Is your bathroom counter top out of date or starting to look shabby? A bad bathroom counter top can make your bathroom look tacky. Maybe it is time to replace it. There are many choices in counter tops today. You don't necessarily have to make the expensive investment in granite. There are many choices in affordable materials, which look great and are durable. The counter top is one of the first things you notice when entering the bathroom. It can make a great accent for your bathroom. The first step you can make toward remodeling your bathroom is to measure the counter top so that you can estimate how much it will cost to replace. Some counter tops sell by the foot length, and some by square footage. Whatever is the case, you should know the length, width and square footage of your counter top.
Tools and Materials
- Pencil
- Paper
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Ruler
- Graph paper
Step 1 - Measuring the Counter Top
Use the measuring tape to first measure the back of the counter top. If counter top is not in one straight piece, it is important to measure the back of the counter top because that will determine how much counter length you will purchase.
Step 2 - Accounting for Areas around the Counter Top and the Upgrade
This is a good opportunity to use a new counter top to create more space. Look to see if there is any space in which the new counter top can stretch out to in order to provide more surface areas. Are there gaps that can filled by the old counter top? Then measure taking that into account. Make sure there is enough room to move around other items in the room. If you are putting in bigger fixtures you will have to account for that. When measuring the width, you should do that on one of the ends, so that you get a width of the actual counter top and are not thrown off in your measurements by the back splash.
Step 3 - Measuring for Square Footage
Measure the width of the counter top. Multiply the width of the counter top by the total back length to get the square footage. With the square footage and the total of the back lengths, you can estimate the cost of materials as you shop for a counter top.
Step 4 - Make a Sketch
Use the measurements to make a sketch of the counter top on graph paper. Come up with a scale, such as one square equaling one square inch. Also measure for where the sink and faucets will be coming in through the counter top. You will use the sketch for when you order the counter top and for when you install the bathroom counter top. Mark where the holes will need to be drilled to enable the installer to turn corners with the jig saw, when making the opening for the sink.
Step 5 - Recheck the Measurements
Recheck all the measurements at least twice. You cannot afford any bad cuts causing you to have to buy an entirely new counter top. Make sure the installer thoroughly understands the drawing before installing. You may even want to show the sketch to the installer before purchasing the counter top materials. It would even be a good idea for the installer to check your measurements before purchasing the counter top materials. It would also be good for the contractor to inspect the bathroom to make sure the counter top will fit into it properly. If you are going to replace any of the bathroom fixtures later, you should tell the installer so that can be taken into account.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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