Introduction
Ever had a fabricator walk a kitchen and say, “Not ready,” then bump you a week? It’s common—and it’s avoidable. This guide breaks down what “template-ready” really means and how to get there every time. Why it matters: fewer redraws, cleaner installs, and a happier client. How you do it: tighten tolerances, lock selections, confirm supports, and document everything clearly. Use the steps below as a repeatable routine so your templater is in-and-out, and your schedule doesn’t slip.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Template readiness is about tolerances, decisions, and supports—not just “cabs are in.”
- In general, fabricators expect base cabinets within 1/8 inch over 10 feet; fix before they arrive.
- Lock sink, cooktop, faucet, seams, and edges in writing; signed choices reduce mid-fab changes.
- Overhangs greater than 10–12 inches usually need brackets; space and install them ahead of template.
- Clear on-site access and labeled selections typically save 30–60 minutes on template day.
Base Cabinets: Plumb, Level, Secure
Many contractors find the fastest way to a re-template is wobbly boxes. The stone won’t forgive what wood tries to hide.
1) Hit Level Tolerances Before Template
- Problem: Out-of-level bases force thick shims or a shop call to reject the template.
- Solution: Plane, shim, and fasten bases so they’re dead stable. Check long runs, corners, and islands.
- Data point: In general, fabricators expect less than 1/8 inch variation over 10 feet (about 3 mm over 3 m).
- Example: On a 12-foot run that was 3/8 inch out, we corrected with continuous shims and a ledger. The templater accepted on the first visit.
2) Fasten Cabinets Like They’ll Hold Stone (Because They Will)
- Problem: Loose boxes shift between template and install, throwing off reveals and seams.
- Solution: Screw to studs and to each other; verify no-rack at corners; secure island cabinets to floor.
- Example: An island that drifted 1/4 inch caused a seam to land over a dishwasher—installer refused to set. Securement avoided a second trip.
3) Keep the Top Plane Clean and Continuous
- Problem: Proud screw heads, rail lips, or uneven subtops create point loads and gaps.
- Solution: Flush the plane—sink rails, remove proud fasteners, and sand high spots.
- Example: A proud rail at the sink base created a 1/16 inch rock; leveling it saved on-site grinding and a callback.
Openings And Fixtures: Real Parts, Real Clearances
Drawings are nice. Real parts on site are better. Templaters trust what’s installed and unboxed.
4) Have the Actual Sink, Faucet, and Cooktop On Site
- Problem: “Model TBD” leads to wrong cutouts and delays.
- Solution: Unbox and verify model numbers. Place the sink, faucet, and cooktop for the templater to measure.
- Data point: Commonly, seam locations are avoided within about 6 inches of sink cutouts; knowing the exact sink matters.
- Example: Client switched to a larger undermount last minute. Because it was on site, seam and reveal were adjusted at template—no rework.
5) Confirm Appliance Clearances and Door Swings
- Problem: Range, dishwasher, and fridge clearances get missed, causing interference at install.
- Solution: Dry-fit appliances or use accurate spec cut sheets and measure door swings and handle projections.
- Example: A French-door fridge handle clipped a 1-1/4 inch overhang. We shifted the counter 1/4 inch at template and avoided a field notch.
6) Lock Sink Reveal, Faucet Hole Count, and Centerlines
- Problem: “We thought zero reveal” vs “I wanted positive” fights in the driveway.
- Solution: Decide reveal (zero/positive/negative), faucet hole count/spacing, and sink/faucet centers in writing.
- Data point: Contractors often report that signed selections cut change requests by 20–30% during fabrication.
- Example: We set a 3-hole layout, 8 inches on center, and zero reveal. The shop cut once and installed without questions.
Supports And Overhangs: No Sag, No Cracks
Stone hates flex. Unsupported spans are a crack waiting to happen.
7) Pre-Install Brackets for Bar Tops and Overhangs
- Problem: Overhangs get missed until install day, then everyone scrambles for brackets.
- Solution: Add steel/L-brackets or concealed supports before template; space consistently.
- Data point: Many fabricators require support for overhangs greater than 10–12 inches, with bracket spacing commonly 16–24 inches.
- Example: A 14-inch island overhang used concealed steel every 20 inches. The installer set and left in under 90 minutes.
8) Plan Seams Away From Cutouts and Spans
- Problem: Seams over dishwashers or tight to sinks increase risk of failure.
- Solution: Place seams over solid cabinet partitions or near interior corners.
- Data point: It’s common to avoid seams directly above appliances and within several inches of sink cutouts.
- Example: We moved a proposed seam 8 inches off a sink and onto a partition—no hairline showed months later.
Walls And Backsplash: Flat, Straight, Decided
Wavy walls and last-minute backsplash choices burn time and money.
9) Flatten Walls and Decide Backsplash Details
- Problem: Out-of-plane walls create big caulk joints or scribe cuts.
- Solution: Skim, plane, or sister studs where needed. Decide if you want a 4-inch stone splash, full-height tile, or none.
- Data point: Many crews find that confirming splash decisions at template avoids at least one follow-up call and can save 30–60 minutes on install day.
- Example: Client chose full-height tile. We left a consistent 1/8 inch gap to walls for tile tuck—clean finish, zero grinder work inside.
10) Manage Out-of-Square Corners and Bowed Runs
- Problem: Corners out more than a few degrees distort cut lines and overhangs.
- Solution: Check diagonals, note the worst spots, and communicate to the templater.
- Example: A 91-degree corner was called out on the template sheet; shop cut the angle precisely and seams closed tight on install.
Site Readiness And Documentation: Zero Guesswork
No clutter, no missing decisions, no locked gates. Make template day boring—in a good way.
11) Clear Access, Protect Floors, and Document Choices
- Problem: Blocked driveways, pets, and boxes on cabinets slow or stop template.
- Solution: Stage the space, lay floor protection, and confirm access/parking. Label all selections and mark centerlines on painters’ tape.
- Data points:
- Commonly, template-to-install lead time runs 7–14 business days; each re-template can add 3–5 days.
- Many contractors report saving 30–60 minutes when fixtures are unboxed and access is clear.
- Example: We taped “SINK CL 36-1/4 in” on the base, marked faucet centers, and laid a clean path. Templater finished in under 45 minutes.
Simple Comparison: Before vs After Improvements
| Feature | Current State | Improvement |
|---|
| Base Level | 3/8 in dip in 10 ft | Less than 1/8 in in 10 ft (shimmed and fastened) |
| Fixtures | Spec sheets only | Actual sink/cooktop on site, labeled |
| Overhang Support | Brackets TBD | Brackets installed 16–24 in on center |
| Decisions | Verbal only | Signed reveals, seams, faucet holes |
| Access | Boxes on tops | Clear path, floor protection, parking confirmed |
Lock It In With Clear Paperwork
- Put the final selections, edge profile, seam plan, and support notes into a one-page summary.
- Many contractors find that sending a clean, branded PDF before the templater arrives reduces back-and-forth by half.
- Using Donizo, you can capture all job details by voice on site, generate a professional proposal PDF with photos/notes, and send it for e-signature. Once accepted, convert to an invoice in one click and track payments—no retyping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does “Template-Ready” Actually Mean?
Template-ready means cabinets are permanently installed, level within about 1/8 inch over 10 feet, walls are reasonably flat, fixtures are on site (or accurately specified), overhang supports are in, and all selections (sink reveal, seams, edge, faucet holes) are decided and documented. Access is clear and safe.
Do I Need the Actual Sink and Cooktop On Site?
It’s strongly recommended. In general, real parts prevent cutout errors and seam conflicts. If that’s not possible, provide exact model numbers and cut sheets, and confirm reveal style and hole count in writing.
How Do I Handle Large Overhangs?
Plan supports early. Many fabricators require brackets or concealed steel for overhangs beyond 10–12 inches, spaced roughly 16–24 inches on center. Install supports before template so they’re captured in measurements.
How Long From Template to Install?
Commonly, 7–14 business days, depending on shop load and material. A re-template or late selection change can add 3–5 days. Keeping decisions locked and cabinets within tolerance keeps you at the front of the line.
What If the Walls Are Out of Square?
Note it on the template sheet and communicate exact angles. Flatten where you can; where you can’t, the shop can cut to your measurements. Avoid forcing seams or edges tight to bad walls—leave a consistent, planned reveal or caulk joint.
Conclusion
Countertop days go smooth when you control the controllables: level bases, real fixtures, proper supports, flat walls, and crystal-clear decisions. Do that, and templates are quick, installs land on schedule, and call-backs shrink. Want to lock details the same day you set the bases? Use Donizo to speak your scope on site, generate a branded PDF proposal with all selections, send it for e-signature, and, once approved, convert it to an invoice in one click. Less chasing, more installing.
