How High Are Countertops Meant to Be?

When you are installing countertops in your kitchen, it is important to take every measurement carefully. You will need to be precise with measurements like length, depth, and width, to ensure that your countertops fit perfectly into your space. But what about countertop height? Interestingly, there are no building codes dictating kitchen cabinet measurements like height and width. The height will be determined by you and your contractor, based on established design standards, as well as practicality and your own needs.

Choosing Countertop Height

In most kitchens, the tops of the countertops are about 36 inches above the floor. This is the industry standard, endorsed by organizations like the American National Standards Institute and Kitchen Manufacturers of America and it is considered the most ergonomic option for counters. How was this decided? Based on users of average height, this is generally the most comfortable height for performing the majority of kitchen tasks. If the kitchen countertop sits about three feet from the ground, it is accessible to people between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall, and those people will be able to use it without bending over or reaching up to the counter. However, as we all know, not everyone falls in that range. For people taller than six feet tall or shorter than five feet tall, for example, a three-foot tall countertop may be uncomfortable and impractical. For those who use wheelchairs, this height counter may be nearly impossible to use. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards dictate a countertop height range of 28 to 24 inches, to allow wheelchair users access to work surfaces. These are the types of issues you will discuss with your contractor, because it is not uncommon for countertops to be made to custom specifications, to make the kitchen functional for those who will be using it.

Is Bar Height Different from Counter Height?

Kitchen islands are usually the same height as kitchen cabinets. This height is chosen for the practical reasons that apply to countertops, as well as to provide a uniform look throughout the kitchen. However, the bar height is a little bit different. Bar-height cabinets and pub tables are generally positioned about 42 inches off of the ground, which works with standard bar stools, which are usually 29 to 32 inches tall. The 42-inch height is also practical because it allows users to place beverages on the bar comfortably, whether standing or sitting.

Practical Considerations

One thing you absolutely must take into account when designing your kitchen counters is the thickness of the material you choose for the countertops. If your countertop material is 1 and ½ inches thick, then standard cabinetry will work well with it, making the overall countertop height 36 inches. However, many countertop materials are thicker or thinner than that, with slabs of granite, marble, and quartz generally measuring between ¾ and 1 and ¼ inches thick. If the countertop is too thin to reach 36 inches, your contractor will probably need to lay a foundation of wood strips on the base cabinets to raise it to the correct height. If the material is extremely thick, though, your cabinetry may need to be built to a lower height.

Contact Signature Marble and Granite for New Countertops

Whether you need standard-height countertops or a custom design to make your kitchen more functional and practical for you, you can trust the professionals at Signature Marble and Granite. When you call us for a free estimate, we will send a team to you for a more precise consultation, working to meet your unique needs exactly and help you choose the countertops and other kitchen elements that are perfect for your home’s aesthetic appeal and practical workability. We are committed to doing the right thing for our customers, doing each job as it should be done, and providing each customer with a pleasant experience. Once we’ve installed your gorgeous new countertops, we’ll provide you with a one-year limited warranty, to give you peace of mind. A local Utah company, we take pride in helping you select the perfect countertops that you will enjoy for many years to come. Contact us today for your free estimate and consultation.