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. Prepare the measurement you'll need by placing a chair or stool up to your cabinets.
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.
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.
The typical measurement for island overhang is up to 12 inches, which should provide sufficient space for people to fit their knees comfortably underneath. If you feel you need more room, you could extend the overhang even further.
Standard countertop overhang measurements
The standard quartz countertop overhang is 1 ½ inch. If using inset cabinetry, your quartz countertop overhang limit needs to be less than that of frameless or overlay cabinets.
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.
One of the most popular standard countertop edges is the Full Bullnose. This sophisticated edge profile is a timeless classic and will look great on your quartz countertops in the kitchen or bathroom.
When it comes to a breakfast bar overhang, the standard size for this should be 18 inches to allow for enough leg room.
The height of an island usually matches the height of a countertop at 36 inches. 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.
Breakfast Bars
Unlike regular islands, a breakfast bar typically is a peninsula connected to a wall or other countertops, leaving three usable sides. It always has up to 15 inches of countertop overhang for comfortable seating, and it is best suited for kitchens that are smaller, rectangular, or irregularly shaped.
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.
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.
The maximum overhang for a quartz countertop with no additional support is no more than 1/3 of its depth and can not exceed 15” total. Overhangs greater than 15” require the installation of corbels. The corbels must be designed to support the weight of the quartz countertop and be mounted to studs.
Ideal Countertop Overhang Measurements
Most semi-custom and stock kitchen base cabinets are 24 inches deep. A standard countertop that is 25-1/4 inches deep will leave a countertop overhang of 1-1/4 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.
Countertop overhangs are essential as it keeps the spills of liquids and crumbs from falling down from the edge of the slab. The standard countertop overhang is about 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the edge of the cabinet.
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.
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.
How long should an island be for four stools? At minimum, you'll want an island to be 96″ long to accommodate four stools. For comfort, you should allow at least 24″ of space per stool, and up to 30″.
A breakfast bar is essentially a kitchen island with a 12- to 16-inch countertop overhang, creating enough leg room and space for place settings for three to four people. It may be of the same height as the island counter, or it can be raised a few inches to hide kitchen clutter from view.
The eased or straight edge is still the most popular, followed by the half bullnose and bullnose rounded edges. The beveled edge is also a common choice. A trend for 2023 is to choose a thicker slab, but if that is not possible, then choosing a mitered edge will make the slab appear thicker.
Ogee edge. An ogee edge is often found in more traditional kitchen designs. This edge-style has a gentle S-curve to it, giving countertops an intricate look. While the ogee edge is slightly harder to keep clean since crumbs and dust can gather in the grooves, its flowing, elegant appearance makes up for it.
Half Bullnose Edges
These edges look best in traditional kitchens and when paired with stone countertops. While full bullnose edges will make a countertop look thinner, half bullnose edges will make it look thicker.