How To Measure For Kitchen Countertops

By Author: Michael Price
Total Articles: 114
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New counters can breathe life into a tired kitchen even if you can't afford new kitchen cabinets, but be sure you know how to measure kitchen countertop dimensions before you begin the remodeling project. Measurements must be exact for the installation to look professional and for your kitchen to function.

Kitchen countertops can change the entire look and feel of your kitchen, and can range in price from inexpensive to exorbitant. Steve Janks - Construction can help you with your remodeling needs. No matter the budget, you will want to have precise measurements in order to purchase enough countertop material to complete the project properly and without added expense. Here is what you will need to do the measure for kitchen countertops.

Things You'll Need:
Tape Measure Paper and pencil
Measuring Countertops

Instructions

1. Draw a layout of your kitchen, including countertop, backsplash, sink and island positions and appliance locations. Use this to record measurements.

2. Use the tape measure to measure each section of countertop in inches. Measure length from end of counter to ...
... wall or point where next section of countertop begins. Measure depth, from wall or back of counter to front for each section as well. For galley kitchens, you'll measure from one end of counter to the other. For "L" or "U" shaped layouts, you will break it into rectangular sections at each corner.

3. Calculate odd-shaped sections or corner pieces by measuring from the longest point lengthwise and longest point depthwise. It may help to envision this odd-shaped portion as a square or rectangle. If you are retaining this feature in the countertop, the actual shape will be recreated during the installation process.

4. Measure the length and height of backsplashes. This will help to assure that you will estimate materials needed (tile, wallpaper, paint) for walls behind counters correctly.

5. Figure the area of each section by multiplying length by depth. Add the area of all sections together to determine total square inches. Divide total square inches by 144 to determine square footage. Multiply square footage by the retail square foot price of the countertop to determine your estimated cost of material needed.

Tips & Warnings

-As carpenters like to say: "Measure twice, cut once" Always round up, when taking measurements. It's better to have too much than not enough. Taking your own measurements allows you to be in control of your remodeling budget.

-Do not order countertop material from a rough estimate. Enlist the services of a professional if you are uncertain of how to measure your countertop layout correctly.

How to Save on Professional Installation

If you look over how to measure kitchen countertop dimensions and decide you don't want to risk a poor fitting countertop or a mistake that's going to cost you more money, consider doing the work you can do and then have the professional come and measure and even install your new counter. To save money, you can tear out the old countertop yourself.

Another advantage to taking out the old counter is that you can reuse it in your garage, basement or shed as a workbench or sturdy shelf to store heavier things like cans of paint. If you do this, you are saving money in two ways--not paying to have it ripped out and not having to buy supplies to create the new counter or shelf in your workspace.

As you ponder installing new countertops, it's important to have correct measurements. Whether you do it yourself or have it done professionally, you'll want the right fit for a professionally installed look to spruce up your kitchen.

Improve your home with Steve Janks - Construction

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Steve Janks Construction was founded 12 years ago by Steve Janks and has over 25 years experience in converting homes to dream homes in the San Diego area.