The DH and I are shopping for solid surface countertop. We are trying to decide between companies to use.

One requires the countertops to be removed and then they make a template and we wait... without counters... for the new ones to come in.

Another uses a laser measurement tool to measure for the new counter. I'm afraid this tool is just measuring the old counter which I don't think was satisfactory. They don't require the counters to be removed before the measurements are taken.

I mentioned my concerns to the laser tool company and they said it would be no problem. I'm thinking the template approach sounds more accurate even though I'll be inconvenienced.

Any suggestions/advice/expertise in this area?

Thanks in advance.

Why do you think you may require a measuring tool with an accuracy in microns instead of millimeters ? What is so special with that surface counter ?

:confused:

Well... you are way more sophisticated than I. I guess it doesn't matter to me so much whether they use a laser or a template. My big concern is how can they get an accurate measurement for the new countertop if they don't take the old countertop off first?

Does that question make more sense?

I do some home repairs. Mostly small jobs.

One of my "clients" has new solid surface counter top installed, L shaped 8'x4'. Countertop company rep comes in makes template. Lays spacer blocks down, makes template of wall just above back splash using strips of luan and duct tape. A week later they bring counter top, fits fine.
Another "client" wants granite top. I do some preparatory plumbing work. Client wants me to coordinated and "over see" countertop installation. Granite company calls, wants to come and measure. Will remove existing counter top, will not reinstall, will have granite top in 2 weeks. I ask if customer knows they will be without counter top for 2 weeks. They say yes. I check with customer they say no way. They find another counter top company. New company comes out measures, no template, just measures. Delivers and installs counter top 3 days later.

With either way of measuring the only thing that really matters is the angle of any turns, backsplash takes care of minor inaccurateness.

Thanks, Harold. You didn't say, but I'm guessing the granite countertop that was just measured without the template fit fine?

Sounds like those installer/measurer folks are worth their weight in gold?

Yes, they mess up, their responsibility,their problem. Yes, granite fit fine.