Order the countertop before or after fitting the cabinets?
Choose and price the stone early, even at the kitchen design stage. We take the measurements for cutting only after the cabinets are fitted, levelled and will not be moved again. Otherwise the countertop may not fit.
Early: choice and quote
At the kitchen design stage it is worth knowing what the countertop will be. The stone and its thickness affect the height of the units, the overhangs and the support for the island. We prepare the quote from the plan and dimensions.
Later: measuring on finished cabinets
A stone countertop is flat and rigid. The cabinets must be fixed in place, levelled and no longer adjusted.1 If we measure earlier, any change in how the units stand can mean gaps, uneven overhangs or stress in the stone.
What must be ready on measuring day
- Base cabinets fitted and levelled.
- The sink, hob and tap are decided.
- Walls finished, or you know what covering will go above the countertop.
Common problems
- Cabinets standing “for now”, with legs not set for good.
- Changing the sink after measuring.
- Wall tiles laid after measuring, which changes the dimensions.
A good order
Kitchen design with the stone chosen, cabinet fitting, countertop measuring, cutting, countertop fitting, then the plumber, electrician and wall coverings. We can agree dates with your cabinet maker if you like.
(Sources)
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Accent Countertops, Why It’s Important to Level Your Cabinets Before Template Appointment
(Questions)
Can the cabinet maker leave the cabinets without a countertop for a few weeks?
Yes. They usually leave them levelled and protected, and we fit the countertop after measuring.
Who is responsible for levelling the cabinets?
The cabinet maker. When measuring, we check the level and tell you if anything needs fixing.
