The overlay refers to the distance a cabinet door or drawer front extends beyond the opening to fully cover it. This measurement may not be uniform on all four sides, making it somewhat challenging to determine. If you’d like assistance, feel free to contact our office to schedule a visit from one of our associates who can measure for you. Alternatively, if you’re up for a DIY project, here’s a guide on how to measure:
- Check the Hinge: Check the hinges attaching your doors to the cabinet. Some hinges have the overlay size engraved on the part attached to the cabinet. This tells you the overlay for the hinge side of the door. If no overlay is visible, this can be calculated the same as the remaining sides.
- Ensure Proper Closure: Make sure the door or drawer is fully closed and aligned properly. An opened or misaligned door can lead to incorrect overlay measurements, impacting the fit and function of your cabinetry.
- Mark the Sides: With the door or drawer closed, take a fine-point pencil and lightly draw a small mark on the other 3 sides of the door. Ensure these marks are precise and visible without damaging any of the finish on your cabinet. If the hinges did not have a size indicated, be sure to mark that side of the door as well. All 4 sides of the drawer front should be marked for reference.
- Measure the Overlay: Open the door or drawer then take a measuring tape or ruler and measure from the inside edge of the frame out to your marked line, keeping your tool flat against the frame to avoid errors. This will provide you the overlay measurement for each side, which typically ranges from 1/4″ to 1-1/2″. Be sure to measure to the nearest 1/16″ for the most accurate results.
- Double-Check Measurements: After measuring, double-check your measurements. Measure each side twice and compare the results before proceeding to ensure accuracy. This will ensure that what you order will be the right fit and size for your cabinet.
- Document Your Measurements: Write down your measurements in a clear format for future reference. This will help when the time comes to calculate door sizes, order your new doors and drawer fronts, and reinstall back on the proper cabinet.
