The Successful Measure

“ Wow, my kitchen cabinets are finally being installed and they look beautiful BUT now it’s time for my stone countertop to be measured. At least I have been to my stone fabricator and picked my stone and edge profile ahead of time, but now what? The templator is coming on Monday and I’m not sure what to provide him so he can begin the fabrication process.”

Well, hopefully this story will provide you with an overview of what the countertop templator requires in order to achieve “The Successful Measure”. A “Successful Measure” is the key initial element to start a smooth process and to allow the fabricator to deliver the finished counter top on time.

First, your lower cabinets need to be 100% installed. This means all doors and finished gables are in place and all cabinets are attached to the walls. Also your cabinets need to be level! Not just each cabinet, but a continuous run of all boxes needs to be level and straight. The tops of the base cabinets need to be completely clear so that accurate dimensions can be taken.

Next, you will need to have on site all sinks, faucets, stove/cooktop for the templator. He will require these items in order to complete accurate dimensions. If one of these items is not available at the time of measure there may be delays and possibly increased costs if a return visit is necessary. It is also important to already have confirmed that these items fit properly in your cabinets. Your edge profile should also be confirmed with the project manager so that the templator can establish specific overhangs throughout your kitchen.

Some kitchens are designed with specific shapes and/or overhangs of the countertop. These specifics should have been designed by you or your cabinet manufacturer, since extended overhangs and shapes need to function properly. The templator can then trace or digitize the patterns that you have created prior to his arrival.

The time to ask final questions is during templating. Here are a couple of the concerns that most people have:

Q: Where are the seams located?

A: The templator will show you the joint locations which make the most sense. Remember, quite often just getting the piece into your kitchen has a bearing on the size of the pieces.

Q: How will my sink and faucets look?

A: Your sink will be located and all faucet holes, soap dispensers etc., need to be placed so that they work both functionally and look the way you want them to.

Please, ask questions. If your templator cannot answer them then contact your project manger. It is from all this that you achieve “The Successful Measure” which results in beautiful stone countertop that is successfully installed in your home.

NEWS