12 1/2" wide x 28" tall
Right side = 12 1/2" wide x 28" tall
Door thickness = 3/4”
Left side door size:
Ancho = 12 1/2" + 1/2" = 13"
Height = 28" + 1" = 29"
Right side door size:
Width = 12 1/2” + 1/2” – 3/4” (door thickness) = 12 1/4”
Height = 28" + 1" = 29"
*For the wider door, in the "Additional Instructions" box on the order form, write "Please make door with large 13" x 29" stud for Lazy Susan."
Additional tips
Record your calculations carefully in your notebook and double or triple check your work. Be sure to write down all final sizes. Carefully consider your final custom cabinet door sizes, as well as the number of each type you wish to order.
Enter your final custom door sizes and quantities on our order form. Please correct it to make sure you entered all the details correctly. When you feel confident, click Submit. You are now on your way to owning your perfect cabinets.
Please ensure your measurements are correct before submitting your order as changes cannot be made to your order once it has been submitted. This is a measuring guide using a sample measurement. We do not accept any liability for measurement errors based on these recommendations.
visit ourhelp Centerfor more information about your order or do not hesitateContact Usand talk to our customer service team.
FAQs
How much smaller should a cabinet door be than the frame? ›
Inset Cabinet Doors To properly measure for an inset cabinet door (doors that fit inside the cabinet frame), measure the opening as instructed above and then subtract 1/8" from both the width and height of the frame to make sure the doors have the proper gap.
How do I know what size hinge I need for cabinet doors? ›You should check the diameter of the hole in the door that your current hinge sits in - these are usually 26mm, 35mm or 40mm for larger hinges. It's important to measure the hole in the door and not the hinge itself as the hinge may be slightly smaller.
What is the correct spacing for cabinet door hinges? ›Lightweight cabinet doors typically need two hinges, spaced about five inches from the top and bottom edges. Tall or heavy cabinet doors may need a third hinge centered between the top and bottom hinges for additional support.
How big should the gap be between door and frame? ›TRIMMING TO SIZE
Hold the new door in the frame to see if it needs adjustment. A well fitted door should have a 2mm gap on either side and at the top. The gap at the bottom will depend on the thickness of your flooring/carpet.
These limits have evolved over time to insure that the cabinets and the doors will be reliable and trouble-free. The rule-of-thumb is that door heights of up-to 60 inches are seldom a reliability problem. Door widths, however should be kept to under 24-inches.
How much bigger should a cabinet door be than the opening? ›Add 1 inch to both the width and the height of each opening size measurement. For example, a 14" x 30" cabinet opening should now read 15" x 31". This technique allows for a 1/2" overlay of cabinet door openings. If you order by cabinet order size alone, your doors will be too small.
What is the gap between cabinet doors? ›The normal plan is to aim for a 1/8" gap between pairs of doors that cover one opening.
What is the most common cabinet hinge? ›One of the most commonly used types is the butt hinge; you'll see it on diverse doors including cabinets. This hinge type has two sides that spread out; both sides connect to the joint, facilitating them to freely move. Typically, one side is connected to the cabinet's frame and the other to the cabinet's door.
What does 1 2 inch overlay mean? ›Partial-overlay cabinet doors are cabinetry designed with ½-inch overlay door and drawer fronts, which leaves 2 inches of the cabinet face frame exposed between the doors, creating a more traditional kitchen look. Partial-overlay cabinet doors are also called standard, traditional or half overlay.
What is the most common overlay for cabinet doors? ›In the most common cabinet design, the doors are slightly larger than the opening. This is called the overlay, and the most common overlay is ½ inch. ½ inch overlay means the door is larger, or overlays the cabinet box's opening at the top, bottom, left, and right, by ½ inch.
What does 3/4 inch overlay hinge mean? ›
If your cabinets are designed for full overlay, it means that the doors completely overlap the opening on all four sides. The correct determination for full overlay is typically 3/4 inch on all sides.
How far from edge should hinge be? ›You can check by removing a hinge and you should have 5mm between the edge of the door and the edge of the hole. Also you can request standard or even holes from the top and bottom.
Do you attach hinges to the door or the cabinet first? ›First thing is to attach the hinges to the door, determine how the door fits on the frame hole, and then aligning the door evenly on the cabinet.
Is it better to put hinges on door or frame first? ›Attaching New Hinges
Now you'll want to put the new hinges onto the doorframe (note we're fixing to the frame first and not the door). Before screwing the hinges in you'll want to ensure they sit flush.
Both interior and exterior doors need a 1/8-inch gap on each side and at the top.
How do you determine the gap of a door? ›The measurement is taken between the bottom outermost edge of the doors and the top of the floor surface beneath the doors.
Should a 24 in cabinet have 1 or 2 doors? ›Wall cabinets measuring from 9 to 21 inches have a single door while 24 to 36 inches will feature double doors.
What is the most acceptable width of kitchen cabinet in a house? ›Wall cabinet widths run from 9 to 48 inches in 3-inch increments, though it is rare to install cabinets wider than 36 inches. Most common is the 30-inch side single-or double-door wall cabinet, which offers the best proportions for most storage needs.
How wide should stiles and rails be on cabinet doors? ›Raised or inset-panel doors have stiles and rails, both typically measuring 2 to 2-1/2 inches in width. Stiles and rails for doors almost always measure equally in width except when the top rail is arched – which can add another 2 inches to the top rail, making it 3 or 4 inches wide on both sides of the arch.
What size door do I need for a 35 inch opening? ›| Rough Opening Width | Rough Opening Height | Door Size to Order |
|---|---|---|
| 29.75″ - 31″ | 81.5″ - 83″ | 28″ |
| 31.75″ - 33″ | 81.5″ - 83″ | 30″ |
| 33.75″ - 35″ | 81.5″ - 83″ | 32″ |
| 35.75″ - 37″ 37.75"-39" | 81.5″ - 83″ | 34″ 36" |
What size opening do I need for a 27 inch door? ›
Framing rough opening sizes are really quite simple. Just add 2″ to the width of the actual door size. You should add 2-1/2″ to the height of the actual door.
What size door do I need for a 36 inch opening? ›Door widths which are considered standard usually come in sizes of 2/6 (30”), 2/8 (32”) and 3/0 (36”). Standard door heights are 6/6 (78”) and 6/8 (80”). In addition, special sizes can sometimes be custom ordered. A 36” x 80” pre-hung single door will use a rough opening of approximately 38-1/2” x 82-1/4” to fit.
What is the piece of wood between two cabinet doors called? ›Center Stile
A vertical strip of hardwood that is a component of the face frame. It usually divides a cabinet opening equally. Also referred to as a mullion.
Most door installers look for a gap in the middle of double doors between 3mm and 5mm – that's less than ¼ inch. This means the doors will swing correctly and there's no risk of them hitting one another.
What are the easiest cabinet hinges to install? ›Butt Hinges
The simplest form of butt hinge is the surface-mounted variety that does not require a mortise. They're so easy to install that we won't cover them here. Traditional butt hinges come in two types: swaged and non-swaged.
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For example:
- Use two hinges for doors up to 60 inches tall.
- Use three hinges if the door is between 60 and 90 inches tall.
- For doors between 90 inches and 120 inches, use four hinges.
- Advanced Overlay. Advanced overlays require additional customization beyond the standard options. ...
- A Multi-Step Overlay. ...
- A Slider.
Overall, partial overlay cabinetry still looks great and they are on the more affordable side. However, if you are going for a minimal or custom appearance I would consider opting for an inset or full over lay door.
Is full overlay more modern? ›Modern Style – Full overlay is a newer method of cabinetry building, so it can also have a more modern look than inset cabinetry.
Should cabinets be flat or glossy? ›To sum up, a gloss finish will give your kitchen an expensive, sophisticated, and modern look. A matte finish is more subtle, soft, and cozy, and works well if your kitchen has a more traditional look. So, consider the style of your kitchen when deciding between gloss and matte cabinetry.
How many coats of paint should you put on cabinet doors? ›
Two coats of paint are essential for cabinets—you're building a surface. By the way, to get the nicest finish, use a brush, a 2- to 2 1/2-inch fine bristle brush.
Is full overlay the same as frameless? ›“Full-overlay” cabinets leave very little of the cabinet frame or box exposed and have become very popular because of this continuous, more modern look. Frameless cabinets are always full-overlay, while framed cabinets can be either full overlay, inset (see above), or partial overlay.
Does every hinge need to be soft close? ›In general one soft hinge is sufficient on majority of the door and closing habits. Two would provide more dampening and thus you can slam the doors harder with more satisfying effect.
Are three hinges better than two? ›Installing a door will three hinges rather than two hinges will reduce the risk of it sagging. Doors can sag over time. The hinges will essentially buckle under the door's weight. For heavy doors, you can use three hinges to lower the risk of sagging.
Should I put 2 or 3 hinges on a door? ›Hinge Size
As a rule, use one hinge per every 30 inches of door: Doors up to 60 inches need two hinges. Doors over 60 inches, but not over 90 inches, need three hinges. Doors over 90 inches, but not over 120 inches, need four hinges.
If the gap between the door and the frame is too small, you can widen it by adjusting the hinges. To bend the hinge, place the butt end of a nail between the hinge leaves, or against the knuckle. Pull the door closed, slowly and carefully, and the nailset will force the gap to widen.
Can a door be less than 80 inches? ›Standard Interior Door Height
It needs to be a minimum of 80 inches (although some codes allow for 78 inch doors). Doors that have a height of 80 inches are 6 foot, 8 inches in measurement, which is the reason standard interior doors are known as “6/8 doors.” A 78 inch door would be called a 6/6 door.
To measure for an inset cabinet doors - doors that are 'inset' to the cabinet frame - measure the cabinet opening and then subtract 1/8" from both the width and height of the cabinet opening so the doors have a proper gap.