Standard Counter Height and Why You May Want to Break the Rule
Standard counter height is a widely accepted measurement that is designed to ensure comfort for the majority of tasks. Standard counter height is typically 36 inches. It represents a careful balance between comfort and practicality, ensuring that the kitchen counter height is appropriate for a wide range of kitchen activities.
Some designers and homeowners do not follow this conventional rule in their own space for both ergonomic and aesthetic purposes. Find out why standard counter height may or may not be the best choice for your kitchen.
What is Standard Counter Height for the Kitchen?
The standard counter height in an average kitchen is 36 inches high, which is a combination measurement of cabinets with countertop. Kitchen cabinets measure 34.5 inches high topped with average countertops that are 1.5 inches thick. This overall standard height is used in kitchen designs because many experts believe that it provides ergonomic comfort and functionality for the majority of household members.
Standard Counter Height and Ergonomics
Standard counter height is about providing the best ergonomic design for average human beings. Ergonomics are directly related to countertop height as each person has a comfortable working posture that helps to minimize strain, maximize workflow, and increase accessibility.
Some designers question the wisdom of the 36-inch countertop height and believe that it is too low for many people today. Standard countertop height was first set in the 1930s when men and women were, on average, several inches shorter than they are today. Today, the average height of males is 5 feet 9 inches and women 5 feet 4 inches, compared to 5 feet 7 inches for males and 5 feet 3 inches for females in the 1930s.
Based on today’s average heights, many ergonomic experts question if standard counter height is still best. This is especially true when they consider the wide ranges in height across men and women. Instead, they believe that the best height for counters is anywhere between 32-39 inches depending on the user’s height.
Ergonomic calculations suggest that the way to calculate the best working counter height for someone is for the person to hold their arms over a surface at a 45-degree angle. Measure 3-4 inches below their arms to calculate their ideal counter height. But even if you have calculated your best counter height and it deviates from the standard counter height, it may not be worth the extra time and expense that it will take to create a custom counter height.
Reasons to Follow Standard Counter Height Rules
Complying with standard kitchen counter height offers many benefits in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and home value.
Ergonomic comfort and accessibility for most people
The standard counter height of 36 inches splits the difference between tall and short counters. This countertop height will not provide everyone with the same level of comfort, it is still workable for human beings of all different heights.
Consistency in design
Standard counter height contributes to a cohesive and balanced kitchen design. This countertop height provides a consistent look when integrating standard appliances like ovens and dishwashers.
Resale value
Adhering to standard counter heights contributes positively to your resale value. Most prospective buyers will value standard height over specialized countertops as they will likely not be the same height or have the same special needs or kitchen goals as the home seller.
Multifunctional use
Standard counter height supports all the many activities that take place in the kitchen. Kitchens are the heart of the home where we cook, socialize, do homework, dine, do crafts, and play games. Standard counter height provides the most flexibility for all of these tasks.
Wide range of possibilities
Manufacturers create most kitchen design elements from cabinets to appliances with standard counter height in mind. This means that you will be able to find more options when you follow this counter height. Replacing appliances that break is also easier when you stick with standard kitchen counter height.
Budget constraints
It is overall less expensive to use standard counter height because there is less customization involved. Buying custom appliances that work with non-standard counters tremendously increases the cost of the overall kitchen.
Reasons to Break Standard Counter Height Rules
Adhering to the standard counter height may be an easier option, but there are certain situations where deviating from the standard counter height might benefit your family or your kitchen design.
Personal ergonomic considerations
Men and women that vary from the average by a significant degree will benefit from counters of a different height. Adjusting the countertop height in your kitchen will reduce the strain that you experience carrying out all of the multi-varied duties in the kitchen. This is even more true if you spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen or plan on living in a particular space over a long period.
Personal needs or preferences
Some household members spend vast amounts of time in the kitchen because of their work or because of personal desire. For those who spend hours in their kitchen on particular tasks, it will benefit them to adapt their kitchen to their specific needs.
Cultural or regional variations
Specific cultural or regional characteristics can be accommodated with countertops of different heights. For people whose cultural heritage involves intricate food serving and preparation, they might be more likely to adapt their countertops to this type of food.
Multigenerational living
Some homes feature family members of several generations. It may be appropriate in these situations to modify the counter height in some areas. This will allow both children and elders easy access to some counter space.
Adaptive needs
Family dynamics and needs change over time. Some family members have mobility challenges or need wheelchairs to facilitate movement. Adapting some countertops will allow these family members to accomplish daily activities without help.
Aesthetic considerations
Some homeowners will prefer a non-standard-height kitchen countertop or area for aesthetic reasons. This could be part of a specific design style or you might want to incorporate certain pieces in the kitchen that work best with non-traditional counter heights. Unique counter heights do create more visual impact than standard countertop heights.
Do All the Kitchen Countertops Have to Be the Same Height?
The short answer is no. Countertop height can be varied throughout the kitchen based on specific needs, purposes, and aesthetic considerations. In fact, this might be your best strategy for accommodating your kitchen if you need a particular counter height without breaking the bank.
The cost for specialized kitchen countertop height can be expensive, so modifying just part of your kitchen, like the island, is more cost-effective. You can either modify an existing cabinet or buy a unique piece and modify it yourself. This will not just save your back and shoulders as you work to prepare food, but it will give your kitchen an attractive custom look.
Should You Use Standard Counter Height or Not?
Deviating from standard counter height is a complicated decision involving the careful consideration of several factors.
- Personal comfort – It is not wrong to prioritize your comfort in the kitchen. Consider your height, posture, and physical limitations when deciding on a particular counter height, especially if you spend a significant amount of time working on the countertops.
- Household members – Take into account the members of your family that use the kitchen regularly. It may be best to create a compromise countertop height if you have members of your family with varying heights that use the countertops. This argues in favor of a countertop at least close to standard counter height.
- Kitchen function – Consider all the ways you use your kitchen. Choose a counter height that is an average height if you use your kitchen for many activities. Another height may be appropriate if you use your kitchen for just extensive food prep and cooking.
- Architectural constraints – Examine the layout and design of your kitchen. This will help guide choices in determining countertop height possibilities and constraints.
- Budget considerations – Non-standard counter heights will increase your kitchen costs as this is a specialized option. It will increase the costs for cabinets and for appliances that fit. It is more cost-effective to use standard counter height and there are more modular cabinet design options available for this height.
- Potential resale – You may want to reconsider a non-standard counter height if you are planning on selling your house in the foreseeable future. A specialized counter height may make your home less attractive to people for whom this height does not work. You will also not recoup the cost associated with the specialized countertops if you completed the design in the recent past.