By Ken Redding
Templating and measuring cabinets, existing countertops, and walls, is one of the most crucial parts of any countertop installation. It is the first link in the chain of events, and front-end preparation and education on the end users’ part is how it all begins.
The best-case scenario for measuring accurately and successfully is for the old countertops to have been removed and all walls, surfaces, and appliances that interact with the counters are available to be measured. Many times, a thing as simple as cabinet panel can shift the entire measurement. It is critical that all elements be in place for the field measurement. Appliances can be an exception, but a specification sheet for those items is necessary at the time of measuring.
The most current technology used for measuring is a laser system. It utilizes a laser and markers that create points and, ultimately, a digital drawing of the dimensions of the countertop. In the old days physical templates were made with cardboard, plastic, sticks and hot glue and various other methods. These were good, but not perfect, and oftentimes came apart or were not marked correctly. This resulted in less than accurate countertops, which the customer and installer both were not happy with, to say the least. The laser system is the most accurate method thus far and offers the least possibility for error. For me as the templator, it has eliminated mistakes and creates an easier installation in the field. Most importantly, it leaves the customer with a complete and successful project.
Some of the regular questions I ask and need answered at the measure are:
·What sink are you using for the project? Are you reusing your old sink or do you have a new sink? At time of measure the sink template or actual sink is taken back to the shop for fabrication.
·Is the cooktop here or is there a new one? Do you have the spec sheet for the cooktop and/or the range?
·How much overhang do you want? There are standard overhangs, but they can be any size the customer wants, depending on slab or remnant size limitations.
·Is there extra overhang for seating at the island or peninsula?
·What is the edge detail being used?
·At the range, do you want a tight fit or do you want to leave room on the side?
·For the sink cutout: do you want the flange exposed, the counter to come to the inside edge of the sink, or go past the inside edge of the sink?
and various other questions based on the different unique characteristics of any given project.
I have been doing this for 33 years and still see new conditions every week! This is why it is crucial that someone with decision-making capabilities is present at the measure (this could be the homeowner, designer, builder, etc.). As you can see, there are lots of things to consider, and communication is key at the point of measure.
So, to summarize: remove the old counters if possible, and if not, clean the counters off completely, make sure your dog is put away, have someone ready to answer questions, and be ready for a beautiful and precise countertop installation!
