Measuring Guide
How to Measure Your Worktops
Accurate measurements are the single most important factor in achieving a perfect fit. Follow this guide to measure with confidence — or let our templating team do it for you.
Step by Step
The measuring process
Work through these six steps in order. If you are unsure at any point, our team is happy to assist via phone or email before you book a template visit.
Gather Your Tools
You will need a steel tape measure (not a fabric one), a pencil, squared paper or a notepad, and a camera or phone. A spirit level is also useful for checking whether your walls are truly square — most are not.
Measure Each Run Length
Measure every worktop run from wall to wall (or wall to appliance gap) at counter height. Record each dimension in millimetres. Take measurements at both the front and back of the run — walls are rarely perfectly parallel.
Measure the Depth
Standard UK worktop depth is 600 mm. Measure the depth of your base units from the wall to the front face of the cabinet. Note any areas where depth varies, such as around a chimney breast or a protruding wall.
Note Cut-Outs for Sink & Hob
Record the exact position of your sink and hob cut-outs. Note the distance from each side wall to the centre of the appliance, and the distance from the front edge of the worktop. Always keep a copy of your appliance installation templates if available.
Sketch Your Layout
Draw a simple top-down plan of your kitchen with all dimensions labelled. Include the position of any corners, peninsulas, or breakfast bars. Mark which walls are shared with other rooms — these can sometimes have pipes or ducts running close to the surface.
Send Us Your Measurements
Upload or email your sketch and measurements when you request a quote. Our team will review them and, where needed, our templating team will visit prior to fabrication to verify every dimension on site.
Expert Advice
Tips for getting it right
Small details make a big difference. These tips come directly from our templating team.
Always measure twice
Measure each run at least twice independently before recording the figure. A difference of even 5 mm between two readings means you should measure again.
Allow for an overhang
A standard worktop overhangs the cabinet door face by 20 mm. If you want a larger overhang — for bar stools at a peninsula, for example — add this to your depth measurement and let us know.
Account for angles and non-square corners
If your kitchen has an angled wall or a diagonal corner unit, measure both sides of the angle and note the approximate degree if possible. Our templaters will confirm the precise mitre cut during the template visit.
Check for obstacles
Note radiator pipes, window boards, or boxing that might affect how far the worktop can sit against the wall. Photograph anything unusual — it saves time at the templating stage.
What to Avoid
Common measuring mistakes
These are the errors our team sees most frequently. Being aware of them saves time and money.
Measuring in centimetres or inches
Always use millimetres. Mixed units on a single sketch are a common source of cutting errors.
Measuring at floor level instead of counter height
Base cabinets taper very slightly. Measure at worktop height (approximately 870–900 mm from floor) for the most accurate result.
Forgetting to include the upstand depth
If you are having a matching stone upstand fitted, the worktop itself typically sits 15–20 mm away from the wall to leave room. Factor this into your back edge measurement.
Not noting appliance positions
A sink or hob cut-out placed even 10 mm off-centre can be very noticeable. Always record the centre-line position relative to both side walls.
Using an old plan from the kitchen fitter
Kitchen plans are drawn to guide installation, not fabrication. Always re-measure from the finished, installed cabinets before placing a worktop order.
Ready to Begin?
Have your measurements? Get a quote today.
Submit your dimensions and one of our specialists will send a detailed, itemised quote within one working day.