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. 

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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.

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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.” 

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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.

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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. 

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