How to Measure Your Bathroom Cabinet Space & Choose the Right Materials

How to Measure Your Bathroom Cabinet Space & Choose the Right Materials
Transform your bathroom with perfectly fitted storage solutions. This comprehensive guide walks you through professional measurement techniques and material selection, ensuring your new cabinets fit flawlessly and withstand the humid bathroom environment for years to come. We realize, of course, that some may not feel comfortable taking measurements so we are standing by for any assistance needed. Simply click the "Email Us For Assistance" button above or call us at (623) 261.7616 during regular business hours of 9 - 5 M-F (AZ). For those who are comfortable with the process, the information on the following pages will walk you through what is needed.
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Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Workspace
Essential Tools
Before you begin measuring, gather your professional toolkit to ensure accuracy. You'll need a reliable 25-foot tape measure for extended spans, pencil and paper (grid paper works best for proportional sketches), and a level to check for uneven surfaces that could affect installation.
Clear the area completely around your existing cabinet or installation space. Remove any items, decorations, or obstructions that might interfere with accurate measurements. Having a helper makes the process significantly easier and more precise.
Step 2: Draw a Rough Sketch of Your Bathroom Layout
Creating a detailed visual reference is crucial for accurate cabinet ordering. Start by sketching the walls where cabinets will be installed, carefully noting the positions of doors, windows, and existing fixtures like toilets, sinks, and bathtubs.
01
Mark structural elements
Draw all walls, doors, and windows with their swing directions
02
Identify plumbing and electrical
Note pipes, outlets, switches, and junction boxes that cannot be moved
03
Label everything clearly
Use consistent naming for easy reference when ordering
Step 3: Take Horizontal Measurements
Horizontal measurements form the foundation of your cabinet planning. Begin by measuring the complete length of each wall from corner to corner in inches, which provides your maximum available space for cabinetry installation.
Next, measure from corners to the edges of all doors, windows, and architectural features, always including trim width in your measurements. This ensures cabinets won't interfere with door swings or window operation.
Pro Tip: Always verify that the sum of your smaller segment measurements equals the total wall length. Any discrepancy indicates a measurement error that should be corrected immediately.
Step 4: Take Vertical Measurements
1
Floor to Ceiling
Measure at three different points along each wall. Older homes often have uneven floors or ceilings that can affect cabinet installation and require custom adjustments.
2
Window Dimensions
Record the distance from floor to window bottom, the complete window height including frame, and from window top to ceiling for upper cabinet planning.
3
Countertop Heights
Measure from floor to the top of existing countertops or vanities. Standard height is 32-36 inches, but verify your specific measurements for perfect alignment.
4
Obstructions
Document heights of vents, pipes, electrical boxes, and any protruding elements that could interfere with cabinet placement or door operation.
Step 5: Measure Cabinet Depth and Width
Understanding standard cabinet dimensions helps you plan realistic configurations while identifying opportunities for custom solutions. For existing cabinets you're replacing, measure the depth from the back wall to the front edge, noting any variations.
Standard Depth Guidelines
Base cabinets: typically 21 inches deep
Wall cabinets: usually 12 inches deep
Shallow cabinets: 6-9 inches for tight spaces
Custom depths available for unique layouts
Width Considerations
Standard widths: 18 to 48 inches
Common increments: 3 or 6 inches
Measure existing openings precisely
Account for filler strips if needed
Step 6: Confirm Door Swing and Clearance
Proper clearance planning prevents frustrating installation problems and ensures your bathroom remains functional. Carefully note how each door opens—whether inward or outward—and which side the hinges are mounted on.
Verify there's adequate clearance for cabinet doors and drawers to open fully without hitting walls, fixtures, or other cabinets. Consider the swing path of bathroom entry doors and any potential interference with cabinet hardware. A minimum clearance of 2-3 inches is recommended for comfortable daily use.
Step 7: Double-Check and Finalize Your Sketch
Review every measurement
Go through your sketch systematically, verifying each dimension is clearly labeled and accurate. Check that horizontal and vertical measurements align logically.
Photograph your space
Take multiple photos from different angles, including close-ups of problem areas, plumbing, and electrical outlets. These visual references prove invaluable during ordering and installation.
Create a master document
Consolidate your sketch, measurements, and photos into one organized reference. Keep both digital and physical copies accessible for consultations with designers and contractors.
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Bathroom Cabinets
Material selection dramatically impacts your bathroom cabinets' longevity, appearance, and maintenance requirements. The bathroom's unique environment—with elevated humidity, temperature fluctuations, and water exposure—demands materials that can withstand these challenging conditions while maintaining their beauty.
From classic solid wood to innovative engineered materials, each option offers distinct advantages. Understanding the characteristics, benefits, and limitations of each material empowers you to make an informed decision that aligns with your budget, aesthetic preferences, and performance expectations.
Solid Wood Cabinets
Solid wood cabinets represent the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship and timeless elegance. These premium cabinets deliver unmatched durability and a luxurious, high-end appearance that only improves with age, developing a rich patina over time.
Popular wood species include oak for its prominent grain and strength, cherry for its warm reddish tones, walnut for its sophisticated dark color, teak for exceptional water resistance, birch for smooth finishing, and poplar for paint-grade applications.
Important: Solid wood requires excellent bathroom ventilation to prevent warping, swelling, or cracking from humidity. Proper sealing and periodic maintenance extend lifespan significantly.
While solid wood commands higher prices due to material costs and skilled craftsmanship requirements, the investment delivers exceptional longevity, repair capability, and timeless aesthetic appeal that enhances home value.
Hardwood Plywood Cabinets
Hardwood plywood offers an intelligent engineering solution that maximizes wood's beauty while minimizing its moisture-related vulnerabilities. Constructed from multiple thin wood veneer layers with alternating grain directions, plywood achieves superior dimensional stability compared to solid wood.
Enhanced Stability
Cross-grain construction resists warping, twisting, and expansion from humidity changes, making it ideal for bathroom environments.
Popular Species
Available in birch, oak, cherry, teak, and walnut veneers, offering natural wood beauty with improved performance characteristics.
Water Resistance
Many plywood products feature moisture-resistant glues and special treatments specifically designed for high-humidity applications.
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
MDF represents engineered wood innovation, manufactured from fine wood fibers combined with wax and resin binders under high pressure and temperature. The result is an exceptionally smooth, uniform material that accepts paint finishes beautifully.
Standard MDF is often lacquered with durable polyurethane or polyester paints, creating seamless, sophisticated surfaces in countless color options. For bathrooms, specify hydrofuge (water-resistant) MDF, which incorporates moisture-repelling additives for superior performance in humid conditions.
Finish Versatility
Accepts paint perfectly with no visible grain, enabling bold colors and contemporary styles impossible with natural wood.
Cost-Effective
Significantly more affordable than solid wood while delivering professional-grade appearance and satisfactory durability.
Lightweight Construction
Easier to handle during installation and places less stress on wall mounting systems compared to heavier materials.
Solid Surface and Corian® Cabinets
Solid surface materials like Corian® represent the cutting edge of bathroom cabinet innovation. These non-porous, homogeneous materials are engineered specifically for wet environments, offering unparalleled moisture resistance and hygienic properties that natural materials cannot match.
Premium Features
Completely non-porous surface resists mold and bacteria
Stone-like or ceramic appearance with modern aesthetic
Seamless integration with solid surface countertops
Can be thermoformed into curved or unique shapes
Considerations
Higher initial investment than traditional materials
Less common, requiring specialized fabricators
Perfect for luxury bathroom remodels
Minimal maintenance with exceptional longevity
Summary: Material Selection Tips
Assess Your Environment
Evaluate your bathroom's moisture levels, ventilation quality, and water exposure patterns. Well-ventilated bathrooms with exhaust fans can accommodate more material options, while humid bathrooms with poor airflow require moisture-resistant choices like hydrofuge MDF or solid surface materials.
Balance Budget and Durability
Match your material selection to both immediate budget constraints and long-term value expectations. While solid wood and Corian® cost more upfront, their exceptional longevity may justify the investment. MDF and plywood offer excellent value for moderate budgets without sacrificing quality appearance.
Define Your Style
Let your aesthetic vision guide material choice. Traditional and transitional styles favor solid wood's natural grain, contemporary designs embrace MDF's smooth painted finishes, and ultra-modern spaces showcase solid surface materials' seamless sophistication.
Consult the Experts
Discuss your specific needs with cabinet suppliers who can recommend treated or specially engineered options. Ask about warranties, maintenance requirements, and real-world performance in bathroom applications. Remember that accurate measurements ensure your chosen cabinets fit perfectly regardless of material.
Ready to Order Your Bathroom Accessories?
You now possess the knowledge and measurements needed to confidently order bathroom accessories that will transform your space. Your detailed sketch, comprehensive measurements, and material preferences provide everything necessary to begin your cabinet selection journey.
Organize Documentation
Compile your measurements, sketches, photos, and material preferences into a complete package for your supplier or designer.
Contact Professionals
Reach out to your preferred cabinet supplier or designer with your documentation and questions about customization options.
Plan Timeline
Finished cabinets typically require 4-5 weeks for fabrication and delivery, so plan your project schedule accordingly.
Contact a Designer
Your investment in proper measurement and material selection ensures a beautifully fitted, durable bathroom storage solution perfectly tailored to your space. Enjoy the confidence that comes from thorough preparation and informed decision-making!
Material Choices: Woods and Metals
Beyond the core material types, specific wood species and metal accents can dramatically influence your bathroom's aesthetic and durability. Select options that resonate with your design vision and performance needs.
Oak
Known for its prominent grain and exceptional hardness, Oak offers a timeless, robust choice. It's highly durable and resistant to wear, making it a classic option for cabinet doors and frames.
Walnut
Prized for its rich, dark brown hues and elegant grain patterns. Walnut brings a touch of luxury and sophistication, often used in more contemporary or high-end designs due to its premium appearance.
Cherry
Boasts a distinctive reddish-brown color that deepens over time. Cherry wood has a fine, uniform grain, offering a smooth, refined look that complements both traditional and modern styles.
Birch
Features a light color and subtle grain, providing a versatile canvas for various finishes. It's a strong, inexpensive wood that takes stains well, making it adaptable to many design palettes.
Ash
Similar to oak in strength and grain, but typically lighter in color. Ash offers excellent shock resistance and flexibility, making it a durable and attractive option for modern cabinetry.
For hardware and accent details, metal choices provide both function and flair:
Brass
Offers a warm, golden luster, ideal for adding a classic or vintage touch. It develops a rich patina over time, enhancing its character, and is highly corrosion-resistant, perfect for bathrooms.
Aluminum
A lightweight, modern option with a sleek, silvery finish. It's naturally rust-resistant and durable, making it excellent for minimalist designs and high-humidity environments.
Copper
Known for its distinctive reddish-brown hue and antimicrobial properties. Copper brings a unique, artisanal aesthetic and will also develop a beautiful, evolving patina, adding depth to your space.