It would be hard to imagine a kitchen counter without an overhang. It’s a crucial part of the counter that makes it more functional, as it gives us more space to operate. Additionally, it prevents spillages and things from falling off the counter. It also protects the cabinets or drawers below.
But an overhang is today also part of the design of the kitchen. Choosing the right countertop overhang can make your kitchen look more sophisticated. But buying just any overhang is not the best.
There are some standard measurements that determine how wide and how long should the kitchen countertop overhang be. These measurements serve a practical purpose – it allows us to choose between countertops easier, and it’s easier to design the kitchen knowing the standard countertop overhang measurements.
What are the Standard Countertop Overhang Measurements?
Image source: DG Kitchen & Bath
Although some people and designers still choose various measurements, there are some set standards when it comes to countertop overhangs. We can look at these from different angles, but there are some measurements we should try and stick to.
The standard overhang is 1 ½ inches. This means that the countertop is 1 ½ inches over the edge of the base cabinet. This is the standard measurement, but not every kitchen countertop overhang will have this precise measurement.
This extension plays a crucial role in your kitchen. It keeps spills and various crumbs or other particles from entering your cabinets or drawers below. It also complements the counter-cupboard-toe-kick.
These are the standard overhang measurements.
| Countertop | 1 ½ inches |
| Island | 12 inches |
| Bar Top | 12 inches |
Island Overhangs
Image source: Office of Mark Armstrong Architect
The standard measurement for island overhangs is different from countertops. It’s at 12 inches, and that’s because of the different requirement. There might be stools under the island overhang, and you can extend it even further. But that would require additional changes, such as adding supporting legs, and metal L-brackets to support the overhang.
This measurement comes handy with islands where you’re going to have a sitting area. 12 inches is the standard size, but it’s useful to know what you’re intending to do with the overhang. You might want more legroom, and that’s where an extension comes into play.
Some people like to have 15-inch or even 18-inch overhangs. But that draws additional changes that need to be made. You’ll need additional support for the granite overhang, such as supporting legs. It’s also an additional cost, and it warrants a rethink of the strategy.
Access Standards
Image source: Metropolitan Cabinets & Countertops
If you have someone who needs ADA friendly space, then the measurements are different. The standard countertop depth is 17”, and the height is 27”. The counter should also be at least 28” from the floor, and it can go even higher than that.
The wheelchairs will require plenty of space to fit in; at least 36” wide space should do, although you can go even wider than that.
Countertop Clearance
Image source: KraftMaster Renovations
You’ll also need to keep in mind that the bigger the countertop is, the less space it will be around it. Of course, you’ll have to have enough space for your appliances and kitchen features to fit onto the countertop.
But if the countertop is too wide, you might waste the space in your kitchen. There should be at least 42 inches of space between the countertop and the cabinets around. You’ll want to bump it up to 48 inches if you’ll want even more space.
Overhang and Seating
Image source: Classic Kitchens & Interiors
If you intend to use the kitchen island as a part of the dining area, then you’ll want to ensure there’s enough legroom to sit behind the island. The standard countertop overhang won’t do; 1,5 inches is just not enough legroom.
In that case, you’ll need more countertop. Also, the higher the stools will be, the less space you’ll need for legroom. If the stools are bar height (42”), then you’ll need less countertop. If you’re at table height (about 30”), you’ll inevitably need more legroom and space.
Image source: Zuern Kitchen Design Showroom
It doesn’t matter what the height will be; in the end, the width will have to be at least 24”, although if you want to use the bar for casual drinks, then 21” will do.
So what is enough legroom? If you’re intending to have 36” countertops away from the floor, then you’ll need slightly higher stools. 15” of legroom is usually enough in those cases. But for 42” countertops, 12-14” of legroom is adequate.
Adding Extra Space
Image source: Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath
You can increase the overhang to add more functionality to them. This way, you’ll easily manage spills and clean it easier. You’ll also have far more space to operate on.
Just a few inches can make a lot of difference. A kitchen countertop is the kitchen’s premium real estate, and you’ll want to ensure you use its maximum potential. If you use a kitchen island or a bar, you can easily extend the countertop to get more space and create a more functional environment.
Image source: The Woodshop of Avon
For kitchen islands, the standard countertop of the bar will be 12 inches. You can extend it and still create a safe kitchen island. You can extend it, but you’ll have to add some sort of support for the countertop. Hidden countertop bracket support will do the best as it will create a functional countertop and it will look way more elegant.
If you don’t support the overhang, you risk its wellbeing. That’s especially true for granite and stone countertops. Stone countertops shouldn’t exceed 14” without support, while granite countertops shouldn’t exceed 10” without support. If it does exceed that number, consider getting some support for the countertop.
Style Matters
Image source: Pike Properties
The style will also play an important role when picking the countertop for you. First, you’ll have to choose the overhang size and measurements. The edging of the overhang can vary a lot, and it can impact the overall design of the kitchen. Here are some of the most common styles when it comes to countertops.
- Squared countertops is the standard, where the cut is made at 90 degrees. It’s also called flat.
- Eased style is a slightly shaped countertop, and it’s the traditional style. The edges are rounded here.
- Waterfall is the luxury style where the granite extends all the way to the floor.
- Bullnose is the rounded edge.
- Ogee style comes with an S-shaped edge. It’s an elegant and classic look that many decide to get.
- Marine style looks like a lip at the edge of the countertop. It’s a raised edge, as opposed to mitered edges.
- Custom styles are also quite common, where the users decide themselves how the edge will look like.
Image source: RIEK Builds, Inc.
Transitional design is also becoming more and more popular. Countertops with little or no overhang are becoming more and more prevalent which provides a sleek design. You lose the overhang and the working space, but you gain some points in the overall design. Overall, it can look nicer this way, and it’s easier to plan out. But remember that you’re losing a lot of functionality that comes with the extra overhang.
Ending thoughts on the countertop overhang
Countertops have always played a practical role. They were used to provide a durable surface for cooking and other kitchen chores. It also protects cabinets and cases from spills and other hygiene problems.
Normally, the countertop will extend over the edge of the cabinets and drawers to protect them from spills. That prevents the spills from dribbling onto the cabinets. They are also cleaned much easier, and they are very practical.
To conclude, there are various styles and choices that we can make with countertop. The standard countertop overhand is at 1 ½, but that’s where you don’t need a seating area. The overhang might extend significantly if you prefer to have more seating area and legroom. It also depends on the design and the style of your overhang.
If you enjoyed reading this article about the countertop overhang, you should read these as well:
- How to refinish kitchen cabinets to look beautiful and new
- How much does a kitchen island cost? Quickly answered
- Try a Spanish style kitchen. Here are some amazing décor ideas
The post What is the standard countertop overhang? (Answered) appeared first on Impressive Interior Design.
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