Choose the right size to ensure your kitchen is comfortable and functional
When designing a kitchen, there are a lot of options, from the type of countertop to the type of countertop edge. Countertop height is no exception. While countertop height can have a visual impact on the kitchen, it can also affect the overall functionality of the space. That is why it is helpful to weigh the pros and cons of each countertop height to determine your needs and to find the best size for your kitchen. While there are different standard countertop heights, this guide will focus specifically on the benefits of bar-height vs. counter-height countertops.
Counter heights are a marriage of aesthetics and functionality. For maximum ergonomics, your countertop should sit three to four inches below your arms when you hold your arms over the surface at a 45-degree angle. Most people opt for a standard counter-height countertop, which is 34 to 36 inches tall, because it is more practical (and budget-friendly) than a custom-built one. Bar-height countertops, a popular choice for kitchen islands, pay homage to the bars you would find in restaurants. They are only a few inches taller than a standard countertop, but those inches make a big impact in terms of creating a social hub in the kitchen.
Counter-height countertops are 34 to 36 inches tall. (The exception is for ADA-compliant kitchens, which have countertops between 28 and 34 inches tall—slightly below the standard size. This makes them accessible to people who use wheelchairs.) Counter-height chairs and stools are between 24 and 27 inches tall, or about a foot shorter than a counter-height countertop. This type of counter can make kitchens look wider and more open, even when paired with a waterfall edge.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More affordable than bar-height countertops | Less comfortable for taller homeowners |
| More comfortable for the average person | Less storage space |
| Creates a visually open space | Not often used as a social hub |
| Better for families with kids and less mobile members | Does not hide messy sinks and kitchen clutter |
Best for:
Families with young children and homes with smaller kitchens
Counter-height countertops are typically more comfortable as a work surface for the average person.
They are more accessible for families with children and homeowners who may struggle to get up onto bar-height seating.
They give kitchens a more open feel, which is especially important for those with smaller spaces.
Counter-height countertops are less comfortable for taller homeowners.
They do not have as much storage space below.
Compared to bar-height countertops, they don’t serve as the same sort of social hub—and if you get behind on the dishes, you won’t have anywhere to hide them.
Bar-height countertops are between 40 and 42 inches tall. Bar-height chairs and stools are between 28 and 33 inches tall. Make sure you purchase the correct height furniture to match your countertops. Most people do not choose bar-height countertops for their entire kitchen. Rather, this option is popular for kitchen islands. Typically, bar-height islands have a bar-height seating space with a counter-height workspace. This specific layout is great for an open plan kitchen: It helps create a sense of flow and ensures that family and friends can’t see dirty dishes from the living room.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Better for social gatherings | Less affordable |
| More comfortable for taller individuals | Less accessible for children |
| More storage space | Less accessible for those with mobility issues |
| Certain layouts hide clutter | Occupies more visual space |
Best for:
People who frequently host social gatherings and homes with large, open plan kitchens
Bar-height countertops transform your kitchen into a social hub. This height is ideal for gathering because you can comfortably interact with people who are standing.
As a workspace, bar-height countertops are typically more ergonomic for taller individuals.
They also win when it comes to clutter. There is more storage space below, and mess is easier to conceal.
Bar-height countertops can be less accessible. It is more difficult to climb up onto a bar-height stool, which can be an issue for children or those with limited mobility.
They also take up more space visually, so they can make a small kitchen appear even smaller.
Bar-height countertops use more materials, so they tend to cost more.
When you are weighing bar-height vs. counter-height countertops, it is important to think about budget, appearance, versatility, and your existing kitchen layout. You may find one works better for your needs than another. If you are unsure, call a countertop installer near you. They can help you weigh your options.
Bar-height countertops are usually an added customization when creating an island or peninsula, so they tend to cost more than counter-height ones.
Because counter-height is the industry standard, it can be found in all materials, colors, and price ranges.
Both bar-height and counter-height countertops can be aesthetically pleasing, and the best visual option for your kitchen depends on your style preferences. Keep in mind, however, that many opt for counter-height for smaller spaces and bar-height in bigger areas.
Bar-height counters can break up an open concept room and hide clutter behind the ledge, which is why they are the preferred choice for this type of kitchen layout.
The typical cost to install new countertops is between $1,840 and $4,386, with the average price coming in at around $3,100. The material and the size of your counters have the most significant impact on your overall price. On the lower end of the price range, ceramic costs as little as $1 to $15 per square foot, while marble can cost anywhere from $15 to $190 per square foot. Along those same lines, natural stone can often vary dramatically in price based on the material’s quality and appearance.
While the average American kitchen has around 30 square feet of countertops, expect to pay less for a kitchen in a small studio and a lot more for a massive kitchen with an island.
You can save a good deal of money by DIYing your countertop installation, as the labor expenses add quite a bit to the budget, typically between $10 to $30 per square foot. That being said, countertop installation is a difficult job that requires expertise most homeowners lack. Slab countertops are particularly difficult to DIY, as the materials often weigh as much as 200 pounds.
Even if this is a job you feel qualified to tackle, you may still be better off hiring a local countertop contractor, as mistakes during the installation process can be very pricey, especially if you are working with expensive materials.
Mariel Loveland contributed to this piece.
One of the best ways to use bar-height countertops is as a divider. If you have an open concept home, this can visually separate your kitchen from your living space. This countertop is also ideal for entertaining. You can cook in your kitchen, while your guests can sit at the island and be at a similar level.
It is best to consider the overall aesthetic and functionality. Which height would look and work best in your space? For example, it is harder to climb up onto a bar-height stool. This could cause problems for children and people with less mobility. At the same time, it can be a great way to divide an open layout and hide clutter.
