How the worktop calculator works
The calculator turns your kitchen runs into the worktop pieces you need, then works out the fewest stock lengths to cut them from, reusing offcuts where they fit. Where two runs meet in a corner, one worktop runs into the corner and the other butts against its front edge, so the second run is shorter by the worktop depth.
Standard worktop sizes
| Type | Lengths | Depth | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | 3m, 3.6m, 4.1m | 600mm (900mm bar) | 28–40mm |
| Solid wood (oak, walnut) | 3m, 4.1m | 620mm (900mm bar) | 27–40mm |
| Compact laminate | 3m, 3.6m, 4.1m | 600–650mm | 12.5mm |
| Quartz / granite | Made to measure | 600mm+ | 20–30mm |
Fitting tips
- Fit all base units level first: worktops will follow any dip.
- Plan joints away from the sink and hob, and never over a dishwasher.
- Seal every cut edge, especially round sink cut-outs and joints in wood and laminate, to stop water swelling the core.
- Oil solid wood worktops on all sides before fitting, and leave an expansion gap at walls.
- Quartz and granite are templated after the units are fitted, then cut and fitted by the supplier, usually 1–2 weeks later.
Worked examples
A straight 3.2m run fits in one 3.6m laminate length with about 390mm to spare, with no joints. Two 3m upstands cover the wall behind, and you'll finish two exposed ends.
An L-shaped kitchen with runs of 3.2m and 2.4m: the first worktop runs into the corner, and the second butts against its front edge, so it only needs to be 2.4m − 0.6m = 1.8m. The two pieces (3.21m and 1.81m with trimming) can't come out of one 3.6m length, so you need 2 lengths and 1 corner joint, held with 3 worktop bolts. The 1.8m offcut is a handy spare for a small run or chopping board.
In quartz, the same L-shape is (3.2 + 1.8) × 0.6 = 3.0m². At £380 per m² supply and fit, that's around £1,140 before extra cut-outs and edge details. It's useful for checking stone quotes like for like.
Plan the cut-outs and overhangs
- Sink and hob: keep cut-outs well away from joints and the worktop ends, and follow the hob maker's minimum distances to walls and tall units.
- Front overhang: a 600mm worktop overhangs standard 560–580mm units by a few centimetres so drips miss the doors. Check your units before choosing a 650mm depth.
- Breakfast bars: a 900mm-deep bar overhanging the units needs support, from brackets, legs or an end panel, especially in stone.
- Upstands or splashback: upstands are quick and cheap. A tiled splashback behind the hob is easy to clean. The tile calculator covers the tiles.
Which material?
Laminate is the cheapest and easiest to fit yourself, but don't put hot pans straight on it, and water swells any unsealed edge. Solid wood looks warm and can be sanded back, but needs oiling and care round the sink. Compact laminate is thin, waterproof all the way through and very tough. Quartz and granite are hard-wearing and heat-resistant, but must be templated and fitted by the supplier.
Common mistakes
- Measuring the units, not the walls. Walls are rarely straight or square. Measure along the wall at the front and back of each run.
- Forgetting the corner deduction. In L and U kitchens, the second run is shorter by the worktop depth. The calculator does this for you.
- A joint at the sink. Water finds every joint. Plan joints away from the sink, hob and dishwasher.
Planning a bigger kitchen project? See the extension cost calculator, or browse floors, walls and decorating for flooring, tiling and paint.