Kitchen counter slab height?

[tendlu]

what is the recommended height (from the floor level) for the kitchen counter slab?

[blrsiteseeker]

in the US the height is exactly 36" from floor to top of counter. From the top of counter to bottom of wall cabinets is 18". Height of wall cabinets can be anywhere from 36" to 42".

But in India, I think the height of counter is usually slightly lower - because when I asked for 36", my architect, the mason and a few others kept trying to confirm (multiple times), if I was sure I wanted it that high.

[kpb2308]

I have seen counters in the range of 30.5" to 32". I think most go with 32". But you can adjust it to your convenience.
36" I think would too high for cooking, chopping etc, considering the average height of Indian women.

[ardesarchitects]

Hi,
32" is the exact ht suitable for average Indian women ht.In Us the counter ht is higher to accommodate the appliances like dish washer which is must for them.Also the average US women ht is suitable for 36".
In case you want to accommodate dish washer below counter make a separate provision with counter ht 40" for a 3' wide .


Regards
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com
www.ardesarchitects.com

[blrsiteseeker]

Praveen - I have a dishwasher under the counter at 36" height in India and even that has a big gap between top of unit and the bottom of counter. So 40" would be too much height difference. My dishwasher is an LG (don't know exact model number though).

[Darwin]

33 inch is standard height , 26 inches will be ur clear ht of cabinet

[tendlu]

Thanks guys!

when you say the standard is 32" -- is it until the top of the counter (slab) or bottom of the counter (slab)?

[blrsiteseeker]

height when mentioned is generally to the top of the counter, others clarify if you meant otherwise.

[SIVAVENKAT]

Kitchen counter height can be 33" from the floor to the counter top. You may consider the following and it is very important to plan and calculate.

1. Generally the cupboard beneath the counter is raised 2"to 3" from the floor.( this is mandatory if you have the water drop box for the Sink bowl)
2. Counter slab thickness may be 1" to 3" ( granite+ply(!) )
3. Effective space left for the LPG bottle(33-3-3=27")
( For the subsidised cylinder, you need this minimum space as we park the cylinder on a stand with a small wheel. Seen ppl digging deep for the cylinder and making it awkward to place the heavy cylinder )

I made my kitchen counter using all granite, and used the Ply for the drawer doors only. the counter top was with two granites and 2" cement mix sandwitched( to with stand the heat). Top slab is a good black stuff and the bottom one is a cheap and thin slab). The life of the counter is almost the life of your home, provided the workmanship is good.

Thanks
Siva

[ardesarchitects]

Hi ,Blrsiteseeker
In general dish washers are 850 mm = 33.5" ht clear .Since we make a skirting ht of 4" in kitchen (4" is recommended to accommodate the sink waste water flow and easy maintenance of floor ).Indian conditions we don't prefer to keep the machine direct on the floor so effective total ht will be 33.5"+4"+2" granite+ply wood thickness = 40".
Probably you would have placed dish washer direct on the floor,common practice in US so it fits in 36"
With higher counter ht you wouldn't feel any difference immediately long run you feel the shoulders paining (considering average ht of Indian women 5'-5'6")when working for long hours.

Regards,
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com
www.ardesarchitects.com