Edges & Fabrication

Countertop Templating: What Happens Before Installation?

Templating is the step between choosing your stone and installing your countertop. It is where precise measurements of your kitchen are taken so the slab can be cut to fit perfectly. Good templating prevents gaps, wastage and costly mistakes. Here is what happens.

By FB Marble & Granite, Lahore·18 October 2026·2 min read

Kitchen with Kashmir White granite counters and walnut cabinets

What Is Templating?

Templating is the process of creating an exact, full-scale record of your countertop shape — including wall angles, corners, sink and hob positions, overhangs and edge details. Fabricators then use this template to cut the stone.

What Do You Need to Do Before Templating?

Install cabinets permanently — they must be fixed, level and in their final position.
Have your sink, taps and hob on site — or at least their exact specifications.
Decide on edges, overhangs and backsplash height.
Remove old countertops if they are being replaced.
Be present to answer questions and confirm details.

How Is Templating Done?

Traditional Templates

Step 1: Digital measuring device – countertop template — Step 1: Digital measuring device

Step 2: Template marked with sink position – countertop template — Step 2: Template marked with sink position

Thin strips of plywood, hardboard or plastic are hot-glued together to trace the exact outline of the counter. Sink and hob positions are marked directly on the template.

Digital Templating

Laser or digital measuring devices record precise dimensions and angles, which are transferred to CNC cutting machines.

During templating, the technician checks:

Wall straightness and corner angles
Cabinet levels
Overhang requirements
Seam locations
Cut-out sizes and positions
Backsplash height

Can You Make a Template Yourself?

For a simple rectangular vanity, a careful homeowner can make a template from cardboard. For kitchens, especially L- and U-shapes with sinks and hobs, professional templating is strongly recommended — walls in many homes are not perfectly straight, and small errors become expensive.

What Happens After Templating?

The template is taken to the workshop.
The fabricator lays it on your chosen slab, planning seam positions and vein flow.
The slab is cut, edges profiled and cut-outs made.
Pieces are dry-fitted and checked.
Installation is scheduled.

Can You Install Your Own Countertops?

Stone counters are heavy and fragile until installed. Professional installation ensures proper support, levelling and seam bonding.

Talk to FB Marble

FB Marble & Granite has supplied and installed natural stone across Pakistan since 2001. Visit our showroom at 51 Y Jamun, Bedian Road, near the DHA Phase 5-6 Interchange, Lahore, or WhatsApp +92 323 4148908 with your measurements for a free quote. Browse our granite, marble, quartz, porcelain and onyx collections on fbmarble.com.