Give your kitchen or bathroom a boost with new countertops that make your home feel fresh again. Use a countertop calculator to estimate the square footage of your counter space. This will help you figure out how much material you need and get an accurate quote from your pro.
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Countertop Calculations
Countertop slabs are large rectangular-shaped pieces that contractors cut into smaller parts to fit the specific measurements of your space. When remodeling your countertops, you must first calculate the square footage.
How to Calculate Countertop Square Footage
Whether you are redesigning your space or replacing existing countertops with the same design, a countertop square feet calculator allows you to figure out how much materials you will need to successfully complete your project. Here are the steps to do so:
- Measure the length and width of your counterop and add 1-2 inches for any desired overhang.
- Convert your measurements to feet by dividing the number of inches by 12.
- Multiply the length and width of each section.
How to Measure Odd-shaped Countertops
For triangular countertops, there is a simple formula to calculate square footage:
- Measure the base and height of the triangle.
- Multiply the base times height.
- Divide your result by two.
Dealing with more irregular countertop shapes can be tricky, but the method is the same. Because slabs come in an average of 41 square feet and you want to use as much of one solid piece, the measuring technique is as follows:
- Divide the countertop into square sections.
- Measure and multiply the length and width of each section.
- Add all results together.
Average Installation Costs
The typical range of countertop installation costs is between $1,900 and $4,100. This price varies depending on the materials that you use and the cost of labor in your area.
Material | Cost/sq. ft |
---|---|
Laminate | $5-$30 |
Tile | $10-$70 |
Wood | $20-300 |
Granite | $35-500 |
Marble | $60-$200 |
Added costs for this type of project could include:
- Removal of existing countertops
- Cabinet preparation
- Sanding or shaping
- Polishing and sealing
Tips
It is convenient to remember the following tips when measuring and budgeting for new countertops:
- Some countertops sell by half slabs and others come in jumbo sizes. Keep this in mind when ordering materials, to budget correctly and save when possible.
- If you would like to have a backsplash for your countertop, plan for an extra 4 inches across the length of your countertop.
- Take labor into account. The cost of labor includes the square footage of your finished countertop plus any other work such as skinks, curves or backsplashes.
Find a local countertop pro for your project and make your dream kitchen or bathroom a reality.
FAQs
Is it easy to replace kitchen countertops?
Installing countertops by yourself is a challenging task. Professional installation is always best, regardless of surface type or budget.
Can you just replace countertops without damaging cabinets?
Yes. It is possible to just lift the countertop and replace it without damaging your existing cabinets.
When should I replace my countertops?
It is time to replace your countertops when they have cracked, stained or burned. You can also replace them anytime you want to create a fresh look or when you are updating our kitchen appliances and need to redesign the counter space.
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