The most common countertop overhang is 1.5″.
We normally go ⅜ inch inside the sink for the overhang, but this can be flexed for the look you desire.
OVERHANG - The countertop extends over the edge of the sink on all sides by approximately 1/8" - 1/4". Use caution with this installation to be sure that accessories such as colanders or cutting boards will fit properly. REVEAL - The countertop edge sits approximately 1/8" - 1/4" back from the edgeof the sink rim.
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.
For the recommended under-mount installation, the sink needs to sit slightly under the countertop. Verify the measurement from the top of the cabinet to the bottom of the sink opening is greater than the height of the opening.
However, there are some key differences between the two types of sinks. Apron sinks are generally smaller than farmhouse sinks. They are available in various materials, including stainless steel, copper, and porcelain. Apron sinks are available in different styles, including single-bowl and double-bowl options.
Farmhouse-Style Sinks with Quartz Countertops
Cambria surfaces are durable—more durable than marble or granite countertops—so they're the perfect choice to handle the needs of a farmhouse sink installation.
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.
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.
The primary benefit of a grid for new farmhouse sinks is to protect the brand new finish. Fresh copper and even hardened fireclay scratch more easily than you might realize. The metal bottom of pots, the metal tines of forks, and even the scrape of ceramic plate edges might cause a small flaw in the finish.
With an apron sink, you can keep much of this mess at bay. If any water, suds, or spills make their way over the front lip, they'll avoid your counter and cabinets, landing on the floor instead. This is because the sink itself sticks out beyond the depth of your cabinets.
Keep in mind that farmhouse sinks have a deep front apron that hangs over the edge of the cabinetry. The full height of the apron is usually around 10”.
A good place to start when looking for the right size is with the most popular sizes for farmhouse sinks, small, medium, and large. Or the most common, either a 30″ or 33″ single bowl.
Kohler makes farmhouse sinks with smaller aprons to keep the same aesthetic in a more manageable size for some cabinets. In most new homes the kitchen sink is approximately 30 inches in length, which is a standard size for a farmhouse sink. The other standard sizes are 24, 33, and 36 inches.
The attractive and streamlined design of the farmhouse sink can add dollar value to your kitchen and your home overall. If you're thinking of selling your home down the road, the farmhouse sink is many home buyers' dream kitchen statement piece.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wood. Wood countertops are classic for farmhouse style and tend to be one of the more affordable options. Often homeowners choose one area of the kitchen for wood countertops, such as an island.
It is recommended that your base cabinet be 3 inches larger than the size of the farmhouse sink you are considering to install.
A 36" sink will fit into a 36" cabinet easily if you strap it in place. Manufacturer's allow for chubby plumber fingers to access clips to tighten.