The Standard Overhang of a Kitchen Countertop

Flush

• You may want your counters and cabinets to be flush with each other. Although this is not a common choice, it works for butcher block, because it can create the illusion of the cabinets extending through the countertops.

Average

• Most kitchen counters are flush with the doors of the cabinets, which generally extend beyond the cabinet frame. This is simply a matter of aesthetics, as the look seems thought-out.

Extra

• While you can extend the overhang as far as you want, extending it too far beyond the cabinet base will make it more difficult to get into the cabinets. This can pose a safety, as well as an accessibility issue. Going more than an inch beyond the cabinet door is not recommended unless you don't have any cabinets under the overhang.

Bracing

• You will need to brace any counters that extend a fair amount beyond the cabinets. A braced overhang can extend as much as 18 to 24 inches beyond the cabinets.