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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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″.
The bar top overhang should be a minimum of 8-1/2” and could be as much as 10” so your knees do not hit the bar front. For our extra tall customers the 10” overhang maybe necessary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The standard recommended overhang for granite countertops is 1.5 inches, just as it is with any other countertop material. The countertop overhang for a home bar will usually be about eight inches.
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.
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.
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.
Done in an effective way, a breakfast bar area will add value and instantly elevate your kitchen design.
(For example, if your island has a 90-inch countertop, you can comfortably fit 3 stools along one side.) You might be tempted to add an extra seat, but keep in mind that you don't want to pack in too many stools and block walkways or make your kitchen feel cramped.
An island for three stools could be around 8ft (2.4m) long for luxuriously spacious seating. It is possible go smaller, though, allowing a width of 24in (60cm) per person, which makes for an island length of 6ft (1.8m).
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.
Minimum Kitchen Island Height & Overhang for Seating
The minimum countertop overhang for seating is 10″, but we recommend at least 12″ for ideal comfort.
Prepare the measurement you'll need by placing a chair or stool up to your cabinets. Then, measure out a comfortable amount of legroom. Don't forget to start your measurement where your cabinets end to get an accurate overhang estimate. Typically, a 12-inch overhang is a good estimate for seating purposes.