Build a job: how to calculate countertop square footage, seams and support
To calculate area, multiply length by depth in inches and divide by 144. Add the island, waterfall panel, backsplash and built-up edge strips, then divide by the planning yield to estimate slab-equivalents. The drawing shows the results for this job. Its top panel summarizes material quantity, seams, support and skill requirements. Change a control to update the drawing, then hover over a detail to see who does the work and which machines it needs.
- 1. Drop-in: the bowl is lowered in from above and its rim rests on the surface, covering the cut edge. Imperfections disappear under the rim.
- 2. No seams: the run fits one slab, and a compact L can leave the shop in one piece.
- 3. Inside the rule of thumb: commonly run without added support. The shop's own limit, not a building code.
- Slab handling & lifting Move full slabs, truck to saw. moves the slab between the truck, storage area, saw and workbench.
- Digital templating device Capture a kitchen's exact geometry into a digital file. captures field dimensions used to prepare the fabrication file.
- Slab imaging & digital layout · an option Photographs and lays out real slabs on screen. helps shops plan material yield and avoid defects.
- Bridge saw Break raw slabs into rough tops and straight cuts. the usual first cuts.
- Sawjet · an option Straight and curved cuts on one machine. handles straight cuts, openings and 45s on one machine, where the shop has a sawjet.
- CNC waterjet · an option Cutouts, curves, and inlays a saw can't reach. openings and curves without blade stress: a common route for the cutouts, if the shop runs one.
- CNC router / workcenter Edges, holes, cutouts, and drainboard grooves. the sink opening and faucet bores; the cooktop opening; machine-profiles and polishes your eased edge.
- Edge / line polisher Polishes long straight countertop edges. polishes the long, straight edges.
- Hand & wet-finishing tools Finishes what the big machines start. completes the finishing work after machining, in the shop and on site.
- Water reclaim & slurry management Catches wet-cutting water, drops out solids, recycles it. shop infrastructure: every wet machine above drains into it.
Calibrating & surfacing line: not needed for this job because slabs arrive calibrated. These lines are used in slab plants, not fabrication shops.
Worked examples: four of these jobs, read out in full
Builder-grade kitchen
The order. quartz, 3cm, eased edge, drop-in sink, cooktop, 6 in overhang, short backsplash, 96 in run.
Take-off. About 54 sq ft, about 2 slab-equivalents.
Seams. No seams: the run fits one slab, and a compact L can leave the shop in one piece.
Support. Inside the rule of thumb: commonly run without added support. The shop's own limit, not a building code.
Experience required. Routine work: A fabricator handles the finishing, with a helper assisting with handling and preparation.
Machines used. Slab handling & lifting · Digital templating device · Bridge saw · CNC router / workcenter · Edge / line polisher · Hand & wet-finishing tools · Water reclaim & slurry management.
Showpiece island
The order. marble, 3cm, mitered edge, undermount sink, waterfall end, 14 in overhang, full backsplash, 150 in run.
Take-off. About 108 sq ft, about 4 slab-equivalents. Vein matching uses more slab.
Seams. At the inside corner: the usual split for transport and yield, though not a law. A planning seam at about 83 in: the run extends beyond the reference slab, subject to stock and layout. Its location is kept clear of the cutouts.
Support. Past the rule of thumb. Needs support under the span: concealed steel, brackets or corbels, sized and anchored by the shop.
Experience required. Experienced lead: Requires an experienced lead. A waterfall end requires careful alignment; a mitered edge in marble requires careful finishing.
Machines used. Slab handling & lifting · Digital templating device · Slab imaging & digital layout · Bridge saw · CNC router / workcenter · Hand & wet-finishing tools · Seam setter · Water reclaim & slurry management.
A 2cm laminated starter
The order. granite, 2cm, laminated edge, drop-in sink, cooktop, 8 in overhang, short backsplash, 120 in run.
Take-off. About 64 sq ft, about 2 slab-equivalents.
Seams. At the inside corner: the usual split for transport and yield, though not a law.
Support. Past the rule of thumb. Needs support under the span: concealed steel, brackets or corbels, sized and anchored by the shop.
Experience required. Fabricator: Requires fabrication and installation experience. A seam to close on site; concealed support fitted to the shop's detail.
Machines used. Slab handling & lifting · Digital templating device · Bridge saw · CNC router / workcenter · Hand & wet-finishing tools · Seam setter · Water reclaim & slurry management.
A porcelain penthouse
The order. porcelain, 2cm, mitered edge, undermount sink, cooktop, waterfall end, 10 in overhang, full backsplash, 132 in run.
Take-off. About 101 sq ft, about 3 slab-equivalents.
Seams. At the inside corner: the usual split for transport and yield, though not a law. A planning seam at about 73 in: the run extends beyond the reference slab, subject to stock and layout. Its location is kept clear of the cutouts.
Support. Past the rule of thumb. Needs support under the span: concealed steel, brackets or corbels, sized and anchored by the shop.
Experience required. Experienced lead: Requires an experienced lead. A waterfall end requires careful alignment; a mitered edge in porcelain requires careful finishing.
Machines used. Slab handling & lifting · Digital templating device · Bridge saw · CNC router / workcenter · Hand & wet-finishing tools · Seam setter · Water reclaim & slurry management.