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.
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.
A standard countertop usually has an overhang of 1½ inches. Although some countertops may have a longer or shorter overhang, this number is generally the standard length for an overhang in homes.
Different countertop materials have different requirements. Solid Surface countertops can overhang 6 inches without additional support (e.g. plywood decking). 3 cm Quartz (engineered stone) can handle a 14 inch overhangs and 3 cm Granite overhangs should not exceed a 10 inch overhang without additional support.
A standard bathroom cabinet overhang is about 1 to 1 1/2-inches. This slight overhang is attractive and helps protect the cabinets below the counters from spills. However, some homeowners desire a larger or smaller overhang due to the benefits each can offer.
Roof overhangs come in sizes that range from 0 to 24 inches. Homes in dry, desert-like climates may have minimal or no roof overhangs. Homes in milder areas have typical overhangs of 12-18 inches, while 18-24 inches if more common in wet or extreme climates.
That distance, the “overhang” of the counter, is the dimension you will want to specify as a design consideration. Our customers often ask us for a recommended dimension for the counter overhang. The short answer is 1”-2”, based on your design preference.
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.
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.
Usually, the conventional overhang of a countertop should be placed at 1 to 1 ½ inches above the cabinet. At the same time, the bared and exposed ends of a countertop should usually have a ½ inch overhang. The edges that suffice to a wall should not have any overhang to retain the fit flush to the wall.
To give room for bar stools around the breakfast bar a minimum of 30cm/12in overhang is recommended. It is also important to allow enough room between the breakfast bar and any wall behind it for easy access, this should be about 60cm/24in.
The recommended distance between a kitchen counter and a kitchen island is 42 inches. If sharing cooking duties, try 48 inches. Wheelchairs require 60 inches.
What is the best thickness for a mitered edge? The thickness of your countertops is an important detail in designing your kitchen. For most residential kitchens, the ideal thickness is 2”.
There is no true standard size for overhangs, but typical overhangs that are used for protection from rainfall are 16-18 inches wide. Overhangs wanted for shading should be minimally 24 inches. More commonly, they are 36 inches wide or more.
The straight answer is up to 12 inches for granite, providing 2/3 or more is cantilevered to offset the unsupported weight. You can have more and sometimes less is recommended depending upon the actual stone. Very hard stones can safely support more overhang, providing the 2/3 cantilevered criteria is met.
A typical countertop overhang will be 1.5 inches. Keep in mind, however, that this isn't always the case. In certain instances, a larger or smaller overhang may be desired. This is more common with custom countertops.
In most cases, support is placed underneath unless the overhang is 6 inches or less. According to the Marble Institute of America, you can safely overhang granite that is 1 ¼ inches thick up to 10 inches without support.
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.
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.
Most cabinets should hold up well for granite countertops, and provide them with proper support, as long as the granite is at least 1.25” thick.
A zero reveal is a counter that is flush with the sink's rim. This is the most stylish and practical reveal for an undermount sink. It's free from cracks and crevices where debris can get stuck, making your sink very easy to clean. And, it will add high-end appeal to your home.
An undermount sink is just like the name sounds – a sink that fits underneath your countertops. This sink has many benefits compared to other options and makes task work in your kitchen much easier. Undermount sinks work best when they are installed in conjunction with natural stone countertops, like granite.
Most sink manufacturers provide a template. Position the template so it is centered on the sink cabinet and is at least 1 1/2 inches back from the countertop's front edge. If your countertop is deeper than 24 inches, place it farther back, but not more than 4 inches.
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.
Mitered edges offer a thick, luxurious look to a kitchen or bathroom. This edge profile complements both traditional and modern styles. Almost any countertop material can have a mitered edge. The cost of a mitered edge is usually an upcharge of $15–$45 per linear foot.