What depth should kitchen counters be?

Standard kitchen counters should be 25 inches deep (63.5 cm), which is the industry standard that works well for most homeowners and kitchen layouts. This depth provides adequate workspace while allowing comfortable reach to the back of the counter.

The 25-inch standard depth works because it accommodates standard appliance dimensions and provides sufficient prep space without making the counter too deep to clean or reach across comfortably. Most base cabinets are built to 24 inches deep, and when you add a standard countertop with a 1-inch overhang, you get the 25-inch total depth.

However, counter depth can vary based on your specific needs and kitchen design. Island counters are often deeper, ranging from 27 to 30 inches, because they're accessed from both sides and need to accommodate seating. Bar-height counters for eating areas typically extend to 12-15 inches of overhang beyond the base cabinet to provide comfortable legroom for bar stools.

In Ottawa homes, particularly older properties from the 1950s-70s, you might encounter kitchens with 22-24 inch deep counters, which was the previous standard. During renovations, most homeowners choose to upgrade to the modern 25-inch depth for improved functionality. When planning a kitchen renovation, consider your cooking habits - avid bakers might prefer slightly deeper counters (26-27 inches) for rolling out dough and working with large mixing bowls.

For kitchen islands in Ottawa's typical home layouts, a 36-42 inch width with 25-27 inch depth on each side works well, providing ample prep space while maintaining good traffic flow around the island. Remember that Ontario Building Code requires minimum 36-inch walkways around kitchen islands, so factor this into your planning.

When renovating, ensure your contractor accounts for appliance clearances - dishwashers need proper clearance to open fully, and corner installations require careful measurement to avoid conflicts with adjacent counters or appliances.

For a free consultation on your kitchen renovation project, contact Justyn Rook Contracting to discuss how counter depth and layout can optimize your Ottawa kitchen's functionality.