Most kitchens built today are fitted with stock cabinets finished to a standard 34-1/2 inches in height. That standard was researched in the 1930s and was intended for an individual five feet seven inches in height, according to StarCraft Custom Builders of Nebraska. Does this Spark an idea?
Working With Stock Cabinets
Adding the usual 1-1/2 inch thick countertop to the standard cabinet height puts the top of the counter at 36 inches, which is the normal building industry standard. The good thing about countertops at this standard height is that most appliances are designed to fit them properly.
Working With Custom-Made Cabinets
If you're shorter or taller than average, however, consider adjusting the height of the counter. Your countertop should be high enough so that, with your hands placed flat on the counter, your elbows are bent about 45 degrees. Consider incorporating islands or work stations at different levels if the kitchen must accommodate cooks of different heights. Builders can modify stock cabinets or create custom cabinets to work with different counter heights.
Universal Design
"Universal design" is the concept of meeting the requirements of people with varied needs, including the elderly and disabled. If your kitchen is used by someone in a wheelchair, the GE Universal Design center suggests including a 30- to 32-inch height counter for his use. This is also a good height for most children.
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