How to Measure for Countertops

Learning how to measure for countertops is an important step of kitchen renovation. Although most countertop fabricators will do their own measuring, having accurate measurements in hand will help when it come time to estimate cost.

How To Measure For Countertops Yourself
Typically, a professional countertop installer will come out to your house and take his own measurements. Depending on the material you're having installed, the installer may also make cardboard templates of your countertops to make absolutely sure the new ones will be the right size. If you're looking to measure for countertops to get an accurate estimate, here's how to get started:

• What you'll need. You'll need a pencil, some graph paper (four squares to the inch), a tape measure and a ruler or straightedge.
• A map to lead them. First, draw a sketch of the layout of your kitchen area. Using a scale of two squares per foot, transfer the dimensions of your kitchen to the graph paper. Be sure to include the location of your sink, any appliances and any islands in your kitchen.
• Measure twice, cut once. Carefully measure all of the dimensions you'll need-and then measure them a second time to be sure. Accurate measurements will help you make accurate cost estimates.
• Wall to wall. Make length measurements from one wall to the other-ignore the backsplash and other counters. Measure both at the back and front of the counter as the lengths may vary.
• Stuck in a corner. For corner counters, measure from the edge to the opposite wall on both sides of the corner intersection.
• Back up. Measure the length of your backsplash and add the dimensions together to get a total linear foot measurement.
• Hang it up. Although standard countertops are around 25", islands or bar countertops may have more overhang. Be sure to account for this extra material when you measure your countertop depths.