What is the gap between bar stool and counter?

Author: Davon Waters DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

Typically, you're going to want to allow 10-12″ from the top of the stool seat to the understide of your countertop. Standard countertop height is 36-39″ high, so you'll want a seat that is 24-26″ from the floor, leaving that room for leg clearance under the countertop.

How far should bar stools be from the counter?

The seat should be about 9–11 inches from the bottom of the countertop. Anything higher or lower will be uncomfortable and look disproportionate.

How much space should be between a counter and a bar stool?

Tip: allow at least 12”-18” inches of knee space between the stool's edge and the bar or counter. Since most people need at least 2 feet of personal space from other people when eating, 24” inches of space per bar stool should be allocated to ensure a comfortable dining setting.

How much countertop overhang for bar stools?

For a raised bar with stools, the standard overhang is typically 12 inches to accommodate the bar stools, while the raised bar should be between 42 to 48 inches tall. If space is tight and you expect users to be mostly standing at the bar, you could reduce the overhang to eight inches.

What is the height difference between bar stools and counter stools?

Bar stools, counter stools, and tables are often built to standard sizes, although not every structure adheres to these dimensions. Bar stools' overall height is 42" with a seat height between 29" and 31" while counter stools' over all height is 36" with a seat height between 24" to 27".

How to Choose the Right Stool - Bar vs Counter Stools

Is 27 too high for counter stool?

Standard counter stool heights are typically 24 to 27 inches tall.

What bar stool height for a 36 counter?

For a 36 inch counter, a bar stool should have a height of around 24-26 inches.

Is 8 inch overhang enough?

An 8-inch overhang is usually not enough for comfortable seating. While it might work in a pinch, most people will find it too shallow. With an 8-inch overhang, there is not enough legroom, and people's knees are likely to hit the cabinets underneath, making it uncomfortable to sit for any length of time.

What is the standard overhang for countertops?

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.

Is 2 inch countertop overhang too much?

Is a 2-inch countertop overhang too much? Although a standard overhang is usually 1 to 1.5 inches, a 2-inch overhang can work as long as it aesthetically fits within your design.

What is the gap between stool and counter?

Legroom Considerations

It's advisable to leave a gap of about 25-30 cm between your stool seat top and the underside of the counter or island. This enables you to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, making your kitchen seating space welcoming and easy to use.

Is 36 inches enough space between counter and island?

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association guidelines, having at least 36 inches of clearance space around the kitchen island allows for ease of movement and access to kitchen cabinets and appliances.

What is the standard counter height bar stool?

Counter-Height Stools

Slightly higher than a dining table, the height of a counter-height table or eating surface will be between 35 and 40 inches tall. A counter-height bar stool will have a seat height from 22 to 26 inches.

What is the spacing between bar stools?

General barstool spacing recommendations:
  • Small Diameter (8-12 inches): Leave about 12 inches of space between the stools.
  • Medium Diameter (13 – 16 inches): Leave 8-10 inches of space between the stools.
  • Large Diameter (17+ inches): Leave at least 6 inches between the stools.

How much space is needed for a bar stool?

Measure the length of counter you have available for seating. The general rule of thumb is to allow 26 to 30 inches from the middle of one stool to the middle of the next. You should leave about 8 to 10 inches between seats. Keep in mind that an armed stool will need more room than an armless stool.

How much counter space do I need for 4 bar stools?

Calculate Spacing Per Stool

Bar stools typically have seat widths ranging from 18-22 inches wide, with many standard models around 20 inches wide. So, for example, 4 bar stools that are 20 inches wide would need about 4 feet or 48 inches of island space if they are spaced 12 inches apart from center to center.

How much overhang for countertop for stools?

For standard barstools with a seat height of 30 inches, a 12 to 15-inch overhang is recommended. For counter-height barstools with a seat height of 24 inches, a 15 to 18-inch overhang is ideal.

Does a 12 inch countertop overhang need support?

Tops on half wall can be installed using steel supports with overhang up to 12”. Overhang greater than 12” will require corbels or legs. Tabletop application requires the use of a full substrate which extends within 4” of the edge of the table top.

What is a waterfall countertop?

Waterfall countertops are immediately identifiable and absolutely unforgettable. They look exactly as they sound: a large swath of stone covering a kitchen peninsula or island shape that suddenly ends with a seamless shift into a sharp 90-degree drop that then meets flush with the floor.

Is 10 inches enough for a bar overhang?

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.

How many inches can a countertop overhang without support?

What are the maximum overhang requirements? The maximum overhang for a quartz countertop should not be more than 1/3 of the countertop depth. Also, it should not exceed 15 inches.

What is the normal overhang for a countertop?

Standard Overhang

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.

How far below counter should bar stools be?

Measuring Stool Heights

We recommend keeping 9 to 12 inches between the seat and the underside of your tabletop to give you enough leg room.

What is the difference between bar stools and counter stools?

Bar height stools generally have seat heights that are around 28 inches high (28 to 32 inches as a rule) in order to fit under table tops with a height of 40 to 42 inches. Counter stools have a seat height of 24 to 27 inches high for table surfaces that are 36 inches high.

What is the height of breakfast bar stools?

To ensure utmost comfort, align the stool height with the height of the bar, taking note of the rules of thumb specified below. Counter Stool: Typically, these are 24 to 26 inches tall, or 61 to 66 centimetres. Bar Stool: Bar stool heights roughly stands tall at 28 to 32 inches, or 71 to 81 centimetres.

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