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 battery as my power tools 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 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 easily.
Just one, among others
Over the years, I have had several longer and shorter spirit levels. Somehow, I have struggled to find one that 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.
Be square when needed.
I use a 12″ aluminum square like this one when I check the corners of a room, assemble cabinet boxes, and do a few other tasks during the installation.
I bought the orange one made from plastic at first, but since it broke from falling a few feet, I replaced it with a stronger one.