To measure cabinet doors for full overlay, you'll need to determine the dimensions required for ordering or installing the doors properly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to measure cabinet doors for full overlay:
Determine the door style: Full overlay doors are designed to cover the entire face frame of the cabinet, leaving minimal gaps between the doors. Before measuring, confirm that your cabinet doors are indeed full overlay style.
Measure the cabinet opening width: Use a tape measure to determine the width of the cabinet opening. Measure from the inside edge of the left cabinet side to the inside edge of the right cabinet side. Make sure to measure the width at multiple points to account for any variations.
Calculate the door width: To achieve a full overlay look, you'll need to subtract the desired overlay amount from the cabinet opening width. The overlay is the amount by which the door will overlap the cabinet opening. Common overlay amounts for full overlay doors are typically around 1 inch (25mm). Subtract this overlay amount from the cabinet opening width to determine the door width. For example, if the cabinet opening width is 20 inches and you want a 1-inch overlay, the door width would be 19 inches.
Measure the cabinet opening height: Use a tape measure to determine the height of the cabinet opening. Measure from the top edge of the cabinet opening to the bottom edge. Again, measure at multiple points to ensure accuracy.
Calculate the door height: Similar to the door width, you'll need to subtract the desired overlay amount from the cabinet opening height to calculate the door height. Use the same overlay amount you selected for the door width. For example, if the cabinet opening height is 30 inches and you want a 1-inch overlay, the door height would be 29 inches.
Check for adjustments: Keep in mind that some cabinets may have adjustments or shims that affect the final measurements. If you notice any irregularities or obstructions that could affect the door installation, adjust your measurements accordingly.
Repeat for each door: If you have multiple cabinet doors, repeat the measurement process for each door individually. While most doors in a set will have the same measurements, variations can occur, especially in older cabinets or custom-built units.
By following these steps, you should be able to measure your cabinet doors accurately for a full overlay style. Remember to double-check your measurements before ordering or installing the doors to ensure a proper fit.