Calculating the square footage for quartz countertops is an important step in determining the overall cost and materials needed for your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to accurately measure and calculate the square footage of your countertops.
Introduction
Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and easy maintenance. Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz particles blended with resins and pigments. It is harder and more scratch resistant than granite.
When shopping for quartz countertops, you will need to provide the square footage to the manufacturer or fabricator to get an accurate quote. Measuring incorrectly can result in ordering the wrong amount of materials and lead to delays and additional costs in your project. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to accurately calculate the square footage.
What You Need to Get Started
Before starting to measure, make sure you have the following tools:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Paper or notebook
- Calculator (or use the calculator on your phone)
It is also helpful to have the following:
- Layout of your kitchen or bathroom
- Countertop details – thickness, edge profiles
Step 1: Measure Length and Width
Use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of each section of countertop. Take measurements to the nearest 1/8th of an inch. It is important to measure precisely as even small inaccuracies can throw off your final count.
For straight sections, simply measure from end to end. For sections with corners and irregular shapes, you may need to take multiple measurements and break it down into smaller rectangles to get accurate lengths.
Write down the length and width measurements for each section.
Step 2: Calculate Square Footage of Each Section
To find the square footage of each section, simply multiply the length by the width.
For example:
Section 1: Length – 5 ft, Width – 2.5 ft
5 x 2.5 = 12.5 sq ft
Make sure to calculate square footage for each individual section.
Step 3: Add up the Total
Add up the square footage calculations for each section to get your total countertop square footage.
Round your final number up to the nearest whole number. It is better to have a little extra than to come up short.
Step 4: Account for Cutouts and Irregular Shapes
Your base square footage won’t account for irregular shapes and spaces needed for sinks, cooktops, and other features. Here are some tips:
- For sink cutouts, measure the dimensions and subtract that area from your total.
- Add 10-15% extra for most countertop installations with cutouts. For more complex layouts, you may need to add up to 25% extra.
- Make a rough sketch of your layout and break down irregular sections into smaller rectangles to calculate square footage accurately.
Step 5: Consider Edge Profiles and Thickness
Edge profiles like bullnose, ogee, and chamfered add surface area which needs to be accounted for.
For standard 1 1/4″ – 1 1/2″ thickness, add 5% to your total square footage. For thicker countertops, add slightly more.
Discuss edge details with your fabricator to determine the margin to add.
Step 6: Use Online Calculators as a Check
To double check your measurements, you can use one of the many online square footage calculators.
Simply enter the dimensions of each section to automatically calculate the total square footage.
FAQs
How do I measure for L-shaped countertops?
For L-shapes, take separate measurements for each leg of the L shape. Calculate total square footage of each leg, then add them together.
Should I include backsplashes in square footage?
Standard 4-6 inch backsplashes are usually included in the overall price, so you do not need to add their area to the total. For full-height backsplashes, measure and account for that area separately.
What about gaps needed between sections?
It is standard to leave 1/16 – 1/8 inch gaps between countertop pieces during installation. You do not need to account for these small gaps in your measurements. The fabricator will cut sections slightly smaller to allow for the spacing.
Is there an easy rule of thumb for calculating quartz countertops?
As a simple guideline, multiply the total linear feet of countertops by 2.5 to get an estimate of square footage needed. Of course, taking precise measurements is always best.
Should I measure old countertops or new cabinetry?
For replacement projects, measure directly on top of the old countertops. If doing new construction or a full remodel, measure the cabinetry or base units.
Conclusion
Measuring square footage for quartz countertops does not have to be a daunting task. By carefully following the steps outlined and using a calculator, you can accurately determine how much material you need to order. Precise measurements ensure your project stays on schedule and within budget. Refer to this guide anytime you embark on a kitchen or bath remodel involving quartz countertops.