If you’re one of the millions of people who have transitioned to full-time work-from-home status this year, you’re likely looking at your home with a more critical eye. It’s a perfect time for home renovations: give your space a facelift! Replacing your kitchen countertops is a great place to start.
In order to determine a budget, you’ll have to start by measuring kitchen countertops. You will calculate the approximate square footage of your counters in order to receive an accurate quote from the countertop provider. This way, you can see which materials will be within your budget!
However, measuring your countertops can seem daunting at first. This guide will walk you through how to measure kitchen countertops. We’ll break down everything you need to know to get an accurate calculation!
A Guide to Measuring Kitchen Countertops
In order to receive an accurate quote, you’ll have to know the approximate square footage of your countertops. This isn’t something you can just eyeball, though. You’ll have to devote a good hour or two to measuring and calculating.
If it’s been a while since you took geometry, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through all the equations and calculations you’ll need to make to get an accurate number. This way, you can go to the counter provider ready to discuss exactly how much material you’ll need.
Having an accurate measurement of your kitchen countertops will make the rest of the process easier. You’ll be more prepared to set a budget and choose a material while shopping.
The installers will do a professional measuring as well, so don’t fret too much about getting a perfect measurement. You want mostly accurate square footage of your counters. The pros will get the exact numbers they need once they’re in your home.
The Tools You’ll Need
First, gather your materials. You want to have everything together before you even begin to measure. That way, you won’t have to stop in the middle to find the one tool you forgot!
Here are all the tools you’ll need:
- Paper: if you have graph paper, use it; otherwise, any paper works fine
- Pencils: choose pencils over pens to fix mistakes more easily
- Tape measure: make sure that it can measure the longest countertop comfortably
- Calculator: you don’t need a TI-83; your phone’s calculator will do just fine
- An assistant: while measuring, another set of hands can be helpful
You’ll be doing a lot of writing during the process, so have extra pencils and paper on hand. If there’s no one around to assist you, that’s fine. Measuring your countertops can be a one-man job as well.
Step One: Draw the Layout
Before you take the first measurement, draw out your kitchen. This is where graph paper comes in handy: you can more accurately trace the layout and possibly even draw it to scale. However, this can be a rough sketch; it’s a method to organize the measurements, not a perfect rendering.
Once you’ve sketched out the basic shapes of your countertops, draw in the sink, the stove, and any other breaks or seams in the countertops. Note the exposed edges, places where the countertop is not against any walls or appliances. Exposed edges will have to be polished and processed, which can affect the cost.
By sketching out your kitchen, you can also figure out just how many different pieces need to be measured. Seek rectangle and square shapes in your countertops, and mentally divide them into separate pieces. Then, you can decide what order to measure them in.
Step Two: Measure & Record
The length of your countertops is the lateral measurement: how long they are from side to side. Width is the measurement from edge to wall, and can also be referred to as depth. If you’re measuring islands or peninsulas, consider the length of the long side and the width of the short side.
Measure the length and width of each piece of your counter twice. Notate them on the sketch. Note how much of the counter is “overhang”; 1.5 inches is standard.
Always measure in inches. Since you’re going to calculate the square footage, later on, it may be tempting to just measure in feet. But it’s much easier (and more accurate!) to convert inch measurements into feet.
This is probably the easiest part of measuring kitchen countertops. It may be time-consuming, especially if your counters have a lot of edges, but it’s worth it in the end. It’s just number-crunching from here on out!
Once you have the numbers notated, round them up to the nearest inch. Working with whole numbers prevents a headache later on.
Step Three: Calculate
This is the most important part of measuring your kitchen. Break out the calculator and get ready to concentrate, because you’re about to deal with a few equations. This is when you’ll be glad you rounded up to whole numbers.
We’ll provide examples of these calculations to help guide you through. Here are our example measurements:
- Counter A: 100″ x 30″
- Counter B: 50″ x 30″
First, take the length and width of each piece and multiply them together. This will give you the area of your counter in inches.
- 100 x 30 = 3,000″
- 50 x 30 = 1,500″
Add these numbers together to calculate the total area of your kitchen countertops.
- 3,000 + 1,500 = 4,500″
Now, you need to convert this into square feet. Divide the total number by 144 to produce the square footage.
- 4,500 ÷ 144 = 31.25
Our example countertops have an area of 31.25 square feet. For the purposes of getting a quote, round it up to 32.
So, from beginning to end: multiply the length and width of each piece, add them together, and divide the total by 144 to convert to square inches. You’re ready to call the pros!
Don’t Forget the Backsplash
If you’re looking to replace or revamp your backsplash as well, this is a great time to measure it out. Two birds and one stone, right?
Calculating the square footage of your backsplash is easy, especially if you only have one section of tiling. Measure the length from end to end, and measure the height. Here are our example backsplash measurements:
- 50″ x 10″
Multiply the length and height together.
- 50 x 10 = 500″
Divide this number by 144 to get the square footage.
- 500 ÷ 144 = 3.47
Round up to 3.5 square feet. Now, you’re ready to get your counters and backsplash replaced all in one go! Work smarter, not harder.
Calculating for Cost
If you’re tired of all the math, you can just take these measurements to the pros when you go to get a quote. They’ll be able to reliably tell you how much you can expect to pay for what you’re getting, and which materials will best suit your needs.
However, it never hurts to go in armed with information. So here’s what you need to know to estimate your expected kitchen countertops cost. Countertops are priced by the square foot, but there are a few other costs associated.
The kitchen counter price varies based on the material and the amount of edging needed. Multiply your final square footage by the price of the material advertised, and that is your absolute base cost.
Higher-grade materials will cost more per square foot but can be worth the splurge. If your kitchen boasts long countertops and exposed edges, though, you may want to go for a more cost-effective material.
There will be charges for cutting to fit a sink as well. How much this amounts to will depend on the type of sink you have and its size. Talk with the installers to see what options you have.
Finally, if your counters require a piece that is unusual in shape or difficult to install, this may bring up the price as well. Most installers have a low installation fee as well.
Calling the Pros
Once you know the square footage of your kitchen countertops, you’re ready to start talking to the professionals. Your local countertop provider should be able to look at your sketch of the kitchen and give you an idea of what it will cost to revamp your home.
Go into the interaction with a good idea of what you want for your counters. This way, you and the contractor can work together to make your dreams come true. Talking directly to your supplier guarantees you’ll get the best price for kitchen countertops.
A good installer should be able to talk you through the process from beginning to end. They’ll explain what associated costs you can expect, and how long the replacement could take.
At Rock Solid Creations, we always put the customer first. Our countertops are no less than a work of art, and we use the highest quality materials and labor. If you’re in Missouri, we’re your best bet for beautiful kitchen counters.
Now You’re Ready to Measure
We hope this guide answered all your questions about measuring kitchen countertops. It’s not too hard, but you have to know just what to do. Now you’re ready to devise a perfect budget and call the countertop pros.
If you’re looking for a trusted countertop company in Missouri, look no farther than Rock Solid Creations. We’re a top-notch provider of stunning granite and quartz countertops for all homes. Once you’ve finished your calculations, contact us for a quote!