Do it yourself Kitchen Layout

More than likely you already have a pretty good idea of what you like about your existing kitchen, what you hate, and what you can't afford to replace when you remodel. The first step is to create an overhead sketch of the room including all of the appliances you plan to keep, electrical outlets and switches, plumbing, windows and doors—be sure to indicate the direction of door swings. Layouts are easiest if you use graph paper. You will also need a pencil and a 25' tape measure and you're ready to go! Be sure to record your ceiling height and dimensions of any doors and windows in the room.

Click here for printable graph paper

First, sketch the outline of your room. Follow the steps below with all measurements written in inches.

Walls

1. Begin in one corner, select a wall and measure its length from corner to corner.
2. Write the measurement on the corresponding wall on your sketch.
3. Go to the next corner and measure the length of the next wall.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all wall measurements are complete.
5. Measure the height of the room. Write this dimension in the space provided.

Windows and Doors

1. Begin in the upper left corner of your drawing.
2. Moving clockwise, number the windows until you reach the starting point.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the doorways.
4. Measure the width of the window. Trim is considered part of the window or door. Measure from the outside of the trim on one side to the outside of the trim on the other side. Write the dimension in the table on the drawing corresponding to the window number.
5. Move clockwise around the room measureing each window until you reach the starting point.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the doorways.

Measuring is the single most important step of the project so take your time and check your measurements twice. If you plan to use a designer he or she will confirm all measurements prior to ordering your cabinets. Now that you have your sketch, the fun begins. Place the cabinets where you want in the grid.

Now it's time to decide if this is a project you are ready to take on yourself or if you prefer professional assistance. More than likely, the kitchen is the center of your family's daily activities and must be designed to fit your lifestyle. If you choose to work with a designer, make sure you find someone with whom you can easily communicate and freely exchange ideas—this will be imperative in creating a kitchen that exceeds your expectations.