TAKING MEASUREMENTS & 3 ESSENTIAL CHECKS
Don't let your kitchen dreams come crashing down!
Don't skip doing these 3 essential checks when taking measurements for your new Ikea kitchen
In this video, I set out to create the ultimate foundation for a trouble-free IKEA kitchen layout plan. Armed with a tape measure, a laser level, a few other tools, and an unyielding determination to scrutinize any room, I give in to the fact that the devil truly is in the details.
From sagging ceilings that make us question gravity to leaning walls, I encounter every possible challenge that could arise when creating an IKEA kitchen layout plan.
Throughout the video, I will share my best practice for accurately measuring distance, identifying a sagging ceiling, and checking if your walls are as plumb as we hope.
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Square Grid Paper
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Go Green and save batteries
This is the third laser level I bought since I started to install kitchens, and hopefully, the last. It uses the same 12V battery as my 12V power tool and can run for a long time on a full charge.
This one has a green laser light, making it much easier to see the lines in broad daylight.
It is not a cheap tool, though, but I would have saved quite a bit of dollars if I had bought it, to begin with, instead of purchasing more affordable options twice.
Since I use the laser for a lot more than just checking ceilings and hanging rails, it has been money well spent for me.
Put it up and forget and forgt about it.
Before digging in and spending money on this pole, I clipped my (first) laser to a few suspension rails resting on something high in the corner of the room. Sounds time-consuming and complicated, right? Well, it was.
Also, I had to figure out an alternative way to position the level when installing the last suspension rail.
Now, with this pole, I put it up in a favourable position, and it just sits there during the entire installation, allowing me to move my level up or down with ease.
Just one, among others
Over the years I have had several longer as well as shorter spirit levels. Somehow I have struggled to find one which stays true continuously.
For the time being, which has been a very long while, I am using a 24″ level from DeWalt.
The length is perfect for the initial levelling of base cabinets and for checking if the upper cabinets are vertical.
When I need something longer, I use it in combination with a “straight edge”.
What...not a DeWalt?
Let’s face it. There’s not much to a measuring tape. No, there isn’t, but I picked this specific tape for two reasons.
The first is the colour. When 99% of my other tools are yellow, spotting the measuring tape quickly is pretty hard. The red colour stands out. 1-2-3…there it is.
Secondly, the AutoLock feature is convenient. It locks automatically and is released by pushing the button. I like that better than the opposite.
Be square when needed.
I use a 12″ plastic square like this one when I check the corners of a room, assemble cabinet boxes, and do a few other tasks during the installation.
An aluminum one might be more durable, but my orange one has held up just fine so far.