Quartz is one of the best materials for those looking to create a countertop overhang. The strength and durability ensure it can support up to a 14-inch overhang without extra support. However, 70% of your quartz countertop must be supported by cabinetry and the thickness of the quartz must be factored in as well.
If your island has seating, the counter should overhang at least 15 inches. An island with a taller height for bar stool seating should be 42 inches high and the overhang should be at least 12 inches.
A typical overhang for a comfortable seating area should be around 25-30cm (10-12”), this should leave enough knee room and adequate space between the countertop edge and the person seated. Therefore, as the depth of the overhang increases, so does the comfort and usability of the bar.
1. Purpose. If the counter is to be used for food prep, the standard measurement for the overhang is 1-1/2 inches. This is long enough to provide some protection for your cabinets without forming an obstruction.
Things to consider when planning an island or breakfast bar
The usual maximum for an unsupported overhang in granite or quartz is between 250mm-300mm depending on the thickness. Larger overhangs will require extra support by way of breakfast bar leg or some sort of downstand/end support panel or brace.
The size and length of your quartz countertop support legs and brackets will be based on your overhang. For example, if the overhang quartz countertop is 12″ past your 2×4 knee wall, subtract 2-4” for the desired length of your support bracket. In this case, an 8” to 10” deep bracket is required.
Since quartz countertops are the most popular choice with homeowners, there is a large variety of colours and patterns to choose from. Because of its thickness, the 3 cm quartz can provide adequate support without plywood. Since you won't need to hide the plywood underneath it, there is no need for a laminated edge.
The maximum overhang is no more than 1/3 of the total dimension of the countertop – not to exceed 15”. Overhang greater than 15” requires corbels or flush mounted steel supports. Supports must be designed to bear the weight of the countertop and be mounted to studs or equivalent load bearing structure.
Standard countertop overhang is 1 ½ inches.
Keep in mind that this is 1 ½ inches over the front edge of the base cabinet. While some countertops may have different overhang measurements, this is the number that is seen as standard for homes. While 1 ½ inches is the most common, it's far from mandatory.
The minimum countertop overhang for seating is 10″, but we recommend at least 12″ for ideal comfort. You could choose a tiered countertop, which will have multiple heights for seating.
Generally, a kitchen island overhang should be between 8 and 12 inches to allow adequate space for dining. Anything deeper and you'll need to add supports for your countertops.
If seating is to be created at the counter, it's important that it will be comfortable, and that means following some additional guidelines. 'Comfortable seating requires a minimum of 15 inches of countertop overhang,' recommends Erika Jayne, a DC designer, general contractor and owner of Erika Jayne Design.
If you are planning seating at your island, the standard counter overhang is 12 inches. However, some designers plan 15 inches for maximum comfort. If you want a 15-inch overhang, it is recommended to add extra support under the counter.
An unsupported span of 24” and up to a maximum of 36” is acceptable as long as the stone is supported on both sides of the span. Longer spans must be supported across the span. Over hangs should be not exceed 6” for 2cm granite, 10" for 3cm granite and 15" for 3cm quartz beyond the supported area.
You might want to rethink standing or sitting on your quartz countertop. While a quartz countertop is strong and durable, do not use it as a sitting or standing tool.
Granite thickness – granite tops with a thickness of 3 cm can have an 8-10 inch overhang without additional supports. If your granite top has a 2 cm thickness, we recommend attaching a support system should the overhang exceed 6 inches.
Since countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation. If an apron or farmhouse sink is being used, it must be installed prior to template process.
Extended Gables
A counter can be well supported by extending the side gables of an island. Ideally make the gable 2″ to 4″ thick so that it proportionality works with your size of your island. This form of support is great for adding strength to the corner of the counter overhang.
The standard countertop overhang is mere inches long and averages from 1 to 1½ inches long. However, if you want to extend your overhang to accommodate seating, you'll need the measurement to account for legroom.
You can get away with no overhang to just sit near the counter (sitting sideways) but it's standard to use 12 to 15" to be comfortable.
In general, the recommended countertop overhang is between 1 and 1.5 inches. 'The standard overhang measurement is based on the fact that most people find this distance be the perfect place to rest their forearms while food prep is taking place,' notes Chris Alexakis, founder of CabinetSelect.
Almost certainly, yes. Generally speaking, unless your kitchen units are very old, it is highly unlikely that they will be too weak to handle the weight of any solid stone worktops, including quartz.
Quartz countertops are heavy, and not all cabinetry is strong enough to hold it. In addition, you may have unsupported areas, such as desks or overhangs that may need some support. If your cabinets cannot hold the weight of the quartz, plywood or backer board may be used beneath the countertop to help.
While quartz countertops can be placed directly on top of cabinets, their weight shouldn't be underestimated. Take a look at your countertop design and look for areas that have the least amount of cabinet support.