Recommended Island Overhang Lengths 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.
Overhang. If you plan to include seating at the island, provide a comfortable overhang for legroom. A typical overhang for seating is around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) from the edge of the countertop to the outer edge of the seating area.
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.
Kitchen island with seating
Your overhang in this situation should be a minimum of eight inches but could range up to 22 inches. One thing to consider when making your decision is whether it is important that your stools or chairs can be fully tucked away under the counter.
The standard 12-inch overhang is ideal for most people, providing a comfortable and practical seating area. A 10-inch overhang can work if space is limited, but it might not be as comfortable. An 18-inch overhang offers plenty of legroom but requires additional support.
For starters, make sure you design your island with enough space underneath the counter for your knees. Generally speaking, a countertop overhang of 12-18” is a good place to start.
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.
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.
40" Minimum Clearance Between all Counters, Base Cabinets, Appliances, and Walls In more elaborate kitchens where an island is planned, the 40-inch clearance must be maintained between the face of the island and all opposing features.
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.
Most building codes recommend a minimum roof overhang length of about 12 inches for eaves. This length is generally enough to direct water away from the walls and windows, helping to prevent potential water damage to the foundation and siding.
Overhang is how much the top projects out over the base. Four inches along the sides and ends is a safe dimension.
The minimum worktop overhang is 200mm. The standard overhang for a breakfast bar is 250mm. While 300mm is the most comfortable knee space for an average-sized adult, you would need brackets to support the worktop if the overhang is greater than 300mm.
So, what's replacing the kitchen island? One popular trend is the rise of multifunctional dining tables. These tables can serve as both a dining area and additional prep space. Imagine a beautifully crafted table that can accommodate family dinners or function as a workspace for meal prepping.
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.
4-6 ft (48″—72″): This size range balances workspace and storage while allowing enough room for comfortable movement around the island. Over 8ft (96″): This is best for large kitchens that need extensive workspace, storage, and even a dedicated seating area.
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.
The average seat width is about 42cm (16.5 inches) and if you take stools that have arms or padding, then the width could extend to 55cm (21.6 inches). For optimal comfort, try to leave a 15cm (6 inches) space between each stool.
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.
Max recommended overhang without support is 12". You can use L brackets meant for countertops to support it. The max recommended overhang for most quartz is 15".
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.
Edge Banding: Edge banding will help to band the exposed edges of the plywood. This can be a thin strip of wood or veneer that matches the finish of the quartz or granite countertop. Edge banding hides the plywood and adds a professional touch to the overall appearance.