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How do you measure an L-shaped backsplash and its trim?
Published by Tile Ledger
Draw an elevation of each wall and divide it into rectangles that do not overlap. Add their areas for the field tile. Measure each exposed edge that takes a trim profile as a separate length, and count any special corner pieces by type.
Draw both walls as if they were unfolded
Imagine a long run 96 in wide and a return 48 in wide, each 18 in high. Their areas are 1,728 and 864 sq in. Dividing their sum by 144 gives 18 sq ft. The walls meet at an inside corner line and share no area. Measure the return on its own wall face to keep the drawing easy to check.
Add only the extra height behind a range
Suppose a 30 in section of the long run rises to 30 in above the counter. The bottom 18 in is already on your drawing. Add 30 × 12, or 360 sq in, which is 2.5 sq ft. Field coverage becomes 20.5 sq ft before the allowance. Sketch outlets for cut planning. Deducting each tiny opening may understate the tile consumed when the opening is cut into a full piece.
Read the trim line with a different pencil
Trace only the exposed edges that will actually receive trim. Two finished ends, both 18 in tall, give 36 linear inches, or 3 linear feet. A long top edge under a cabinet may have a different detail. If a 30 in ledge also needs the same trim, the total increases to 66 in. Check stock lengths and whether cuts can share a piece. Write field area, trim length and corner count on different lines before taking the list to the supplier.