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Cabinet Start

The Cabinet Start walkthrough

A little guidance.
A kitchen that feels like you.

One step at a time, from room measurements to free design review. Keep this guide open beside the planner and work at your own pace.

Open the free planner →Start with the basics →
01

Gather a few measurements.

A tape measure, a sketch and a few room photos are a great start.

  1. Measure each finished wall and your ceiling height in inches. Note any soffits or changes in wall height.
  2. Measure door and window widths, heights and positions. Record the height from the floor to the bottom of each window.
  3. Note plumbing, outlets, vents and the sizes of your appliances. Recheck measurements before ordering.
02

Start your room.

Select Start Designing, then Start a Kitchen.

  1. Choose the closest shape: a straight run, galley, L-shape or U-shape. Custom Drawing lets you start a different layout.
  2. Enter wall lengths and ceiling information. Add an island or peninsula if you have one.
  3. Add doors, pass-throughs and windows. Choose trim and trim width where needed, then select Finish Setup.
03

Try Auto Design (optional).

Let the planner propose a starting layout while keeping your sink and appliance locations fixed.

  1. Choose Auto Design a Kitchen from the welcome screen, or check Auto Design my cabinets after setup before finishing the room. You can also use Auto Design in the toolbar later.
  2. Choose cabinet style and color, then select a ceiling gap, cabinets to the ceiling, crown molding to the ceiling, or base cabinets only. Enter each appliance’s wall, offset from the wall-start dot, physical dimensions and installation opening width. For the sink, enter the sink base width and position. Add cabinet requests for a pantry, drawer bases, a narrow organizer/spice pullout, trash pullout or regular base. Choose a listed product, quantity and optional wall preference. Products shown depend on the selected finish.
  3. For an island, open Auto Design an island and check Generate island cabinets too. Choose cabinet length (before overhang), 24-inch single or 48-inch back-to-back depth, rear seating overhang, direction and automatic placement or a fixed center point. Add island cabinet requests and row preferences. Known perimeter aisles must be at least 42 inches, including overhang. Select Generate a layout, read the proposed list and notes, or select Generate another layout and compare with Previous option / Next option. Measurements and appliance locations stay fixed. Choose Use this layout when ready. Confirm replacement of existing wall runs and, if selected, island-zone cabinets. Openings, peninsula and other workspace items stay. Undo restores the previous layout.
04

Choose your cabinets.

Open Cabinets and choose a style and color.

  1. Use the category, cabinet type or search to find base, wall and tall cabinets or accessories.
  2. Choose Add on a cabinet card, then click the plan to place it. Place the bases first, then add the wall cabinets.
  3. Select or double-click a placed cabinet to adjust its settings. Check its size, orientation and finish. Use Undo to reverse a change.
05

Add the rest of the kitchen.

Build enough detail for us to understand your space.

  1. Use Appliances to add the fridge, range and other appliances in their intended locations. Confirm dimensions against the actual models you plan to buy.
  2. Use Openings to add or adjust doors and windows. Include trim when it takes up space near cabinets.
  3. Choose countertop and flooring looks. Add notes for plumbing, special requests or anything that needs our attention.
06

Check the layout in 2D and 3D.

Use each view for a different part of the job.

  1. In 2D, use Fit room to see the plan and its measurements. Check cabinet placement, wall lengths and openings.
  2. Switch to 3D to explore the room. Drag to look around, zoom with the wheel or pinch, and use the camera controls for another angle.
  3. Use Design Check to look for layout warnings. If your browser cannot start 3D, you can keep designing and submit your plan in 2D.
07

Save your work.

Choose the saving option that fits how you work.

  1. Without an account, Save keeps your layout on this device and browser. Avoid clearing browser data if you need that copy.
  2. Register or sign in to save kitchens to your account and return from another device. Wait for the saved confirmation before leaving.
  3. Use Download PDF for a project packet. You can also keep a design backup from Design files. On a phone, follow your browser’s download or share options.
08

Submit for a free review.

Select Send for Free Review when your layout is ready for a closer look.

  1. Enter your name, email and project ZIP code. Add a phone number if you’d like us to have it.
  2. Include questions and any helpful room photos or sketches. Read the estimate information and measurement acknowledgment.
  3. Select Submit for Free Review and wait for confirmation. No payment is due and submitting does not place an order.
09

Review your plan and rendering.

After your design review, our team will provide a photorealistic rendering to help you picture your finished kitchen.

  1. Review any questions or revised layout from Wholesale Variation Kitchen & Bath. Confirm the measurements and actual appliance specifications.
  2. Review the photorealistic rendering prepared by our team after review. Use it to discuss the overall look, cabinet style and finish, and any changes you’d like to make. The planner’s live 3D view helps you explore while designing; your photorealistic rendering is provided separately after our team reviews the plan.
  3. Discuss cabinet selections, assembly options and delivery requirements. We ship cabinets across the country.
  4. Only proceed with an order once the design, product selections, final pricing and delivery details have been confirmed.

Ready to give it a try?

Start designing for free →

Need a hand? We’re here to help.