Measurement 101: Kitchen Countertop Sizing

Replacing old countertops is exciting, but it can also be fraught with worry. The materials are a substantial investment, and even though measuring for new ones seems straightforward, there are some hidden pitfalls. Here’s a kitchen countertop measuring guide to help you through the process.

What Are the Standard Kitchen Countertop Dimensions?

Most kitchen countertops are 25 to 25.5 inches deep (front to back). That’s pretty standard because most base cabinets are 24 inches deep, and the extra inch or so allows for a little overhang.

The standard for height is around 36 inches, measured from the finished floor to the top of the countertop material. For length, it’s common for countertops to range between eight and 10 feet, or even down to six feet in compact kitchens.

On the longer end, “Extended countertops that reach 12 feet work well in large kitchens to create additional workspace and seating areas for enhanced functionality,” says Geremy Yamamoto, founder of Eazy House Sale.

But ultimately, the length, width and design (straight, U or L-shape) comes down to the overall size and layout of your kitchen, plus the materials being used for the countertop. “We often receive inquiries about the average kitchen size, but there’s no straightforward answer, as each kitchen is unique,” says Tammy Cailliau, owner of Tampa Bay Granite.

How much countertop overhang is standard for seating?

Twelve to 15 inches is the magic number for seating. “You can go a little shorter, but you’ll end up hitting your knees,” says Matthew Coates, principal architect at Coates Design Architects + Interiors. “If you go longer than 12 inches, you’ll typically need brackets or corbels underneath to keep that slab from cracking if someone leans on it too hard.”

It’s also important to take into account the height of the people using the seats, the walkway space behind the countertops and whether you want the seats to be able to tuck under the bar top, says Cailliau.

How to Measure Kitchen Countertops for Replacement

Here’s the kitchen countertop guide for calculating how much material you’ll need:

• Measure the length and width of each section of countertop. Measure all sides, as sometimes walls and cabinets are not square, and that could result in a crooked countertop.
• It also helps to sketch the layout and note where appliances, including the sink and stove, go.
• In the corner where the cabinets meet, account for an overlap of 24 inches, which is the depth of the cabinet, advises Cailliau.
• Don’t forget to include the backsplash, if you’re installing one. Coates recommends four inches or taller, running the length of the counter.
• Also don’t forget to include an overhang of one to 1-1/2″ on the front, plus all sides that aren’t up against a wall.
• Multiply length × width to get the total square inches, then divide by 144 to get the total square feet.
• Once you have the square footage of your materials calculated, add about 10% to that total, to account for cutting waste and mistakes.

Countertop Measuring Mistakes to Avoid for a Perfect Fit

Uneven Construction

It’s common for kitchens to have walls that aren’t square, plus gaps between cabinets, especially in older homes. Don’t forget to measure and account for those idiosyncrasies. “Measure diagonally corner-to-corner if possible, or bring in a straight edge to check for gaps,” says Coates. “Don’t assume. Measure twice, cut once!”

Ignoring Overhang

Forgetting to include an overhang that extends beyond the base cabinets can make the countertop look weirdly short and less functional. “Without enough overhang, seating can feel cramped, and prep space becomes limited,” says Yamamoto.

Forgetting Backsplashes

The backsplash is the wall area between the countertop and upper cabinets, and it should be measured separately. “Forgetting it can create uneven gaps or make installation difficult, potentially damaging both surfaces,” says Yamamoto.

Skipping Cutouts

Write down the size and note the position of sink and stove cutouts, so you’re not guessing later. Also, measure the widths and positions of appliances to ensure you have adequate clearance for slide-in ranges and other items. “If you plan to use decorative doors on the ends that extend beyond the cabinet box, include these in your measurements, too, to ensure the correct overhang,” says Cailliau.

Measuring in Feet

Always measure in inches, not feet, then convert your measurements to square feet at the end. This helps keep measurements precise and reduces the chances of inaccurate conversions.

Inaccurate Height

When determining countertop height, start from the top of the finished floor and measure to the top of the countertop surface. If you are switching countertop materials, don’t forget to account for their different thicknesses.

What’s the Average Cost per Square Foot for Countertop Installation?

The average cost per square foot of a countertop installation depends on the materials, but in general, here’s a good rule of thumb (not including tax):

• Budget options, like laminate or tile, can run from $10 to $40 per square foot.
• Mid-range materials, like butcher block, quartz or granite, land around $50 to $100 per square foot.
• High-end choices, like fancy marble, quartzite, top-shelf granite and exotic stone, can run $120 to $250 per square foot.

“Keep in mind, there will be extra costs for cutouts, which average around $150 each for sinks or cook tops,” says Cailliau.

About the Experts

• Matthew Coates, AIA, is president and principal architect at Coates Design Architects + Interiors, with offices in Seattle and Los Angeles.
• Tammy Cailliau is owner of Tampa Bay Granite, where she helps customers design new kitchens.
• Geremy Yamamoto is founder of Eazy House Sale, where he focuses on buying houses and small multifamily properties throughout Los Angeles.

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