How Do I Measure For Kitchen Cabinets in Canada
May 14, 2025
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Here's a step-by-step guide to measuring for kitchen cabinets in Canada, tailored to Canadian standards and common kitchen layouts. This ensures accuracy for ordering stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets from Canadian suppliers like IKEA, Home Depot, or local cabinetmakers.
Tools You'll Need
Tape measure (metric and imperial, as suppliers may use either)
Laser measure (optional for precision)
Graph paper or digital app (e.g., IKEA Kitchen Planner, Homestyler)
Level (to check for uneven floors/walls)
Pencil, notepad, and camera (to document obstacles)
Step 1: Measure the Kitchen Layout
Draw a Floor Plan:
Sketch walls, windows, doors, and permanent fixtures.
Note ceiling height (standard in Canada: 8–9 feet / 2.4–2.7 meters).
Measure Walls:
Record the length of each wall in millimeters or inches (e.g., 144" or 3657.6 mm).
Mark obstacles: plumbing, vents, electrical panels, and outlets (Canadian code requires outlets every 4 feet / 1.2 meters).
Step 2: Appliance & Fixture Dimensions
Standard Canadian Appliance Sizes:
Fridge: 30–36" wide (762–914 mm).
Range: 30" wide (762 mm).
Dishwasher: 24" wide (610 mm).
Sink: 30–33" wide (762–838 mm).
Clearances:
Leave 15" (381 mm) countertop space beside the stove (Canada's CSA safety guidelines).
Allow 30" (762 mm) walkway space (for accessibility).
Step 3: Measure for Base Cabinets
Height:
Standard base cabinet height: 34.5" (876 mm).
Total counter height: 36" (914 mm) (standard in Canada).
Depth:
Base cabinets: 24" (610 mm) deep.
Island cabinets: Match depth to base cabinets or customize.
Width:
Modular sizes: 9", 12", 15", 18", 21", 24", 27", 30", 33", 36" (228–914 mm).
Step 4: Measure for Wall Cabinets
Height:
Standard upper cabinets: 30–42" (762–1067 mm).
Distance from countertop: 18" (457 mm) (to bottom of upper cabinets).
Depth:
Upper cabinets: 12" (305 mm) deep (to avoid crowding).
Step 5: Note Special Features
Corners:
Measure angles (most Canadian homes have 90° corners).
Plan for lazy Susans or blind corner solutions.
Toe Kick: Standard 3–4" (76–102 mm) height.
Filler Strips: Add 1–2" (25–50 mm) to cabinet width to fit uneven walls.
Step 6: Account for Canadian Building Codes
Ventilation:
Range hoods must vent outside (no recirculating-only hoods in most provinces).
Hood width should match cooktop width (e.g., 30" hood for 30" range).
Electrical:
GFCI outlets required near sinks (minimum 12" / 305 mm horizontally from water).
Step 7: Create a Detailed Sketch
Use metric or imperial units (confirm with your supplier).
Label:
"DW" for dishwasher.
"S" for sink.
"R" for range.
"F" for fridge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Ignoring floor slopes (common in older Canadian homes).
❌ Forgetting soffits or bulkheads (measure ceiling protrusions).
❌ Mixing metric/imperial units without conversion.
Pro Tips for Canadian Kitchens
Climate Considerations:
Use moisture-resistant materials (e.g., plywood > MDF) in humid areas like Vancouver.
Order from Canadian Suppliers:
IKEA Canada, Richelieu, or local cabinetmakers like Kitchen Craft.
Double-Check:
Canadian cabinets often follow 32mm system for Euro-style builds.
Sample Measurement Checklist
| Area | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Wall 1 (Window Wall) | 144" (3658 mm) |
| Sink Center to Corner | 24" (610 mm) |
| Ceiling Height | 96" (2438 mm) |
| Fridge Cutout | 36" x 72" (914x1829 mm) |
Next Steps
Consult a Designer: Many Canadian suppliers offer free kitchen design services.
Use Online Tools: IKEA Canada's Kitchen Planner or Home Depot's 3D Kitchen Designer.
By following these steps, you'll ensure your cabinets fit perfectly in your Canadian kitchen, whether you're in a Toronto condo, Vancouver heritage home, or Calgary suburban layout. 🇨🇦🔨