Measuring countertops
Countertops are priced by the square foot for stone and quartz, so the first step is an accurate area. Measure each section separately:
- Straight section = length × depth
- L-shape: measure each run to the wall, add them, then subtract the corner square (depth × depth) once, since it was counted twice.
- Island = length × width, including any seating overhang.
- Backsplash = length along the walls × height.
Worked example
A kitchen has an L-shaped counter with runs of 10 ft and 8 ft, 25.5 in deep, a 6 × 3 ft island and a 4 in backsplash in the same quartz at $75 per sq ft installed.
- Counters: (10 + 8) × 2.125 ft − 2.125² = 38.25 − 4.52 = 33.7 sq ft.
- Island: 6 × 3 = 18 sq ft.
- Backsplash: (18 − 2.125) × 0.333 = 5.3 sq ft.
- Total: 57.0 sq ft; with 10% for seams and cutouts, 62.7 sq ft.
- Slabs at 45 sq ft usable: 2 slabs. Cost: about $4,705.
Standard dimensions
| Item | Typical size |
|---|---|
| Counter depth | 25 to 25.5 in (over 24 in cabinets) |
| Counter height | 36 in |
| Bar height | 42 in |
| Seating overhang | 12 in at counter height, 15 in for comfort |
| Standard backsplash | 4 in; full height up to the cabinets is about 18 in |
| Quartz slab | about 120 × 55 in or 130 × 65 in |
Cost by material
| Material | Installed cost per sq ft (typical) |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $25 to $50 |
| Butcher block | $40 to $100 |
| Granite | $50 to $150 |
| Quartz | $60 to $150 |
| Marble | $75 to $200 or more |
| Solid surface | $40 to $90 |
Prices vary widely by region, edge profile, thickness and the number of cutouts. Fabricators often charge extra for sink and cooktop cutouts, special edges and removal of old counters.
Tips before ordering
- Make a template: fabricators measure on site after the cabinets are installed, because walls are rarely square.
- Plan seams away from the sink and cooktop, and in less visible places.
- Choose the sink and faucet first, so cutouts match.
- Visit the slab yard for natural stone: veining and color vary from slab to slab.
For slab-based materials, the number of slabs often matters more than square footage, because unused offcuts are still paid for. Ask the fabricator for a layout showing how your pieces fit on the slabs.