When it comes to standardized countertop heights, make sure yours measure up
The standard kitchen countertop height is 36 inches.
The bathroom countertop height can be 32 to 36 inches.
Standard countertop height was established in the 1940s.
You should consider resale value when changing countertop height from the standard.
You probably do not think about the height of your countertops when stirring a pot of soup or brushing your teeth. But if you are planning a renovation or looking to sell your home soon, countertop height will impact your comfort in the space and resale value. Here is what you need to know about standard countertop heights in kitchens and bathrooms.
While most countertop materials are 1.5 inches thick, there are some materials—like quartz, granite, and marble—that come in thinner sizes, usually about ¾-inch to 1 1/4 inches. Your local countertop installer might put wood spacers at the bottom of the cabinets to ensure the countertops are the right height. The spacers are then covered by trim molding.
According to the American National Standards Institute, the standard kitchen countertop height is 36 inches from the floor. This measurement includes cabinets that are typically 34.5 inches tall and a countertop thickness of 1.5 inches. Add the two, and you get a total of 36 inches, or three feet.
If you are shopping for a kitchen table alternative, a popular choice is a bar-style counter where you and your family can sit on bar stools or chairs during casual mealtimes. The ergonomically ideal height for a bar-style kitchen counter or kitchen island seating is up to 42 inches from the floor.
"With the recent increase in working from home, clients are looking for kitchen workspaces where they can sit for prolonged periods of time," says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert and Raleigh, North Carolina-based general contractor. "In one case, we had the client sit in the chair they planned to use and installed the countertop at the height that was most comfortable for working on a laptop."
Bar-style counters are a great choice for entertaining multiple guests. You will need taller chairs or stools for comfortably sitting at bar height, but these counters are also the perfect height for standing with a beverage.
The standard countertop height is 32 to 36 inches, which can be slightly shorter than the kitchen counter height. In the past, many homes only had one bathroom; to accommodate both children and adults, builders decided a lower height was appropriate. As homes have expanded to include more bathrooms, it has become more common to see countertops at 36 inches, such as comfort height vanities, so taller adults do not have to bend as far down to reach the sink.
The 36-inch standardization originated with a study conducted at the University of Illinois in the 1940s. Researchers studied how people functioned in the kitchen and, based on the average height of women at the time (5 feet, 3 inches), 36 inches became the standard height for a working space.
Since both men and women work in the kitchen, however—and average height has increased over the years—some designers are changing their recommendations based on the height and preferences of their clients. For example, a taller adult may feel more comfortable preparing food in a kitchen with taller counters. Julia Child’s kitchen countertops were actually raised by two inches to accommodate her height.
The counter height rule is not exactly set in stone, even if some types of countertops are made from stone. Custom designs may necessitate moving away from the standard for the sake of ergonomics. In addition, personal and professional circumstances may require a counter height taller or shorter than the standards set for kitchens and bathrooms.
Customer-facing counters have a standard height of 36 inches from the floor. Some companies, however, may opt for shorter counters to give people a better view of their operations. Others could choose to make a bold statement with counters as high as 45 inches to give a more imposing aura.
According to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), people who use a wheelchair can comfortably use a kitchen or bathroom counter between 28 and 34 inches tall. If your counters are approximately 1.5 inches thick, adjust your base cabinet height to 26.5 to 30.5 inches to fit ADA guidelines.
If you choose to deviate from the standard counter height, you may want to pause for a moment and think about resale value. Installing counters that are higher or lower than the standard may work for you and your family but may not be ideal for potential home buyers. If you are planning to stay in your home for the long run, customize away for your comfort—but if you are planning to move within the next five years, it is best to standardize.
"We worked on a house that had custom cabinets that were six inches taller, as the owners were both very tall," says Tschudi. "We found that it was easier to remove and replace all cabinets than to try to lower the existing configuration."
The International Residential Code governs standards for building inspectors to cite when constructing or remodeling a kitchen. Kitchen counter height is a design choice, however, which does not have a specific code to follow. The 36-inch rule is more of a guideline than a building code backed by law.
A kitchen island’s height should remain consistent with the counter height to maintain an effective and practical workspace. So, the standard of 36 inches from the floor applies to both areas.
