New countertops instantly update a kitchen or bathroom. Professional installers must come out and measure your countertops before ordering materials, but measuring them yourself helps you get an accurate estimate. Follow the steps below so you can bring approximate measurements to installers for job estimates.
Draw a simple sketch of your kitchen on graph paper. Draw your kitchen as if you are looking at it from above. Don't forget to include islands, bars and backsplashes.
2
Measure cut outs such as sinks or counter cook tops from the outside and label the measurements on your drawing. You can use squares or rectangles to signify where a cut out occurs in the countertop.
3
Use a regular tape measure for measuring your countertops in inches. Start from the outside edge and measure the length along the wall. If an oven or other appliance separates counter pieces, measure the lengths on both sides of the appliance and add them together. Measure the width at the edge of the counter from the wall to the front of the countertop.
4
Include the overhang in your measurements. Add an inch and a half to any side not bordering a wall or appliance.
5
Record the backsplash measurements by measuring from the top of the countertop to the top of the backsplash. Sketch the backsplash onto your drawing along with the measurements.
6
Bring measurements to installers and have them convert your measurements into square feet. If your interests include wanting more counter space added, be sure and mention this to the installer so they can include it in your estimate.
Tips & Warnings
If you need a quick measurement for square feet, measure along the back wall of the countertops, multiply by 25.5 which is the standard depth of countertops, and divide by 144. This can give you a rough estimate of how many square feet of countertop you need.
Remember that your measurements are approximate. Once the installer measures, the job may cost more than originally estimated.
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