[Lauren Jones]

I have a couple of questions - is there standard overhang for the countertop over the cabinets? How about the island part where people will sit - what should the overhang be there?

My other question is for the island - we have about 48" between the island cabinets and the main wall of cabinets where the fridge, dishwasher and sink are. On the other side of the island where there are just some shallow cabinets on the wall do you think we can get away with a smaller pathway or will that look strange?

Thanks for any input!!

[DesignDiva]

Hi Lauren and welcome!

The usual overhang is 1 1/2 inches, but you can do anywhere from there to no overhang at all. The purpose of an overhang is to protect the front of the cabinets from drips and to make for a comfortable distance so you're not right up against your handles and knobs when you work at the counter.

For seating, you want a minimum of 12" at counterheight and 10" for bar height, deeper is better, up to 15-18" at counterheight is acceptable if you want more leg room.

If the area behind the island is just a walkway with no seating, you can go to 36". I would not go less than that.