How To Measure Countertop Overhangs 101

Maybe your like

Countertop Overhangs 101

By Mary Kathryn Reese

Countertop Overhangs 101

Wondering about overhangs and how far it should extend from the cabinet? Well, there are different approaches to this, so take a look below and learn all you need to know!

Standard overhangs

On inset cabinetry, you don’t want counters to sit the standard overhang (about 1-1/4” from cabinet box) because of the nature of inset: your doors sit inside of the frame so your countertop needs to overhang less than an overlay or frameless cabinet.
Framed overlay and frameless cabinet doors sit proud of the cabinet box, and most doors are ¾” deep plus a 1/8” bumper on the back of door/drawer fronts. Overhanging countertops 1-1/4” gives an average (if something is out of square/plumb) overhang for the entire space, although it can vary by 1/8” in either direction. If your doors are thicker/thinner, change this standard accordingly.
Frameless cabinet owners sometimes want a more modern look, so they will attempt to achieve counters that match your door/drawer front projection. You have to be sure that your cabinet installers take extra care shimming cabinets to ensure the front plane of cabinetry is exactly in line all the way across.

Ready to take the first step in designing your dream kitchen and home?

Not sure where to start with your kitchen remodel?

Overhangs at seating areas

Basically, the higher your seat is off of the floor, the larger the angle your body makes between your torso and your legs, which is general math means that your legs protrude less the higher up you are.
Because of this, you need less space when you are at a bar height (standard 42” above the floor) and more space when you are at table height (standard 30” above the floor) in comparison to the standard kitchen countertop height (36” above the floor).
No matter what height you are at, each full table setting requires a width of at least 24” of space per person. However, at bar seats used for casual drinking and dining, some homeowners are fine with having closer to 21” of space for their needs.

Access standards

If you are working with someone who needs a space that is ADA friendly, the minimum open space below a countertop is 17” deep and 27” high, with the counter level being anywhere from 28-34” above the floor.
Wheelchairs have a larger width than a standard seat, so give them a 36” wide space to dine comfortably.

Contact

214.390.8300
[email protected]

Search

Visit Our Dallas Design Studio

About Mary Kathryn Reese

Mary Kathryn, CEO and co-founder of Kitchen Design Concepts, is the go-to expert for clients seeking to elevate their kitchen, bathroom, and whole home designs. With a unique blend of design acumen, business expertise, and a passion for cooking, she helps clients bring to life their dream homes.

Contact KDC

First Name(Required)Last Name(Required)Email(Required) Zip code(Required)Phone number(Required)Additional comments(Required)Favorite design element(Required)I consent to receive automated SMS messages. Opt-out anytime.(Required) Yes No CAPTCHA ×

Get Updates and Design Ideas Straight to Your Inbox.

Email CAPTCHA ×

Contact KDC

Please fill out this form to get our monthly recipes

Email CAPTCHA

Tag » How Much Overhang For Countertop

How To Measure Countertop Overhangs 101

Standard overhangs

Ready to take the first step in designing your dream kitchen and home?

Not sure where to start with your kitchen remodel?

Overhangs at seating areas