How to Prepare for Template Visit
Preparing for a countertop template visit requires completing 5 key tasks before the templater arrives: finalize your cabinet installation, choose your sink and faucet (have them on-site), decide on your edge profile, clear the workspace of all items, and confirm your countertop layout with the fabricator. A well-prepared template visit takes 30-60 minutes and prevents costly measurement errors that cause 60% of fabrication remakes.
TL;DR
- Have all cabinets fully installed, leveled, and secured to the wall before the template visit
- Your sink and faucet must be on-site (not just selected) so the templater can measure exact cutout dimensions
- Clear all items from existing countertops and the area within 3 feet of cabinets
- Decide on edge profile, backsplash height, and overhang preferences before the appointment
- Template visits take 30-60 minutes for standard kitchens, up to 90 minutes for complex layouts
- Laser templating is accurate to 1/32" and has largely replaced physical strip templates
- Any changes after templating typically cost $150-$500 in re-template fees
What Is a Countertop Template Visit?
A template visit is when a fabricator sends a trained technician to your home to create an exact digital map of your countertop surfaces. This measurement data drives every cut, curve, and cutout during fabrication. The templater records:
- Cabinet dimensions and configuration
- Wall angles (most kitchen walls aren't perfectly square)
- Sink and faucet placement
- Edge profile selections
- Backsplash measurements
- Overhang distances
- Seam locations
- Any special features like waterfall edges or radius corners
Most fabricators now use laser templating systems like the Proliner or LT-2D3D, which create digital files accurate to within 1/32". These files feed directly into CNC machines for cutting, which means the template is the single most important step in your entire countertop project.
Your Pre-Template Checklist
1. Cabinets Must Be 100% Complete
This is non-negotiable. Every cabinet must be:
- Fully installed in its final position
- Leveled (within 1/8" across the full run)
- Secured to the wall studs
- Connected to adjacent cabinets with cabinet screws
- Fitted with finished end panels if applicable
If your cabinet installer hasn't finished, reschedule the template. Templating against incomplete cabinets guarantees pieces that won't fit properly. Even moving a cabinet 1/4" after templating can create visible gaps.
2. Have Your Sink and Faucet On-Site
Don't just have them selected - have them physically in your kitchen. The templater needs to:
| Item | What They Measure | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sink | Exact outside dimensions, clip positions, reveal depth | Undermount cutout must match within 1/8" |
| Faucet | Base plate size, number of holes, hole spacing | Holes are drilled at the shop - no second chances |
| Soap dispenser | Hole diameter and placement | Must clear sink and cabinet framing |
| Filtered water tap | Hole diameter | Additional hole needed if applicable |
| Cooktop | Cutout dimensions from spec sheet | CNC cut must be exact |
Undermount sinks are especially critical because the cutout is made at the fabrication shop. If the templater doesn't have your exact sink model, they'll use generic dimensions that might not match. This causes installation-day problems that cost $500-$2,000 to fix.
3. Clear the Work Area
Remove everything from:
- Existing countertops (all appliances, dishes, decorations)
- Under the sink (cleaning supplies, plumbing access)
- The 3-foot zone around all cabinets (bar stools, trash cans, step ladders)
- Windowsills above countertops
The templater needs unobstructed access to every surface being measured. Laser systems require line-of-sight to all edges and corners. A cluttered workspace adds 15-30 minutes to the visit and increases the chance of missed measurements.
4. Make Your Design Decisions
Before the templater arrives, finalize these choices:
Edge profile: Eased, bullnose, ogee, bevel, dupont, or other. The templater needs to know because some profiles affect the finished dimensions. An ogee edge, for example, requires extra material width compared to a simple eased edge.
Overhang distance: Standard is 1-1/2" past the cabinet face. Islands typically have 12-15" overhangs on the seating side. Anything over 10" usually requires support brackets.
Backsplash: Are you doing a 4" stone backsplash, a full-height slab backsplash, or tile? If stone, the templater measures for backsplash pieces too. Standard height is 4", but full-height runs from countertop to upper cabinets (typically 18").
Seam placement: Your fabricator should discuss seam locations based on slab size and layout. You'll want input on where seams fall, especially in high-visibility areas.
Corner treatment: Inside corners can be sharp (standard) or radiused. Outside corners should always have at least a slight radius to prevent chipping.
5. Ensure Access and Scheduling
Practical items that matter:
- Someone 18+ must be home for the entire visit
- Keep pets secured in another room
- Make sure the driveway or parking area is accessible
- Turn on adequate lighting in the kitchen
- Have your contract and material selection confirmation handy
What Happens During the Template Visit
Here's the typical timeline for a standard kitchen:
Minutes 1-10: Walk-through and review. The templater reviews your selections, discusses seam placement, and confirms edge profiles. They'll check cabinet level and identify any issues.
Minutes 10-40: Laser measurement. The technician sets up the laser device and methodically captures every point along your counter layout. They measure wall angles, cabinet depths, and all cutout locations. You'll see them placing small adhesive targets on surfaces.
Minutes 40-55: Verification and special features. The templater double-checks critical measurements like sink cutouts and seam locations. They measure for backsplash pieces, check appliance clearances, and note any irregularities.
Minutes 55-60: Review and sign-off. You'll review the template layout (many templaters show you a digital preview), confirm all details, and sign off on the measurements. This is your last chance to make changes without additional charges.
Common Template Day Mistakes
Not having the sink on-site. This is the #1 problem fabricators deal with. About 30% of template visits get delayed or require a return trip because the sink isn't available. Each re-visit costs $100-$200 in scheduling delays.
Incomplete cabinets. If even one cabinet isn't installed, the entire template may need to be redone later. Your fabricator can't guess where an uninstalled cabinet will end up.
Changing your mind after templating. Want to move the cooktop 6 inches to the left? That requires a re-template. Decided you want an undermount sink instead of drop-in? Re-template. These changes typically cost $150-$500 and push your project back 1-2 weeks.
Forgetting about plumbing rough-in. If your plumbing isn't roughed in, the templater can't confirm sink and faucet placement relative to supply lines and drains.
Not being home. Someone who can make decisions needs to be present. The templater will have questions about overhangs, seam placement, and edge details that can't wait.
How Template Data Feeds Fabrication
Modern fabrication shops use the digital template file to:
- Program CNC machines for automated cutting
- Plan slab layout for optimal material usage (minimizing waste)
- Generate edge profile toolpaths
- Create sink and faucet cutout programs
- Calculate seam locations and angles
This is why template accuracy matters so much. The data from your 45-minute template visit controls a fabrication process worth $2,000-$10,000 or more. Professional fabricators run verification checks on template data before cutting, but even the best verification can't fix bad initial measurements.
FAQ
How long does a countertop template visit take? A standard kitchen template takes 30-60 minutes. Complex layouts with multiple seams, islands, or waterfall edges can take up to 90 minutes. Bathroom vanities take 15-20 minutes each.
Do I need to be home for the template? Yes. Someone who can make decisions about edge profiles, overhangs, and seam placement must be present. Many fabricators won't proceed without an authorized decision-maker on-site.
Can I template before cabinets are installed? No. Cabinets must be fully installed, leveled, and secured before templating. Even slight cabinet repositioning after the template can result in pieces that don't fit, requiring costly re-fabrication.
What if my sink hasn't arrived yet? Most fabricators will reschedule the template visit. Some will template everything except the sink area and return for that measurement later, but this adds a second trip fee of $100-$200 and delays your project.
How soon after templating do I get my countertops? Typical turnaround from template to installation is 5-10 business days for standard projects. Exotic materials, complex fabrication, or busy seasons may extend this to 2-3 weeks.
Is laser templating more accurate than physical templates? Yes. Laser templating is accurate to 1/32" while physical strip templates are accurate to approximately 1/16". Laser templates also create digital files that feed directly into CNC machines, eliminating manual data entry errors.
Do I need to remove my old countertops before the template? Usually no. Most fabricators template over existing countertops and cabinets. However, if your old countertops sit significantly higher or differently than the new cabinets, discuss this with your fabricator.
What if the templater finds my cabinets aren't level? The templater will note any leveling issues and may recommend corrections before fabrication. Cabinets that are off by more than 1/8" across a run should be shimmed and re-leveled. Your fabricator may pause the project until this is fixed.
How much does a template visit cost? Most fabricators include the template visit in their overall project price. If charged separately, template fees range from $100-$300. Re-template visits due to customer changes typically cost $150-$500.
Can I change my sink after templating? Changing your sink model after templating almost always requires a re-template, especially if you're switching between drop-in and undermount styles or changing sink dimensions. This adds cost and delays your timeline.
Plan Your Countertop Project
Ready to get started with your countertop project? A good template visit sets the foundation for a perfect installation. Use our cost calculator to estimate your project costs, including material, fabrication, and installation.
[Try the SlabWise Cost Calculator →]
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Template and Installation Best Practices, 2024
- Marble Institute of America - Dimension Stone Design Manual
- Proliner - Digital Templating Standards and Accuracy Specifications
- National Kitchen & Bath Association - Kitchen Planning Guidelines
- SBA - Consumer Guide to Kitchen Renovation Planning
- IBIS World - Stone Countertop Installation Industry Standards, 2025