The kind of countertop you choose and how you place it will determine how comfortable you will be while working in the kitchen. And building codes cannot decide the length and width of the countertop. Instead, you have to work with the contractors to determine what is the most practical and comfortable dimensions for your countertops.
When you choose a countertop, ensure that it suits your kitchen design. And if you are completely redesigning your kitchen, then this guide will help you create a sophisticated and practical kitchen.
How The Countertop Height Is Determined?
Professional installers have determined an industry-standard width for the kitchen countertops. Width is not something that comes across people’s minds when they are selecting the countertop or thinking about its installation. But the countertop’s width significantly impacts the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space.
Standard Width For A Countertop
One of the primary factors that determine the width of the countertop is the kind of space you have in the kitchen. Typically, standard countertops work well for most of the rooms. But there are some situations where you have to custom size the worktop.
You will have to pay extra for a custom countertop size. The standard width of the countertop is 25 inches, but the number can move up and down based on the space. So it is common to see countertops between 24 ½ inches and 25 ½ inches.
The standard height of the countertop is 36 inches, but this number can slightly move up and down based on the space. It comes as a standard height by factoring in the height of the cabinet (34 ½ inches) and the thickness of the countertop (1 ½ inch). Additionally, it is also perfect if you are placing the countertop directly on the wall with no cabinets underneath.
Width For Different Countertops
Although the experts have provided standard width for different countertops, easy customization is available. But it is wiser to be aware of the standard heights.
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Kitchen Under Cabinets
The standard width of the kitchen cabinets is set at 24 inches. When it is aligned with the width of the average kitchen countertop, you have an inch overhanging below the base cabinet. However, you can increase or decrease the length of overhanging by half an inch.
Typically, the height of the base cabinet is around 34 ½ inches. And if you add a thick countertop over it, the overall height would come to 36 inches. However, if you plan to have a seating area, the cabinet’s recommended height is 40 inches.
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Kitchen Islands
Islands are bigger compared to kitchen countertops because they are used from both sides. Earlier the standard length of kitchen islands was 27 inches. But they are very diverse and follow different trends. The width of the kitchen islands seems to be growing every single year, especially with the boom of open concept homes.
Today, the average size of the kitchen island is between 40 inches and 80 inches. Moreover, if your kitchen is extremely spacious, then this width can stretch up to 7 feet. If you want to include seating, sinks, and a cooktop, you need to have a big island space.
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Bathroom Counters
The standard width for bathroom cabinets ranges between 19 ½ and 22 ½ inches. However, bathroom counters are versatile in size. From the tiny bathrooms in a studio apartment to massive ones in big residential homes, bathroom ranges in different sizes. The difference in sizes makes the width of bathroom spaces more specific. Customization is more common in a public bathroom.
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Bathroom Base Cabinets
These are the cabinets in the bathroom vanity, which are present in almost all bathrooms. Typically, the width of bathroom base cabinets is kept between 18 inches and 21 inches.
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How To Measure The Countertops?
Proper measurement of the countertop is essential, and it is something that you can easily do at home. Following are the tools you will need to measure the countertops.
The Tools You Will Need:
- Use a pencil featuring jot figures; it will be easier to correct the mistakes. Additionally, use a streak that does not streak.
- Use a retractable measuring tape, which is easier to take the measurements.
- Unless you are a mathematician, it is better to carry a calculator to ensure you do not make any mistakes.
- You need paper to jot down your measurements. It is better to make graph paper as it will eliminate the task of creating rectangles.
- If you can get a helper, the whole process will be much easier.
The Process:
- Start by drawing a layout of your countertop. Ensure that it is a complete drawing where the sections join together to form an L or U shape.
- Create rectangular blocks to crack the surface of the counter. You will be focusing on two dimensions- the length and the width.
- You will be calculating the gross measurements that include the space of sinks, faucets, backsplashes or cooktops.
- Ensure to write down each measurement in the drawings. You can also label the rectangles with letters so that it’s easier to track them.
- The backsplash is not included in the surface measurements of the countertop. It starts from the wall and extends to the surface of the counter to some extent.
- Generally, the height of the backsplash is between three and four inches. But if you want to cover the entire wall, then you will have to measure it completely.
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The Bottom Line
While the contractors will tell you all about the heights, it is good to stay informed about these things. The information will come in handy when you take up a DIY project to renovate your kitchen. Getting the measurement right is an essential step in installing a countertop. If you fail to get an accurate measurement, you will waste a lot of money and effort.
Therefore, measure twice but make sure you are confident because once the countertops are cut, there is no going back. Be prepared with all the necessary tools and be aware of the standards so that you can get through the process easily and successfully.
