Measuring for laminate countertops involves accurately determining the dimensions and layout of your cabinets to ensure the new countertops fit perfectly. Precision is key, as even small errors can cause significant problems during installation.
Here's a guide on how to measure for laminate countertops:
Essential Tools
Gather the right tools before you begin:
- Measuring Tape: A long, retractable metal tape measure is best.
- Pencil: For marking and sketching.
- Paper or Graph Paper: To draw a detailed layout sketch.
- Straight Edge or Ruler: For drawing straight lines on your sketch.
- Calculator: For adding measurements.
- Helper (Recommended): An extra set of hands makes measuring long runs much easier and more accurate.
Step-by-Step Measurement Process
Follow these steps carefully to get accurate measurements for your new laminate countertops:
1. Create a Detailed Sketch
Start by drawing a sketch of your cabinet layout from an aerial view.
- Represent each section of countertop space clearly.
- Indicate walls, appliances (like ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers), sinks, and any other permanent fixtures.
- Note where backsplash areas will be.
- Don't worry about making it perfectly to scale, but ensure all sections are represented correctly relative to each other.
2. Measure Overall Lengths
Measure the total length of each section of countertop along the front edge of the cabinets.
- Measure from wall to wall, wall to the end of the cabinet run, or end of the cabinet run to end of the cabinet run.
- Measure each section independently.
- Always measure twice to confirm your numbers.
3. Measure Depth
Measure the depth of the countertops from the wall (or backsplash) to the front edge of the cabinets.
- Standard countertop depth is usually 24 inches, but always verify your specific cabinets.
- Measure in multiple spots along longer runs to check for variations in wall straightness.
4. Account for Overhangs
Laminate countertops typically have a standard overhang past the cabinet face.
- The standard front overhang is usually 1 inch to 1.5 inches.
- End overhangs (where the countertop doesn't meet a wall) also need to be accounted for. Specify these on your sketch.
5. Measure Inside Corners
For inside corners (where two countertop sections meet at a wall), measure each section's length right into the corner.
- Measure from the wall (or end of the cabinet run) to the point where the two countertop sections will join.
- It's crucial to measure along the wall into the corner, not just along the front edge at the corner.
6. Measure Outside Corners
For outside corners (like on a peninsula or island), measure the length of each section leading up to the corner point.
- You'll also need to specify the dimension of the overhang around the outside corner.
7. Locate and Measure Appliance Openings
Note the exact location and width of appliance openings (like ranges or refrigerators) within the countertop run.
- Measure from the wall or the end of the cabinet run to the edge of the appliance opening.
- Measure the width of the opening itself.
- This ensures the countertop sections on either side are cut correctly.
8. Locate and Measure the Sink Opening
Accurately locating and measuring for the sink cutout is critical.
- From the corner. As noted in the reference, start measuring from a reference point, often a corner.
- Find and record the center point of the sink opening location on your sketch relative to measured points (like the front edge and a side wall or corner).
- Confirm the center point by measuring from the center to the left and the right sides of the sink. This verifies the sink's width and confirms the center point's accuracy.
- You will also need to measure from the back (wall or backsplash side) to the front of the intended sink opening.
- Always use the sink manufacturer's template if available, but provide the measured location and size to the supplier.
| Measurement Type | What to Measure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | Wall to wall, wall to end, end to end | Measure along the front of cabinets |
| Depth | Wall/backsplash to front of cabinet frame | Check in multiple spots |
| Inside Corners | Length of each section into the corner point | Measure along the wall line |
| Outside Corners | Length of each section to the corner point, overhang size | Specify overhang dimensions |
| Appliance Openings | Location from wall/end, width of opening | Account for clearances |
| Sink Location/Size | Center point from reference (e.g., corner), distance from center to sides, distance from back edge | Use reference: measure from corner, find center, confirm with left/right measurements. Also measure front-to-back. |
| Overhangs | Front overhang, end overhangs | Specify desired amounts (often standard 1-1.5") |
9. Double Check Everything
Review all your measurements and your sketch.
- Compare measurements where sections meet.
- Ensure the sketch accurately represents the layout.
- Measure again if anything seems questionable.
Providing a clear, detailed sketch with all measurements, including notes on sink location (referencing a corner or wall and finding the center), appliance openings, and desired overhangs, will help your supplier fabricate your new laminate countertops correctly.
