What is the standard worktop length in the UK?

Standard laminate worktops in the UK come in 3m (3000mm) lengths, typically 600mm deep and 38mm thick. Some suppliers offer 4m lengths. Solid wood, quartz and granite worktops are often templated and cut to exact measurements rather than sold in standard lengths.

How do I join two worktop pieces?

Worktop pieces are joined using a mitre joint (for corners) or a butt joint (for straight joins). For laminate worktops, use worktop joining bolts to pull the joint tight, with colour-matched sealant or special jointing compound. The joint should be as tight as possible to prevent water ingress. Mason mitre jigs are available for cutting accurate 45-degree angles.

How much overhang should a kitchen worktop have?

A standard kitchen worktop should overhang the base units by approximately 25-30mm at the front. This allows doors and drawers to open freely and provides a drip edge. For breakfast bars, allow 300mm minimum overhang for seating, supported by brackets if over 300mm.

Do I need upstands or splashbacks?

Upstands are narrow strips (typically 100mm high) that sit between the worktop and the wall to prevent water and debris from getting behind. They are standard with laminate worktops. Full-height splashbacks (typically 600mm between worktop and wall units) are an alternative. Behind hobs, a heat-resistant splashback at least 750mm high is recommended.

How much extra worktop should I order for waste?

For a standard straight run, 5% extra is usually sufficient. For L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens with mitre joints, allow 10% extra as the corner cuts produce more waste. If you are cutting from 3m lengths, consider the off-cuts you will generate and whether they can be used for other sections.

TradeCalcs

Worktop Calculator — Kitchen Worktop Lengths & Joints

Calculate kitchen worktop linear metres, joints, edging strips and upstands for any kitchen layout.

Kitchen Layout

Choose the shape of your kitchen worktop run

Worktop Material

Material affects thickness but not length calculation

Main Run Length

Length of the main (or first) worktop run

Worktop Depth

Standard depth is 600mm

Wastage Allowance

Extra for cuts and joins (5-10% typical)

How We Calculate This

This calculator works out the total worktop length needed for your kitchen layout, how many standard 3m pieces to order, and the number of joints required. It also calculates edging strip and upstand quantities.

Kitchen layouts

Straight run: Single continuous run along one wall
L-shape: Two runs meeting at a 90° corner with a mitre joint
U-shape: Three runs with two mitre joints at corners
Island: Straight wall run plus a separate island piece

Key calculations

Linear metres: Sum of all run lengths
Standard lengths: Total length (with wastage) divided by 3m
Joints: One per corner (mitre), plus extras if any run exceeds 3m
Upstands: Back edge length at 100mm height

Standard UK worktop specification: 3000mm x 600mm x 38mm for laminate. Worktop depth defaults to 600mm but can be adjusted.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.