The Ideal Island Overhang Size For Maximum Comfort

An island is a smart addition to nearly any kitchen. With counter space and storage, they add function and style to the space. Plus, installing a kitchen island increases your home value, often giving you a return on investment of at least 60%. However, it is important to get the sizing correct, especially on the overhang of the countertop if you intend to have a seating area at your island. As gorgeous and convenient as the space may be, no one will use it if it involves bumping their knees on the cabinets below. The standard overhang is 12 inches, but for more comfort in your kitchen, the ideal overhang may be as long as 18 inches.

The standard overhang is 12 inches because it typically provides enough room under the countertop for people to sit relatively comfortably. It is often chosen because overhangs longer than 12 inches require brackets or other supports. However, this varies by countertop material. Heavy materials, like granite and marble, may need supports for smaller overhangs, while lighter materials, such as quartz and laminate, may be able to overhang more without supports. 

Along with countertop material, the height of your island, the size of your kitchen, your budget, and your own height can all help you determine if a longer overhang will be more comfortable for your home. You should also know how to measure a countertop overhang the simple way so that you can test out different lengths before committing to one.

One of the first factors to consider when choosing an overhang length for comfort is the height of your countertops. The height of your island determines the height of the chairs and the angle of the body seated in them. Choosing can be daunting, but picking seats for your kitchen island is easy with these important tips. If your countertop is at bar height, which is about 41 to 43 inches above the ground, 12 inches is sufficient for knees, as the angle of the legs in this seating position requires less space. At counter and table heights (between 28 to 30 and 35 to 40 inches off the ground respectively), more legroom is required, so 15 inches and 18 inches, respectively, are better choices for the seating position.

Another factor is the size of your kitchen. It may sound counterintuitive to choose a longer overhang in a smaller kitchen, but if you are able to tuck the chairs completely under a longer overhang, you'll have more functional floor space and better comfort moving around the kitchen. Just keep in mind that too much or too little overhang can look disproportionate. If you are able, test mockups of different overhang sizes before making your decision.

More countertop material and additional supports come with a higher price, so you'll need to consider your budget. Though if you are tall or just have long legs, then investing in a longer overhang may be well worth the additional price. One way to stick to a budget while getting a longer overhang is to extend your kitchen island width with a wood DIY add-on.