Frequently asked questions
Where do I start when planning a new kitchen?
Start with your room measurements, then work out where your appliances, sink and services need to go. From there, you can begin choosing the cabinets that fit your space and create the storage and layout you want.
If you’re not sure where to start, Kitchen Buddy can help you work through your layout before you order.
How do I know which kitchen cabinets I need?
Start with the essentials: your sink, oven, cooktop, fridge and dishwasher. These help determine where certain cabinets need to go.
You can then fill the remaining space with drawer cabinets, base cabinets, wall cabinets, pantry cabinets and storage solutions based on how you want to use your kitchen.
How do I measure my kitchen for new cabinets?
Measure the full length of every wall, along with your ceiling height and the position and size of doors and windows.
You’ll also need to record the location of plumbing, waste pipes, electrical points and any other fixed services or obstacles.
Measure the room itself rather than relying on the measurements of your existing kitchen.
What measurements do I need before ordering kitchen cabinets?
At minimum, you should have:
- The full length of each wall
- Ceiling height
- Door and window sizes and positions
- Distances between doors, windows and adjoining walls
- Plumbing and waste locations
- Electrical and appliance locations
- Any columns, boxed areas or other obstacles
Accurate measurements are important because even a small difference can affect how your cabinets fit.
What are standard kitchen cabinet sizes?
Kitchen cabinets are available in a range of standard widths so they can be combined to create different kitchen layouts.
Base cabinets, wall cabinets, drawer cabinets and tall cabinets also have different standard heights and depths depending on their purpose.
Always check the measurements listed on the individual Kitchen Buddy product before planning your layout.
Can I buy kitchen cabinets individually?
Yes. Kitchen Buddy cabinets can be purchased individually, so you can choose the combination of cabinets that works for your space.
This also means you can build a complete kitchen one cabinet at a time rather than being restricted to a fixed kitchen package.
Can I order kitchen cabinets online?
Yes. Kitchen Buddy cabinets can be selected and ordered through the website.
Before ordering, make sure you have checked your room measurements, cabinet sizes, appliance requirements and any panels, fillers or accessories your kitchen will need.
Can I buy kitchen cabinets without installation?
Yes. You can purchase the cabinets without installation and arrange your own installer or complete suitable parts of the installation yourself.
If you are using an installer, it is a good idea to involve them before ordering so they can check your measurements and layout.
What are preassembled kitchen cabinets?
Preassembled kitchen cabinets are supplied already constructed rather than arriving as a flat pack that needs to be assembled panel by panel.
This removes much of the cabinet assembly work and allows you or your installer to focus on positioning, levelling and installing the cabinetry.
What is the difference between preassembled and flat-pack kitchen cabinets?
Flat-pack cabinets arrive as separate pieces and need to be assembled before they can be installed.
Preassembled cabinets arrive already constructed.
For many homeowners and installers, preassembled cabinets can make the installation process simpler and reduce the time spent assembling individual cabinet boxes.
Are modular kitchen cabinets good?
Modular kitchen cabinets can be a practical and cost-effective way to create a kitchen because standard cabinet sizes can be combined in different ways to suit the room.
A well-planned modular kitchen can include drawers, pantries, storage solutions, appliance cabinets and finishing panels to create a complete kitchen layout.
The most important part is
Can modular kitchen cabinets be used to create a complete kitchen?
Yes. A complete kitchen can be created by combining different modular cabinets to suit your layout.
For example, you might use base cabinets, drawer cabinets, a sink cabinet, wall cabinets, pantry cabinets and specialised storage units, then complete the kitchen with panels, fillers, kickboards and handles.
Can I install kitchen cabinets myself?
It is possible to install kitchen cabinets yourself if you have the appropriate tools, skills and understanding of how cabinetry needs to be levelled, positioned and securely fixed.
However, incorrect installation can affect door alignment, drawer operation, benchtops and the overall finish of the kitchen.
Electrical, plumbing and other restricted work must be completed by appropriately qualified tradespeople where required.
Do I need a builder to install kitchen cabinets?
Not necessarily. Kitchen cabinets can be installed by experienced kitchen installers, cabinetmakers, builders or competent DIYers depending on the project. Most commonly by cabinetmakers because they are who make kitchen cabinets not builders.
More complex renovations involving structural changes or other building work may require additional trades.
Plumbing and electrical work should always be completed by the appropriate qualified tradespeople where required.
What size cabinet do I need for my sink?
Your sink needs to fit within the usable internal space of the sink cabinet.
Do not assume that a sink advertised as a particular width will automatically fit a cabinet of the same nominal width. Check the sink manufacturer's minimum cabinet-size requirements before choosing your cabinet.
The plumbing and waste also need to be positioned so they can enter the usable area of the cabinet rather than interfering with the cabinet sides.
How do I plan kitchen cabinets around my appliances?
Choose or confirm your main appliances early in the planning process and check their exact installation requirements.
Measure the required openings for your fridge, oven, cooktop, dishwasher and rangehood rather than relying only on the advertised appliance width.
Allow for any ventilation, clearance or surrounding cabinetry requirements specified by the appliance manufacturer.
Why do kitchen cabinets need fillers and end panels?
Fillers close small gaps between cabinets and adjoining walls or cabinetry.
They can also provide important clearance so doors, drawers and handles can open without hitting a wall or another cabinet.
End panels are used where the side of a cabinet is visible and help create a finished appearance.
Where you need fillers or panels depends on your particular kitchen layout.
How much space should I leave between kitchen cabinets and an island?
You need enough room to comfortably walk through the space and open cabinet doors, drawers and appliances without them interfering with each other.
The right clearance depends on how the kitchen will be used, whether more than one person regularly cooks in the space and what appliances or cabinets open into the walkway.
Always consider the fully open position of doors, drawers, dishwashers and ovens when planning your island.
As a guide 1200mm is a comfortable amount of space between cabinets. If you're unsure mark it out on the floor using asking tape.
How long does it take to get new kitchen cabinets?
Lead times can vary depending on the size of your order, the cabinets required and current availability.
Smaller orders may be ready sooner, while larger kitchen orders can take longer to manufacture and prepare.
Check the expected lead time with Kitchen Buddy before placing an order if you are working toward a particular installation date.
How much do kitchen cabinets cost?
The total cost depends on the number and type of cabinets you need, along with drawers, pantry units, panels, fillers, handles, storage accessories and other components.
A small straight kitchen may require far fewer cabinets than a large U-shaped kitchen or kitchen with an island.
The easiest way to estimate your cabinet cost is to plan the layout first and then price the individual components required for your kitchen.