Standard Countertops
Countertop overhangs have been a staple in kitchens for so long that many are unaware of the functional purpose they serve. Front overhangs are used as a way to prevent spills from dripping off your counter and into the drawers or onto the cabinet bases below. The standard overhang for overlay cabinets is 1 1/2”, while inlay-style bases can suffice with 1”. Both measurements are taken from the front edge of the base itself instead of the outer edge of the door; most cabinet bases will measure 24” deep which is why standard counter depth can be referenced as 25 ½”.
For any exposed edge (i.e. any edge not abutting another surface), we recommend continuing the same amount of overhang. For example, add 1 ½” to the length of a piece if it abuts one wall, or 3” for a counter with two exposed edges. See below for tips on how to measure for an island, or a piece with four exposed edges.
Flush Fits
Some counters may be installed between a set of walls and/or cabinets and need some wiggle room for installation. When measuring for a counter in a tight-fitting area, we typically recommend shaving 3/32” off the measured space to allow for ease of install.
Out-of-Square Walls
While it may be hard to perceive visually, most homes are not built perfectly square. Therefore, if your piece is built perfectly square, you may see gaps at installation. If using a backsplash, these gaps will not be visible but if not, you may need to add a couple steps to your process to ensure a perfect fit and may do so by following the tips below:
-first, measure the depth from your back wall to the front of your cabinet base on both the left and right sides of where your top will be placed
-next, measure the length of the back wall
-follow that up by measuring the length of the front edge of your installation space
-if the top is enclosed on three sides, you will need to determine which walls are not at a 90-degree angle
You may include a drawing with your order at no extra cost for us to cut to out-of-square specs. Please be sure to indicate where your walls are located, and which are not square, if applicable.
Miter- or Butt-Joints
Depending on the layout of your kitchen, you may need to account for turns or angles in your countertops. For these spaces, we offer either 90-degree butt joints or 45-degree miter cuts. Each space is different and depending on your layout, one option may be more aesthetically pleasing than the other.
If measuring for a butt joint layout, simply measure the length & width of your main run. Once you have those measurements, you’ll need to measure the span of your second run (or return), accounting for the material depth in your main run. You may find it helpful to mark where your hypothetical main top will end and take the length & width measurements from that point for the remainder of the run. Be sure to account for front overhang, as well as the side overhang on one side of each piece, if applicable.
Measuring for a miter cut is similar to measuring for a butt joint, except that for the return you’ll need to measure the full run rather than subtracting the depth of the main piece. This is because the long point of the return must align with the long point of the main piece.
We encourage you to reach out to one of our designers with your plans or drawings if you have any questions about ordering pieces to fit your space. If ordered, our miter- and butt-joint specials come precut, sealed, and recessed with draw-bolts for ease of joining onsite.
Islands
Islands are another common type of counter found in homes and can be found with or without seating areas. If measuring for an island without seating, we recommend adding 3” to each dimension for overlay cabinets or 2” for inset bases to keep an even overhang around the island.
If measuring for a seating area on one side, we recommend noting the dimensions of your base, adding 1” or 1 ½” for overhang on the opposite end depending on your base style, and adding your desired seating overhang.
Seating overhangs range in depth, but 15” is common for a standard-height depth and 12” works well for bar-height tops (fun fact: the higher you sit off the ground, the greater an angle your legs sit back, requiring less overhang overall!).
We recommend checking out our Overhang Guidelines if planning a seating overhang to determine how to best support your piece.
Waterfalls
Another recent option that has become increasingly popular for kitchen spaces is the waterfalling countertop. A waterfall top includes a main surface that has a 45-degree angle cut that meets a similarly cut “leg”, creating a seemingly seamless piece that extends toward the floor. A waterfall can be created on one or both sides of the main top, and depending on the total size, may be created using total length lumber for a truly seamless transition across the wood grain.
Measuring for a waterfall top is like measuring for any standard top – you’ll need the dimensions of your length and width, including any front and side overhang. Your “leg” measurement refers to the height of your floor to the top of your cabinet base (34 ½” for standard bases). One important consideration is accounting for the thickness of the countertop material in your final measurements. For example, with a 1 ½” countertop, your leg measurement will be 36” on a standard-height cabinet base. Additionally, you’ll need to add the same 1 ½” to the length of your countertop, aka “measuring to the longest point”.
We suggest reaching out to a designer pre- or post-order if purchasing a waterfalled piece so we may coordinate lumber pick to achieve the best possible look for your piece.
Benchtops
Bench tops will follow the measurement instructions as countertops, including shaving 3/32” for installation if enclosed on three sides. Be sure to account for the overhang along the front edge to allow room for foot movement; 1 ½” is standard for a bench overhang.
Desks/Tabletops
Desks and tabletops, while usually free-standing, may be used as built-ins and should follow the instructions above.
We encourage you to reach out to a designer if you have a specialized design that may benefit from a free consultation, or to review our Installation Guide for how best to support a top that will not be installed on cabinet bases.
Backsplash
If measuring for a backsplash, simply take measurements for your runs including the thickness of the material for the sides where they will be mitered to meet, if applicable. If cutting onsite, we recommend sizing up to ensure adequate material for proper fit. Standard-height backsplash range between 3”-6” and our wood backsplash typically measures ¾” thick.