Standard Countertop Height & Depth

Average Height

• The average finish height for countertops is 36 inches off the finish floor, but this measurement can vary by a few inches depending on the house, whether or not the countertops were installed on top of the finish floor or the rough floor, and what type of countertop material was used, as well as any underlayment, such as ceramic tile or natural stone tile installations.

Average Depth

• The standard depth for finish countertops is 24 inches, although an extra inch is sometimes added to make the edge of the countertop flush with the doors on the base cabinets, leaving you with a finished depth of 25 inches unless you flush out with the edge of the cabinet frame itself. This allows for quick, clean and easy installation of 12-inch square tiles, or 2-foot deep granite slabs, and provides sufficient working space for your kitchen needs.

Countertop Thickness

• The thickness of your countertop material can affect the overall height, as can any pre-requisite underlayment. For example, a standard granite slab is 2 inches thick, and may or may not be installed with a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood underneath. Ceramic tile installations, on the other hand, require the same sheet of plywood as well as an additional 1/2-inch thick layer of concrete or fiberboard. This creates variation in the standard height of 36 inches.

Customization

• If you plan on staying in your home for an extended period of time and want a kitchen that is suited to your personal height and reach, you can adjust the depth and height of your countertops accordingly, with custom cabinets. For example, you may prefer your finish countertop height closer to 40 inches, with a depth of 30 inches to provide you with additional work space. When planning your kitchen, remember that while there are standard measurements, you can adjust them as you see fit.