The Countertop Template Appointment: What Happens

Templating is the precise measurement your stone countertops are cut from. It happens after the base cabinets are installed and level. Fixr notes granite can't be templated until the cabinets are in place, because the template has to capture your kitchen as it actually is. Everything decided at the template stage, including sink, faucet holes, cooktop, edges and seams, is what gets cut, so it pays to be ready.

What Happens at Templating

1. 1The fabricator measures the installed cabinets and walls, including any out-of-square corners.
2. 2Sink, faucet and cooktop positions are marked using your actual fixtures or exact specifications.
3. 3Overhangs, edge profile and any backsplash are confirmed.
4. 4Seam locations are discussed and agreed.

What to Have Ready

• Base cabinets installed, level and secure.
• Your sink on site, or its exact model and template; Fixr notes appliances, sinks and faucets should be on hand so the cutouts are sized correctly.
• Faucet and accessory hole count (soap dispenser, air gap, filtered water).
• Cooktop or range model and specifications.
• Your decisions on edge profile, overhangs and backsplash.
• Clear countertops and access to every wall and corner.

Decisions to Make on Template Day

• Where seams will fall, and how the pattern will be matched (see countertop seams)
• The edge profile (see edge profiles)
• Overhang depth for seating, and how it will be supported
• Whether the stone continues up the wall as a backsplash

After Templating

The slab is cut, edged and polished to the template. Fixr puts the time from templating to installation at about 2 to 3 weeks for granite. Avoid changing the sink, cooktop or layout after templating, since that usually means re-templating. See the countertop installation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get a Quote from Mega Solutions

Mega Solutions installs granite, quartz, quartzite and marble countertops, and also sells and installs cabinets, so templating can be planned right after your cabinets go in.

Sources

• Fixr, "Granite Countertop Installation Cost" (updated January 2025): fixr.com