Measuring an under-sink unit accurately is crucial for maximizing storage and ensuring any new cabinetry or organization solutions fit perfectly within the existing space. It involves carefully considering not just the dimensions of the cabinet itself, but also the unique challenges presented by plumbing and the type of sink installed.
Essential Dimensions for Under Sink Units
To effectively measure an under-sink unit, you need to account for three primary dimensions: width, depth, and height. These measurements will guide your selection of shelves, drawers, pull-outs, or entire cabinet replacements.
1. Width Measurement
The width refers to the side-to-side dimension of the under-sink cabinet.
- Process: Measure from the inside edge of one side panel to the inside edge of the opposite side panel.
- Considerations: Note any internal obstructions like support beams or the cabinet frame itself. For frameless cabinets, this will be a straightforward measurement.
2. Depth Measurement
The depth is the front-to-back dimension of the cabinet.
- Process: Measure from the inside of the front frame (or cabinet opening for frameless) to the inside of the back wall.
- Considerations: This is where plumbing often becomes a major factor. You'll need to measure around pipes and disposals, accounting for the available usable depth. The deepest point where you can place an item should be your primary depth measurement for practical storage.
3. Height Measurement
The height is the top-to-bottom dimension within the cabinet.
- Process: Measure from the bottom of the cabinet floor up to the underside of the countertop or the bottom of the sink basin.
- Considerations: This measurement is critical, as the sink basin, drain, and disposal unit will significantly intrude into this space. Ensure you measure the height to the lowest point of any obstruction (e.g., the bottom of the garbage disposal or drainpipe) to determine the maximum height for storage items.
The Influence of Sink Type on Measurements
The type of sink installed significantly impacts how you measure the usable space, especially the height and depth, directly under the basin.
As per industry standards:
- For a standard inset sink, you'll have to measure to the edge of the rim. An inset (or drop-in) sink sits on top of the countertop, and its rim slightly reduces the effective opening width.
- For an undermount sink, you need to measure to the edge of the opening since there is no lip around the sink. Undermount sinks are installed below the countertop, which can offer slightly more usable width at the very top of the cabinet opening, but the sink basin itself may hang lower into the cabinet.
This table summarizes the measurement considerations based on sink type:
| Sink Type | Measurement Focus | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Inset Sink | Measure to the edge of the rim for width/opening. | The visible lip of the sink that rests on the countertop slightly reduces the available width of the opening directly below the counter compared to the overall cabinet width. |
| Undermount Sink | Measure to the edge of the opening (cutout in the countertop) for width. No lip to account for. | Offers a cleaner look and potentially a tiny bit more top-edge width, but the sink basin itself might hang deeper into the cabinet, impacting usable height for top-level storage or pull-outs. |
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
Follow these steps for accurate under-sink unit measurements:
- Clear the Area: Remove everything from under the sink to get an unobstructed view.
- Measure Internal Width: Use a tape measure to get the exact distance from the inside wall of the cabinet on one side to the inside wall of the other side. Note this down as "Internal Width."
- Measure Internal Depth: Measure from the inside of the front cabinet frame (or opening for frameless) to the back wall.
- Crucial Step: Identify and measure the depth to the front of the largest obstruction (e.g., the P-trap, garbage disposal, water filter system) to determine the usable depth for items. This is your "Usable Depth."
- Measure Internal Height: Measure from the bottom of the cabinet floor to the underside of the countertop.
- Crucial Step: Identify the lowest point of the sink basin, drain assembly, or garbage disposal unit. Measure from the cabinet floor to this lowest point. This is your "Usable Height."
- Account for Plumbing: Carefully note the exact location and dimensions of all pipes (drain, hot/cold water lines), the P-trap, shut-off valves, and any garbage disposal unit or water filtration systems. These will create significant obstacles. Consider their footprint when planning storage solutions.
- Measure Door Opening (if applicable): If installing pull-out shelves or drawers, measure the width and height of the cabinet door opening itself. This is often smaller than the internal cabinet width and is critical for ensuring items can be pulled out or installed.
- Record All Measurements: Write down all your measurements clearly, perhaps sketching a simple diagram of the under-sink area with dimensions and obstruction locations.
By meticulously following these steps and considering the specific challenges posed by plumbing and sink type, you can ensure your under-sink unit measurements are precise, leading to efficient and functional storage solutions.
