How are templates made?
Precast concrete countertops are templated just like granite. Templating is done after any existing countertops are removed, or after new cabinets are fully installed. Your general contractor may need to arrange for existing countertop removal, or your countertop contractor may offer this as an additional service. Almost all concrete countertops require physical templates from the finished and installed cabinetry. In some cases, such as small or freestanding pieces, or islands without sinks or other holes, the contractor can use CADD drawings instead of physical templates. You will need to run full size plots for your contractor, and he can use those to create the forms. All fixtures that penetrate the concrete, such as sinks and faucets, must be physically available at templating time. Because concrete countertops are formed exactly to shape, not cut, field modifications are problematic. Provide your contractor with all of the fixtures ahead of time to insure a precise fit.
