Read the spec first
Read 06 40 00 Architectural Woodwork and 06 41 00 Architectural Wood Casework. Manufactured casework is in 12 32 00. Countertops can be in 12 36 00. Note the quality grade, the core, the face material and the hardware. Grade and face material drive the cost of each cabinet.
Sheets and schedules that carry the count
- The interior elevations. They show each run of cabinets with heights and widths.
- The enlarged plans. They show cabinet depths and the countertop shapes.
- The millwork sections and details.
- The finish schedule and the finish legend. They name laminates, veneers and countertop materials.
- The casework schedule, if the set has one.
- The equipment plans, for appliances and sinks that sit in the casework.
Steps in order
- Find every room with millwork on the floor plans.
- Find the elevation for each run. Note any run with no elevation.
- Count base, wall and tall cabinets by width and type.
- Measure countertops by length and depth. Keep each material apart.
- Measure backsplashes, side splashes and edge profiles.
- Measure running trim, wall caps and handrails by length.
- Measure wall panels by area.
- Count hardware, cutouts, grommets, brackets and reception desks.
Count, length, area or volume
- Count: cabinets, drawers, doors, hardware, cutouts and support brackets.
- Length: countertops, splashes, trim, shelving and base runs.
- Area: wall panels, solid surface and stone tops.
- Volume: none.
Conflicts to find, and what to exclude
- The plan shows a run of cabinets with no interior elevation.
- The elevation and the enlarged plan show different lengths for one run.
- The finish legend names a countertop material that the spec gives to another section.
- The spec grade differs from what the details show.
- Laboratory or medical casework appears on the same elevations under a different section.
State who supplies sinks, appliances and wall backing. Exclude plumbing and electrical connections. Qualify field finishing and stone or solid surface tops if another section carries them. State if installation is in your number.
Trade takeoffs · Updated 11 Nov 2026