How to Measure Kitchen Countertop

Home Improvement Help

If you purchase new kitchen counters from home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's Home Improvement Store, they can offer help in choosing the countertop that is right for you as well as present helpful tips about how to measure countertops before you begin your project. Some of the factors that go into buying a countertop will include:

• Choosing a color that does not clash with your appliances.
• Choosing a counter that falls within the price range that fits your budget.
• Choosing a counter that fits your lifestyle in terms of care and upkeep.

How to Measure Kitchen Countertop Size

If you feel unsure about measuring for your countertops, you can hire a professional to do the job. In most cases the store where the counters are purchased will teach you how to measure kitchen countertops or offer to have someone come out to get the measurements before the counters are ordered. If you go to the store with estimated measurements, don't buy the countertops based on those measurements. It's important to have correct measurements before the counters are ordered.

When measuring your kitchen counter, it is important to measure both the back and front edge of the counter because they may not be the same. Once you know the length, you'll want to buy a section of counter of that length or a little longer. If it is slightly longer, you'll have to cut off the excess, which will be scrap unless you come up with a creative idea like creating a small build-in desk at the end of the counter for your phone books and phone.

• To start, be sure to measure from wall to wall. Don't just measure your old counter.
• Make a simple diagram of the counter layout and transfer your measurements to it.
• Measure twice–-you know the adage, "Measure twice, cut once."
• If your countertop angles at 90 degrees, you'll have to take measurements from both directions to the meeting point.

For additional help in learning how to measure you can view a how-to video online or ask for help at your local home improvement store.

Sink Measurements

If you decide to replace your kitchen sink along with the countertop, it's important to have the new sink there when measurements are taken. Sinks come in various sizes, and you'll want to be sure it can work with your new look. If the wrong size hole is cut into your counter, it is destroyed and that large section will need to be replaced.

Backsplash

Be sure to measure your backsplash, too. Again, these come in different sizes and if your new counter has a 3-inch backsplash and your old counter had a 4-inch backsplash, the difference will add extra work and expense.

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 work bench 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 work space.

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.