Calculating the square footage of your kitchen or bathroom countertops may sound like a daunting task, but as long as you follow the simple steps below, you will get through it with no trouble at all. Heard the old adage “Measure twice, cut once?” This is excellent advice for DIYers who are ready to whip out their measuring tape and get started immediately. The more accurate your measurements and drawings are, the more accurate and reliable the estimate you receive from your selected distributor will be.
Project Toolkit
There are only a few simple tools needed to get started on this fun project: a tape measure, pen, calculator and plain white paper. You’ll need the plain white paper because you’re going to draw a model of your kitchen or bathroom and the countertops. This visual indicator will help your materials distributor determine the right questions to ask you about your project.
Sketching it Out
Take a few moments and make a sketch of the entire area, including any backsplash space. You’ll need to include a spot for your stove’s cooktop, sink as well as any other cut-out spaces. Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t reduce the amount of countertop you calculate based on the hole for the sink — all of that space is still counted in the countertop square footage. There is no need to remove your cabinets for the installation of new countertops. The team as Mees Distributors will need to know what color material you would like, the edge profile, the type of sink you have, how many holes will need to be drilled and if you desire a backsplash.
Accurate Measuring Tips
Assuring that your measurements are accurate may be a tedious process. It’s also better to have a partner when you’re taking these measurements, so you’ve got someone checking behind you. These tips will help you get started:
- Countertop measurements should go from wall to wall, and you’ll want to record this distance in total inches.
- Measure your current countertop depth from the wall. Standard countertops are usually 24 inches deep.
- Measure the height of your backsplash, making any necessary adjustments for your future needs.
- Once you’ve measured everything — do it again! Always measure twice to be sure you’re reading the tape measure accurately.
Time for Math!
Once you’ve completed your measurements, finding the estimated square footage of your countertops is very straightforward. Multiply the overall length of your countertop by the depth to get the total square inches. Once you have that number, you’ll divide by 144 to get the total square feet. Backsplash square footage is calculated separately but in a similar manner. The height of the backsplash times the length of the counter gives you inches; divide that number by 144 to get the total square footage of your backsplash.
When looking for the material you wish to use for your countertop, keep in mind that the price of material does not include additional charges for fabrication and installation.
Keep in mind that these calculations are only preliminary. While you want them to be as accurate as possible, our professional team is available to help you complete your countertop project. Please note that our quotes do not include any plumbing or any additional work that may need to be completed in your home and that our quotes do not include tax. Our design team will help you see the possibilities for your new space. Contact us today at Mees Distributors, Inc. or visit our Cincinnati, Columbus or Dayton showrooms.