Installing new countertops can transform the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. Quartz has become an increasingly popular countertop material due to its durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. Properly measuring your countertops is a crucial first step for a successful quartz countertop installation. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to accurately measure for quartz countertops.
Getting Started with Measurements
Before measuring, remove everything from your existing countertops. Clear off appliances, bakeware, and any other items that may hinder you from getting accurate measurements. It’s important to measure only the countertop area being replaced, not adjacent surfaces like walls.
You’ll need a metal measuring tape, a pencil, and a pad of paper to record the measurements. Make sure you have good lighting in the areas to be measured. It’s best to have two people – one to hold the tape and the other to mark and record the measurements.
Be very precise with your measurements – any mistake can lead to gaps, misfits, and other installation problems. Round measurements up to the nearest 1/8th inch. Write down the measurements clearly and double check them.
Measuring Straight Countertop Sections
For straightforward countertop spans:
- Measure the length by placing the tape at one end and stretching it to the other. Mark down the length.
- For the width, measure from the front edge to the backsplash/wall at several points along the length and note the dimensions.
- Record any interior corners or angles. Measure where the countertops meet at 90-degree or other angled corners.
- Note the locations of cutouts for sinks and any other gaps or spaces in the existing countertop area. You’ll want to sketch these spaces as well.
Measure each section of countertop individually. Be systematic – start at one end and work your way around, measuring each straight section and then each interior corner. Record all measurements carefully.
Measuring Irregular Countertop Shapes
For countertops with irregular edges or unusual shapes:
- Work in sections, measuring and recording the length and width of each straight section as you go.
- Where corners meet at unusual angles, measure the angle precisely with a protractor or use a piece of cardboard as a template to record the angle.
- For curved or rounded sections, measure the straight portions first, then bendable wire or pipe insulation around the curve to capture the shape. Mark the wire and record its length.
- Create simple sketches indicating the location of irregular areas and label all measurements clearly.
Check for Level & Plumb
Use a spirit level tool to check that countertops are level front to back and side to side. Mark any out-of-level areas on your sketch.
For vertical surfaces like backsplashes, place the level vertically to check for plumb. Note any out-of-plumb areas.
If surfaces are not level or plumb, your installer can compensate by building up thinset when installing the new quartz.
Measure Carefully Around Sinks, Ranges, and Appliances
- For sink cutouts, carefully measure the overall sink dimensions (length & width) including any aprons or edges that rest on the countertop.
- Measure precisely where the actual sink basin hole needs to be cut in relation to the sink edges and corners.
- Follow a similar process for stove and other appliance cutouts. Remove appliances if possible to get very precise measurements.
- Use a pencil to outline the existing sink cutout area on the countertop – this can serve as a template.
Add Photos & Sketches
Take photos of the existing countertops from several angles before removal. Photos allow the installer to see nuances that measurements may miss.
Sketch the basic countertop layout and mark all measurements clearly on it. Note interior corners and angles. Draw the sink and appliance cutout areas to scale.
Thorough measurements and documentation will ensure your new quartz countertops will install smoothly with a custom factory-cut fit. Being meticulous now prevents headaches later!
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to measure for new quartz countertops?
You’ll need a metal measuring tape, a pencil, pad of paper, and a ruler. A spirit level, digital angle finder, and bendable wire are also useful for more complex measurements. Have an extra person help record measurements.
Should I measure just the countertop surface or adjacent walls too?
Only measure the actual countertop surfaces being replaced, not adjoining walls or backsplashes. This allows the fabricator to build the new quartz pieces to fit your existing space.
How precise do the measurements need to be?
Be as precise as possible, rounding up to the nearest 1/8th inch. Small mistakes can prevent your new countertop from fitting correctly, creating gaps that must be filled.
What is the best way to measure curved countertops or corners?
Use bendable wire held to the curve to capture the shape, marking the length on the wire. For inside/outside corners, utilize an angle finder to get the precise angle measurement.
Should I remove sinks or appliances before measuring?
Yes, this will allow you to get much more accurate measurements for the sink, stove, or other appliance cutouts in the new countertops.
Conclusion
Measuring quartz countertops carefully is the key first step in a seamless installation. Use a metal tape measure, level, sharp pencil, and sketch pad to capture all straight runs, corners, curves, cutouts, and nuances of your existing countertops. Record every measurement meticulously, double check them, and take plenty of photos. With accurate measurements in hand, your countertop fabricator can cut your new quartz countertops to be a perfect custom fit for your kitchen or bath.