Kitchen Worktop Overhangs – Everything Explained
Having some informal seating as part of your kitchen design is a fantastic way to bring a more social lifestyle into the kitchen. And, using a worktop overhang is a brilliant way to achieve a seating area that’s part of your kitchen layout rather than trying to fit in a separate table and chairs.
However, the world of worktop overhangs can be a bit of a confusing one. So, I’ve gathered all the questions I get asked about this topic and in this post, I’ll answer everything you need to know about worktop overhangs.
Let’s get into it!
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How Much Should A Worktop Overhang For Stools?
A worktop should overhang at least 20cm (8 inches). This allows enough room to comfortably get your knees tucked underneath the worktop without constantly bashing them on the cabinets or end panel below.
However, if possible, I always recommend a 25-30cm (10 -12 inches) overhang to maximise comfort and cater to taller individuals. It just gives that little bit more room and movement when sitting at the worktop.
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What Is The Average Overhang On A Kitchen Island?
The average worktop overhang on a kitchen island for seating is between 20cm – 30cm (7-12 inches). This gives sufficient space to comfortably sit at the kitchen worktop and get your knees tucked underneath.
20cm – 30cm is also the average overhang depth as (depending on the worktop material) you don’t need any additional supports installed to have these overhang depths.
How Far Can A Worktop Overhang Without Support?
Typically worktops can overhang between 20cm – 30cm without the need for additional supports. The exact amount will vary depending on the material the worktop is made of and the thickness of that material. If the worktop overhang is greater than the recommended depth you run the risk of snapping or cracking the worktop if too much weight or pressure is applied to the overhang.
Standard worktop thickness guide:
- Quartz – 20mm / 30mm occasionally 12mm
- Granite – 30mm / 40mm
- Timber – 40mm
- Laminate – 30mm / 40mm
- Acrylic – 20-100mm
A general overhang depth guide for popular solid surface countertops such as Quartz, Granite and Marble is:
- 12mm thick = 20cm (8 inches)
- 20mm thick = 25cm (10 inches)
- 30mm thick = 30cm (12 inches)
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How Do You Support A Worktop Overhang?
If you want a deeper than average worktop overhang you will need to install some supports. This will usually be in the form of L-brackets, corbels or legs. These can be in the form of thin, flat and discrete L-brackets to larger, ornate corbels or even timber/metal legs. It all depends on your kitchen design and aesthetic choice.
When using supports make sure the bracket can hold the appropriate weight of the worktop overhang and run the supports to at least 10cm (4 inches) away from the front edge of the worktop overhang to give adequate support right up to the edge.
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Do Worktops Overhang Kitchen Cabinets?
Yes. Your worktop should overhang the front (and any exposed side) of your kitchen cabinets. This is so any drips or crumbs falling off the worktop will clear the cabinet and fall to the floor. Avoiding any damage to your cabinets and cabinet doors.
Standard Overhang Infront Of Kitchen Cabinets
The exact amount the worktop overhangs the front of your cabinets can vary, usually, from 5mm – 30mm.
Typically, more modern and contemporary style kitchens will have a smaller overhang of 5mm – 10mm to give a sleek, flush appearance. Whereas more traditional kitchens tend to have a larger overhang of 20mm – 30mm and may have a more detailed front edge shape to the worktop.
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Final Thoughts…
There you have it! Everything you need to know about worktop overhangs!
Having a worktop overhang is a fantastic way to include a seating area in your kitchen as part of your layout and cabinetry. Whether that’s on an island or a peninsula. It’s an easy and sleek way to create a social hub in any kitchen.
So, will you create a worktop overhang seating area in your next kitchen?
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Author
Michael is a kitchen designer from the UK. He's been designing and project managing new kitchen installations for around 10 years. Before that, he was an electrician and part of a team that fitted kitchens. He created Kitchinsider in early 2019 to help give people advice when it comes to getting a new kitchen.
