Winding Up Your Remodel – The Week Nothing Happens 

During the kitchen remodeling process, it seems like there's something happening in your home all day long throughout the remodeling process. From demolition day on, you'll have a constant flow of workers coming through your home. From plumbers and electricians to the drywall guys, there's a continuous stream of skilled laborers and craftspeople, until the infamous "week nothing happens." 

This is the week that signifies that your project is getting close to wrapping up! The "week nothing happens" is the time that your kitchen countertop is templated, cut, delivered, and prepared for installation. Your countertop is one of the most expensive components of your remodel. If you choose natural stone or quartz, a template is required to make sure that your countertop is cut accurately. Fabricators will use a template prepared in your home to custom cut the material in their fabrication shop.

Let's look at the countertop template process to learn how your countertops are accurately cut and prepared for installation.

Measuring Your Space To Create A Template

There are two options countertop fabricators use to create a countertop template. The old school "analog" method is known as the stick method. This involves using a corrugated plastic material, or 1/4-inch luan wood strips and hot glue to create the template. There is an art to the stick method. However, it's more prone to error and takes more time to execute.

The "digital" method is an innovative approach that uses a laptop or tablet to record measurements taken and collected using a laser. Today, more fabricators are switching over to digital. It's more accurate, faster, and more efficient than the stick method. With computerized cutting, there is much less material waste.

Preparing for The Template Process

Suppose you're just replacing your countertop or up-cycling your existing base cabinets. In that case, your fabricator will get the most accurate template if your old countertops are removed. If the countertops are removed, the templator can check the cabinets to make sure they are level. Level base cabinets allow for the smoothest seams if your layout requires one. Countertop seams are often needed when working with granite or quartz if runs are 10 linear feet or longer.

Sometimes a countertop fabricator will template the countertop with the old one still in place. There are some benefits for the homeowner, for example, if they're just replacing the countertops. Keeping the old countertop in place means that they will still have a usable sink and workspace while waiting for the new countertop to be fabricated. 

If you're remodeling your entire kitchen, make sure the new cabinets are installed and painted, the appliances are on site, and the plumbing and electrical work are complete, so your templator can get the correct measurements. 

Learn The Cost Of Kitchen Remodeling

A Step-by-Step Look At The Digital Countertop Template Process 

The countertop template process consists of several steps before your countertops are fabricated and ready to install. First, a skilled technician will come to the job site to take measurements. They will set up a high-intensity laser pointed at the area to take a series of specific measurements. 

The laser measurements are sent to a computerized system that will record and chart the various points using them to create accurate dimensions. The technician will then add in any specific, relevant details. These include any overhangs, backsplashes, cutouts for sinks and faucets, specialty cuts, and seams that need to be factored into the project.

After all of the measurements are taken and any additional factors are documented, the technician will measure the surface a second time to ensure accurate measurements. The definition of measure twice, cut once!

The information is saved in the system and is then sent wirelessly to the fabrication facility. Upon receiving the data, the fabricator will set up the slab and lay out the template on the stone's surface. Finally, the stone is cut to the specific measurements required and then prepared for delivery to your job site ready to be installed. The typical turnaround time for the entire process, from measuring to fabrication, to delivery takes anywhere from 7 to 10 days – hence "the week nothing happens!"

Templating and fabricating your countertops is one of the final steps for completing your kitchen remodeling project. Choosing natural stone or manufactured quartz countertops for your kitchen project can drastically improve the aesthetics and functionality of your space, as well as add value to your home. With digital templating, you'll not only save time, but you'll also enjoy the convenience of digital delivery of your template to the fabrication shop, making the process fast and easy.

If you're planning a kitchen remodeling project and you'd like to learn more about choosing your countertops, the templating and fabrication process, or have any questions, and you live in the West Central Alabama area, give the design experts at Toulmin Kitchen & Bath a call at (205) 366-0807 or schedule an appointment. Let us help you design the perfect kitchen space to meet your unique creative vision and functional needs.