How to Measure Sq. Ft Kitchen Countertops
Measuring kitchen countertops is the first step in finding out how much it might cost to replace them with new counters. Many counters are sold by square footage, and knowing how much you will need to buy will help you budget for the new counters, whether you are choosing tile, laminate, granite or slate. Measuring countertops and calculating the square footage is an easy task, and while the company that installs the counters will take its own measurements, getting a ballpark figure will get you started on the path to new counters. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Make a diagram of your kitchen on a sheet of paper. This will help you keep track of the size of each counter. Note the placement of appliances and sinks.
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Measure the longest countertop first. Start by measuring the length, and write that on the sheet of paper. If you have a stovetop installed in your counter, measure the entire length of the counter since the installer will cut a hole in the new counter for the stovetop.
Measure the depth of the counter to the back of the wall, not just to the backsplash. Most backsplashes rest on top of the counter.
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Write down the measurements as you go around the kitchen. Use the total inches for length and depth rather than using a combination of feet and inches to make the final calculation easier. Square footage is the product of length multiplied by depth. Use the calculator to calculate the square footage for each counter and divide it by 144, since there are 144 inches in a square foot. Write down the square footage of each countertop on the drawing of it on the paper and circle it to make the final calculation easier.
Add the totals together to get the total square footage you will need for new kitchen countertops.
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Tips & Warnings
This is not a difficult or long process, so it might be a good idea to do it twice to make sure that the measurements are accurate.
References
- Photo Credit tape measure image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
