Measuring Countertops: DIY or Hire a Professional

Depending on the material, countertop installations can be DIY projects. That being said, for premium materials, like Caesarstone quartz countertops, it is always recommended that installation is carried out by a professional.

What about countertop measurements? Must they be done by a professional too?  

Measuring countertops may seem like a simple activity. After all, only a few tools are required. However, wrong countertop measurements can result in expensive mistakes. For instance, measuring countertops is the initial step to getting accurate quotes from fabricators. If you measure your countertops incorrectly, you could get charged a higher quote. 

Homeowners that are looking to install a countertop but don’t know where to start can visit Caesarstone’s Professional Partners Portal for resources. 

What is the process of DIY countertop measurements?  

Once a homeowner decides that they want to DIY countertop measurements, the next question that they ask is how to measure countertops and the tools that they require. Precise countertop measurements ensure that homeowners get accurate countertop cost estimations. And to get this, the overall surface area of the entire space including any areas where the cooktop or sink is located must be included. Luckily, the process is quite straightforward.    

What tools are needed for measuring countertops?  

• Tape measure – A retractable tape with a steel blade is the best for countertop measuring. This should also read in total inches, have easy-to-read fractions of an inch, and break into foot increments. One mistake that most homeowners make is using cloth tape measures, which can provide inaccurate readings due to their stretch and flex.  
• Pencil – Why use a pencil instead of a pen? Pencils are better options for measuring for countertops since they are easier to erase than pens. However, it is also vital to use a hard lead that does not streak since the countertop supplier might require a scanned copy.  
• Graph paper – While countertop measurements can be recorded on plain bond paper, using pre-printed graph paper is easier. And since standard graphs are in quarter-inch squares, they are best suited for imperial measuring. Depending on the countertop supplier, using a four-inch may be the best option. However, if graph paper is not available, plain paper works just fine.  
• Calculator – This is a must-have tool when it comes to countertop measurements given the multiplication and division of large figures. A regular calculator is best suited for the job.  
• A helper – Measuring countertops requires another set of eyes and hands. Another person can help hold the tape as the other person reads and notes the measurements.  

Here is a guide on DIY countertop measuring 

The first step entails drawing a scale diagram on graph paper. To get precise measurements, the backsplash area, appliances, exposed edges, cooktop, sink, and other relevant spaces must be included.  

The countertop length should then be measured in inches. This should be done from wall to wall as opposed to from one edge to the other. Be sure to note the length of the piece of paper.  

Once done, measure the depth of the countertops and the backslash height. To get precise measurements, measure the countertop depth from the wall. Write all these measurements on the piece of paper.  

Once done, using the calculator, determine the square footage for the countertop and backsplash using the written measurements.  

DIY measuring of odd-shaped countertops 

Not every countertop has a simple rectangular shape. While the basic countertop measurement process will remain the same, it is important to measure any curve at the widest point. This should then be multiplied by its total length, giving the total size of the entire slab. It’s the role of the fabricator to take additional measurements that will accommodate the odd shape. To view a list of Caesarstone fabricators nearest you, visit https://www.caesarstone.ca/where-to-buy/.  

What things must a homeowner keep in mind when measuring countertops 

• Always measure twice – Measuring countertops twice is the initial step to avoid costly mistakes. 
• Supply digital photos of the measurements to the countertop fabricator – This step can help the fabricator spot any mistakes and give an accurate quote.  
• Include the backsplash and overhangs in the measurements – If a homeowner wants to add a backsplash with the same countertop material, adding it to the sketch is vital. And if a higher backslash is needed, the amount of countertop material required will be more. This is the same case for overhangs.  

What are the benefits of hiring a professional for countertop measurements?  

• Ensure precise measurements – While hiring a professional to measure countertops incurs extra costs, it is in some cases necessary, and results in exact measurement the first time. As such, a person who wants to ensure that no mistakes are made in the measuring process should hire a professional as opposed to DIY.  
• Save time – DIY countertop measuring can be a time-consuming task especially for someone who does not have a person to help them in the process. A busy homeowner may see it necessary to get a professional to measure the countertops. 

What about the cons?  

While hiring a professional saves time and ensures that only precise measurements are derived, it can be costly, especially for budget-conscious people.  

What are the benefits of DIY countertop measuring? 

• Save on costs – This is the most obvious benefit of DIY countertop measurements. Homeowners get to save on costs that would have otherwise been spent in hiring a professional. This is helpful for people who are budget conscious.  
• Get hands-on at every step of countertop installation – Some homeowners love to control and be part of every part of the countertop installation process. It all starts from countertop measuring. For most, watching the project come to life, from the start to finish is very rewarding.  

The cons?  

The risk of getting wrong countertop measurements with DIY installations is high. And when investing in a beautiful, durable quartz countertop, such as Caesarstone’s 5130 Cosmopolitan White or 5133 Symphony Grey, homeowners will want to get things right the first time.  

To DIY or Hire a professional?  

Ultimately, the decision to DIY or hire a professional to measure countertops is a personal decision. Luckily, the measuring process detailed above will ease the process and ensure homeowners get precise measurements. Once the measuring process is complete, contact Caesarstone to schedule a consultation and place your quartz countertop order.