Kitchen Benchtop Heights for Sydney & Perth Renovators in 2024

If you're building or renovating, you know that the kitchen is the heart of any home. A space for socialising, creating memories and cooking up a storm. But have you considered what the standard benchtop heights are for the perfect mix of comfort and efficiency? 

When we say "standard" height, we refer to the dimensions you'll find that most kitchen benchtops will be installed around Perth and Sydney. 

However, there are a number of factors to consider before speaking with your trusted stone fabricator. 

The importance of the right kitchen benchtop height. 

The height of your kitchen benchtop plays an important role in your overall design experience. It can affect your comfort and even your safety while working in the kitchen. A benchtop that is too low can cause you to hunch over, leading to back and neck strain. On the other hand, a benchtop that is too high can result in discomfort and an awkward working posture and just look kind of...weird. 

Finding the perfect benchtop height is crucial for maintaining good ergonomics in the kitchen. Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging things to fit the people who use them. In the context of kitchen design, it means creating a space that allows you to work efficiently and comfortably.

The standard height of a kitchen benchtop in Australia is 900mm-920mm, which also includes the kickboard (the front part across the recess at the bottom of a floor mounted base cabinet that hides the bases). However, a standard kitchen benchtop range for benchtop installation is between 850mm to 1050mm.

Pictured: Kalos Bianco sintered stone

Common kitchen benchtop height mistakes

1. Ignoring individual needs: It's essential to consider the needs and preferences of everyone who will be using the kitchen. Avoid choosing a benchtop height based solely on your own height or preferences without considering others in your household, especially if you have members of your household with disabilities. 

2. Failing to measure properly: Accurate measurements are crucial when determining the benchtop height. Failing to measure correctly can result in a benchtop that is too high or too low, leading to discomfort and inefficiency. Take the time to measure carefully and consult with professionals if needed.

3. Overlooking accessibility: If you have individuals with disabilities or mobility issues in your household, ensure that the benchtop height is adjusted to accommodate their needs. Consider incorporating features such as adjustable heights or additional space underneath for wheelchair access.

By avoiding these common mistakes and taking the time to consider the specific needs and preferences of your household, you can ensure that your kitchen benchtop height is perfectly suited to enhance comfort and efficiency.

How do different kitchen benchtop heights affect your kitchen renovation?

How even are your floors? This is something that needs to be taken into consideration, as well as the finished floor coverings and the point of measurement. 

Some builders will measure from the height of the slab and if you something like tiles on top, your benchtop may sit lower than 900mm after installation if not measured correct. 

Before any installation takes place, be sure to speak with your kitchen benchtop installer or cabinet maker to ensure where the measurement is taken from before ordering, so they can adjust the height to your liking. 

What about benchtop thickness?

It is important to remember also that kitchen benchtops will have varying thicknesses. A thicker kitchen benchtop will need lower cabinet below to fit comfortable underneath. 

Pictured: Marvel Gold 12mm slimline benchtop design. 

The benefits of going with a standard kitchen benchtop height?

1. You will generally have a wider choice of materials to choose from as most kitchen benchtop manufacturers product most products to fit these standard kitchen benchtop sizes. 

2. You will have a greater degree of versatility as standard dimensions suit the widest variety of people using the kitchen. 

3. Most appliances will suit a 900mm height kitchen benchtops, such as your dishwasher. 

4. Going for a standard kitchen benchtop height will keep costs in line and be the most cost-effective option, rather than choosing a custom benchtop solution. It's also the most installer friendly height as most builders create to these standard heights. 

Final thoughts to consider

• Accessibility - consider those using the home
• Costs - standard heights equals a more standard cost
• Are your floors even? Speak to your builder before measuring
• Benchtop thickness - Be sure to make it clear before measuring
• Avoid the common mistakes above to save dollars and time
• Hiring a professional if you're not sure. 

Putting all together will save you time and money, but ultimately it's about having a clear expectation of what you want and need before having your benchtop measured up for an install.

As always, speak to your design professional and shop around! in 2024 it's all about the best value, so if you aren't happy with one quote or supplier, get a second opinion and make sure at the end of the day you are getting exactly what you want for the price you want to pay. 

Want to learn more? Speak with our friendly team who are happy to recommend cabinet makers and builders from our fantastic and trusted network of professional around Perth and Sydney.