Measuring Your Alcove

Begin by measuring the width of the alcove from wall to wall. Alcoves are rarely uniform in width so it's important to take at least 3 measurements in different places along the height to find any variations:

• Measure at top, middle, and bottom
• Note the widest and narrowest widths
• Note any skirting or coving

If you plan to scribe filler panels against uneven walls, use the widest measurement.

If you prefer a free-standing fit with minimal adjustment, use the narrowest measurement.

Floor and ceilings may also not be perfectly level. It's just as important to measure and account for any variation in the height.

• Measure in 3 points along the alcove width
• Note the shortest and tallest heights
• Note any skirting heights

Similar to the alcove width, use the tallest height if you're comfortable with scribing fillers against a ceiling.

If you're prefer not to scribe or trim a top filler, use the shortest measurement.

Floor to ceiling builds aren't always desired and in such cases, it's essential to leave a gap between the top of the unit and the ceiling. This should ideally be more than 50mm.

If your cabinet is built as a single piece, it will need to be stood up after assembly.

Make sure the cabinet height is short enough to clear the ceiling as it tilts upwards.

The rear wall of an alcove can often be slanted without it being obvious. Use a spirit level to double check if the wall is level or if it's tilting in either direction. To measure the depth of an alcove, follow the same steps as before:

• Measure from the rear wall to the front of the alcove in 3 different places
• Note any skirting thicknesses
• Note the shallowest and deepest measurements

Fitted cabinetry can either sit within an alcove or protrude. When designing for fitted cabinets that protrude, filler panels will be incorporated to ensure the fit is seamless.