Stay on top of your countertop order with this simple guide
Whether you’re revamping your countertops or extending a kitchen island, learning how to measure kitchen countertops properly will ensure you order the correct size for your new slabs. Luckily, with a tape measure, a rough sketch, and a little math, you can take care of measurements with ease. Let’s review the process to ensure you get precise measurements for a seamless kitchen countertop installation.
Before you bring out the measuring tape, it’s a good idea to draw a rough sketch of your kitchen countertops. This step will help your countertop manufacturer get a better visualization of the size and shape of your countertops, plus it will make it much easier to keep track of your numbers. Be sure to highlight the placement of the sink, appliances, and any planned backsplash ideas on the same paper.
Also, if your countertops are lengthy, it’s helpful to grab a partner who can hold the end of the tape while you measure.
To prevent overlaps, we recommend measuring the countertop in rectangular sections. If you have rounded corners or if you’re building a kitchen island that’s round or oval-shaped, treat these as squares to keep things simple.
Start by measuring the length of each countertop section. Begin at one end of the countertop and run your tape measure along the edge, taking notes of each measurement on your drawing.
Next, measure the depth (or width) of each countertop section. The standard kitchen counter depth is around 25 inches, but results may vary.
Once you have all your numbers marked, multiply the length and width of each section to calculate the total square footage. For example, if you have a length of 132 inches and a width of 25 inches, your square footage would look like this: 132 x 25 = 3,300 inches. Then, you can confidently order or purchase your countertops!
If you’re not sure your measurements are correct, or if you have oddly-shaped countertops that are challenging to measure accurately, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pro for help. A local countertop contractor can come to your home, measure your countertops, and do the ordering for you to ensure a perfect fit.
These countertop pros can also help you choose between quartz and granite countertop colors, helping you find the best options to suit your style and kitchen remodel budget.
The cost of quartz countertops is around $4,500 on average. Materials such as vinyl, slate, and granite tend to cost less per square foot, making quartz countertops a considerable investment for your kitchen. However, quartz is a highly durable, non-porous, and low-maintenance material, so many homeowners find it well worth the extra cost.
A standard countertop typically has an overhang of 1½ inches, but yours might vary. To determine your countertop overhang, position yourself directly above the countertop and look straight down. Start from the counter's edge that is closest to you and facing the room. Measuring from this point back to the base cabinets will provide the correct measurement for the countertop overhang.
In most cases, countertops are sold and represented in linear feet rather than square feet. In this context, a linear foot refers to a length of 12 inches by 12 inches. The depth of a linear foot is typically 25 inches, aligning with the average depth of a kitchen countertop, while the width is approximately 12 inches.
