What Is a Countertop Overhang?

Countertop overhang varies against walls, next to appliances, and for bars or countertop seating.

With countertop seating, an even greater overhang distance is needed because the users legs are bent while seated.

Kitchen Countertop Edge

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The room side of the square item should be flush with the edge of the countertop.

Measure the Overhang

Press the end of the tape measure against the cabinet.

Note the spot where the straight item meets the tape measure markings.

Ideal Countertop Overhang Measurements

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Be sure to look at the wall side of the straight item, not the room side.

This figure is your countertop overhang distance.

70% of the overhang should be supported by the cabinets underneath it.

In cases where you require more than the 30% overhang rule (i.e.

kitchen islands, bar countertops, and peninsula countertops), various support options can help.

Brackets

A countertop measuring 6 inches or longer should have brackets to support it.

These simply install on the underside of the countertop.

you could purchase countertop overhang kits or bracket kits online.

Posts

Posts are the only support option for countertop overhangs that would exceed more than 24 inches.

Posts can lessen the amount of leg room available for seating, however, so keep this in mind.

Corbels

Corbels can support a countertop overhang of up to 24 inches.

Corbels stick out from the wall.

Forkitchen island seating, the minimum countertop overhang required would be 36 inches.

In this case, you will need extra support to make this possible.