StandardRecommended
Counter overhang for seating
NKBA Kitchen 26Description
Seating counters should provide knee clearance: 30"-tall counter → 18" overhang; 36"-tall → 15"; 42"-tall → 12". Knee depth ≥17".
Why this exists
The overhang lets the diner's knees fit under the counter; the heights match standard chair, counter-stool, and bar-stool sets.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
tableOverhang | min | 18 | in | |
counterOverhang | min | 15 | in | |
barOverhang | min | 12 | in | |
kneeDepth | min | 17 | in |
Categories
Kitchen
Applies to
- Room types: kitchen
Source
NKBAno manifest entry
Kitchen Planning Guidelines (2024)
Section: Guideline 26
Published 2024-01-01 · last verified 2026-05-09
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Kitchen walkway and work-aisle widths · NKBA Kitchen 6
- Doorway clear width · NKBA Kitchen 1
- Door swing into work zones · NKBA Kitchen 2
- Distance between work zones · NKBA Kitchen 3
- Traffic through the work triangle · NKBA Kitchen 4
Last reviewed 2026-05-09.