How deep are countertops?

What is countertop height and depth?

Countertop height measures how tall the countertop is. The standard height is 36 inches high. Most cabinets, stools and appliances are built to fit this size. If you want a different height, you may need a custom cabinet size or additional modifications to make things fit.

Countertop depth is how deep the countertop is from front to back. The standard kitchen counter depth is around 25 to 25.5 inches, as this fits perfectly atop a 24-inch cabinet.

You can choose countertop dimensions different from this (for example, opting for deeper counters), but it may impact the cost of your kitchen remodel.

How deep are standard countertops?

How deep are kitchen countertops in a standard kitchen? As we've previously mentioned, the measurement from the front to back is about 25.5 inches.

Keep in mind that actual cabinets are usually about 24 inches deep from the front edge, with around 1 to 1.5 inches of countertop overhang in a standard kitchen.

It's definitely possible to get deeper countertops that go beyond the standard kitchen countertop depth. You'll likely need to have these custom ordered, as most manufacturers cut countertops to the standard size when selling them.

How thick is a standard countertop?

While the average thickness of a countertop is 1 to 1.5 inches, this varies based on the countertop material.

For example, quartz countertops typically range from 2 to 3 cm. Laminate countertops are usually 1 to 1.5 inches.

Because stone finishes are heavier than laminate, they require additional support if you want to make them thicker. This may increase the cost of an installation.

How deep should a kitchen island be?

We've mentioned the standard depth of kitchen countertops — but how deep are countertops on a kitchen island? 

In general, kitchen island countertops are 2 to 4 feet deep and 36 inches high. It all depends on how you want to utilize your island. For example, if you want the front of the countertop to have a breakfast nook, it doesn't need to be as deep as if you wanted two full sets of cabinets underneath.

How to size your kitchen counters and island.

When sizing your countertops, consider your kitchen appliances. If you want to set your dishwasher under your countertops, keep them at a standard size, as dishwashers are sized to fit these measurements.

Also, consider the size of your cabinets. Countertops should generally line up with the base cabinets above and below them.

When it comes to an island, you have a lot more flexibility with width and depth. A good rule of thumb is to keep your island at 10% of your kitchen's total area.

If you'd like your island to include a sink or cooktop, make it wider. That's also true if you want dual cabinets on both sides of the island. For breakfast nooks, make sure you have 24 inches of width per person, as well as 15 inches of overhang for knee space.

Remember, the cost to install countertops will go up as you make more customizations, so consider chatting with a contractor to get a better idea of what you can afford.

Hire a countertop installation professional near you.

To make sure your countertop size fits in your new kitchen, it's best to work with a professional. Use Thumbtack to find a nearby countertop professional who can give you an accurate quote for your project.

A note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.