Learn How To Draw A Layout of Your Granite Counters

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The days of free in-home estimates are long gone, thanks to the high costs of transportation. If you’re looking to install granite countertops, most fabricators now ask you to provide a layout of your existing counters for a free phone or email estimate. Drawing you countertops may seem hard and intimidating, but with these tips your layout will be ready in no time.

First draw your counter tops as squares and rectangles. A clean sheet of printer paper will be good although graphing paper works best. The layout doesn’t have to be to scale, but try to keep the right proportions. Sketch every countertop, including ledges, islands, peninsulas, and bar tops. Indicate where your appliances are placed in clear words. This will help you keep track of your measurements.

Mark the sink as a rounded rectangle. With laminate counters, the sink is mounted from above. Granite counters allow you to choose between top mounting and under mounting the sink. Under mount sinks require a polished cutout that exposes the pattern and color of the granite. Most sinks include a template for the cutout. For the purpose of your drawing, size and shape do not matter, but you should specify top mount or under mount.

Most kitchens have a 4-inch or full backsplash. Four-inch tall splashes are the most popular, but other options are available. Some people opt for full backsplashes, others elect not to have a backsplash at all. Granite backsplashes cover the wall bumps and protect the walls from water.

Installers put splashes wherever the counter meets a wall - not against appliances. You can indicate backsplashes on your layout by drawing a narrow rectangle along each counter. Ask for estimate for multiple options if you're not sure which backsplash is best for your kitchen.

If your kitchen has a cooktop as opposed to a stand-alone oven, mark it with a labeled rectangle. Cooktop holes are usually fabricated at the installation site.

Mark finished edges with an "x".Different granite profiles can be carved along the exposed edges. Granite fabricators can produce an array of finished edge profiles that range in price. Mark edges that will be exposed.

Include information about your options:granite color, backsplash size, and edge profile. These choices will be necessary for an accurate estimate. Also include your contact information, including your full name, address, phone, and email address.

And that's it! Before you send your layout to the fabricator, you’ll need to take some measurements. It may help to have a friend around to hold the other end of the tape measure.