Whether you’re making plans to have your kitchen renovated or taking on the building challenge yourself, the height and depth of your kitchen worktops are essential components to consider when thinking about the layout. With the wrong measurements, your kitchen’s overall look and comfort can be drastically changed. In this blog, you will find the average height and depth of a worktop, kitchen island, or breakfast bar, and when to adjust those measurements to better suit your needs.
How to Tell If Your Worktops Are The Correct Height
While the height of your kitchen worktop is ultimately down to personal preference, there is a tried-and-tested method to gauge the most comfortable height for you: When your arms are placed by your sides, the worktop should be in line with your wrists. This method is best for people between 5’3’’ – 5’8’’, so if you’re taller or shorter than average, this may not work for you.
Average Worktop Height
The average height of a kitchen worktop is 910mm. This is calculated by considering the three parts of a standard worktop – the plinth, the base cabinet, and the worktop itself.
On average, the plinth measures 150mm tall, the base cabinet measures 720mm, and the worktop measures 40mm. However, many people decide to adjust these individual heights to suit their preferences. If you need a lot of storage in your kitchen, you may want to consider a taller base cabinet – the average base cabinet measures between 870mm-1000mm tall.
Another commonly adjusted component is the worktop itself, as worktop height can vary depending on which material is being used. For example, granite worktops are usually 30mm tall, but wooden worktops can measure between 20mm-80mm depending on the wood. 20mm worktops are steadily becoming more popular to give the kitchen a minimalist style, in which case the height of the plinth or base cabinet may need to be adjusted.
When Should You Consider Changing the Height of Your Worktops
For many people, the average height of most worktops will be a good fit. However, there are many factors to consider before deciding on the height of your worktops.
You can adjust the height of your worktops to fit your needs. For instance, if you like to bake, or you spend a lot of time kneading dough, you may want to lower your worktops to save yourself from arm pain.
Your height is important to consider when thinking about the heights of your worktops. Worktop height is usually determined to be comfortable for people between 5’3’’ – 5’8’’, so if you are out of this range, you could be more comfortable working at a different height. As a general rule, if you experience pain while working in the kitchen, your countertops are probably at the wrong height. If you have pain in your neck, shoulders, or upper back, then your worktops are too high and need lowering. If it’s your lower back that hurts, then consider raising them to prevent bad posture and to give you the most comfortable cooking position as possible.
It’s also not uncommon for those with young children to decide to lower their worktops or sinks, especially if those children like to help out in the kitchen.
Average Worktop Depth
While getting the right height for your worktops is essential for your comfort whilst cooking, the depth of your worktops can be just as important. The average depth of a worktop is 647mm, however it is very common to adjust that depth to fit the space.
Shallower worktops can be perfect if you are limited on space, though they don’t offer as much storage or counter space. On the other hand, deeper worktops are popular with chefs as they offer far more counter space for preparation and appliances.
It is also recommended that you include a 20mm-30mm overhang to protect your cabinets from spills and dirt.
Kitchen Island and Breakfast Bars
Kitchen islands are great for adding additional counter space or storage in your kitchen, and breakfast bars can be an important space saver if you’re working within a limited area. However, when deciding on the height of your kitchen island or breakfast bar, you must also consider the seating around it.
It is recommended that your worktops and seating are in proportion with one another. If your worktop is between 890mm-940mm (or average height), then your seating should be between 580mm-720mm to ensure maximum comfort. If your worktop is between 1040mm-1090mm then your seating should be between 740mm-820mm. And if you decide to install high worktops between 1100mm-1190mm, then you should make sure that your seating is between 840mm-920mm.
The average depth of a kitchen island is 680mm-710mm, although this heavily depends on how much space is available. Some people with more space available prefer to have a kitchen island up to 1240mm deep, as a large kitchen island can be a centre piece in an open plan home. The average depth of a breakfast bar is 762mm deep, although this again differs depending on personal preference.
Accessible Worktops
If you are a wheelchair user, you will want to adjust your kitchen to a comfortable height. The average height of a kitchen worktop for a wheelchair user is 800mm, although you must check that this height is right for your wheelchair. The average depth of 647mm should be suitable, however it is recommended that you leave at least 76mm for knee space.
Ensuring that your worktops are the right size is essential when renovating your kitchen, whether for comfort, accessibility, or even just to fit in the space available. Fortunately, adjusting the height or depth of your worktops shouldn’t affect your overall cost much at all. To find out what worktop is best for you, visit https://www.mrworktopfitter.co.uk/.
