Should Your Kitchen Island Be The Same Height As Your Countertops?

When planning a major kitchen renovation, there are countless things you'll need to decide. Where do you want your appliances installed? How large should your pantry be? How many cabinets do you need, and what color should they be? Along with all of these questions, there's also something else you may be wondering: How tall is the average countertop, and does my island need to be the same height?

According to Caesarstone, the average height of a kitchen countertop is 36 inches or 3 feet. Most people choose this option because it is the most comfortable height for the average person when preparing food, cooking meals, and washing dishes. However, what if you or someone in your family is significantly shorter or taller? Or what if you just desire a higher island or countertop? If so, perhaps you're wondering if you could raise or lower one of these surfaces. Below, you'll discover if this is an option.

According to ProLine Range Hoods, while the average is 36 inches, that doesn't mean your countertops have to be this height. If desired, you could customize your countertop or island to a different size to better accommodate your specific needs. However, keep in mind that the island is rarely shorter than the countertops — It's almost always equal or slightly taller, per Interiors Place.

One of the most common ways homeowners make their island and countertop different heights is by raising their island to bar height, usually 42 inches. This higher surface is typically used for additional seating in the kitchen. However, some may dislike the appearance of an extra-tall island surrounded by shorter countertops. If so, they could choose a tiered island where the side facing the rest of the kitchen is 36 inches tall while the other side is 42 inches tall. These islands usually have a sink in the middle, hidden behind the high bar.

There are a few reasons why you may want to raise your island above your countertops. Livingetc says islands about 2 inches higher than the rest of the counters can stand out more and elevate the look of the space. A bar-height island could also be ideal for those who often entertain or want to separate their kitchen from another room in an open floor plan, per Interiors Place. Further, those with people above or below average heights in their family may want to accommodate them by shortening their countertops or raising their island. If this were the case, custom cabinetry would need to be created to fit your specific needs. According to RTA Cabinet Store, shorter counters usually sit at 32 inches, while taller ones could either be 38 or 42 inches tall. 

However, there are some downsides to choosing different heights. The most crucial may be that it could affect your resale value. It could also make renovations more challenging to complete, as you'll have to find custom cabinetry instead of the standard size. Finally, those with gorgeous counters may not want them hidden behind a high bar.