Are Counter Height and Pub/Bar Height the same?

When you’re designing or renovating a kitchen, the choices are endless. Do you pick hardwood or laminate cabinets? Granite or marble countertops? A gas or induction cooktop?

But one decision may be the most important of all: Should your island, counters, or table be counter height or bar/pub height?

To answer that question, you’ll need to know the difference between the two. We’re shedding light on that topic—and much more—in this counter height vs. bar height comparison.

Standard Counter Height Surface Measurements

Most standard counter height surfaces are 34 to 36 inches tall when measured from the floor to the top.¹

The variation in height is usually due to the thickness of the countertop material. A kitchen counter with a thick slab of marble on top may be a couple of inches taller than an all-wood dining table made at counter height.

The Benefits of Counter Height

Some of the advantages of choosing a counter height surface include:

• Familiarity – Because most kitchen counters are counter height, you’ll feel at home working on a 34–36-inch surface.
• Versatility – A counter height surface is low enough to complete kitchen tasks comfortably, yet tall enough to accommodate seating.
• Accessibility – Tall people can work on a lower surface, but shorter people, children, and wheelchair users may be unable to use a higher surface. As such, counter height is more approachable for everyone.

Standard Bar/Pub Height Surface Measurements

In most cases, a bar or pub height surface will be 40–42 inches tall.² As with counter height, any variations in height likely come from the thickness of the top material.

The Benefits of Bar/Pub Height

No matter what kind of material you put on top, a bar height table or surface is:

• Visually striking – An elevated bar height island or dining table rises above the kitchen counters, adding appealing levels to an otherwise “flat” room.
• Party-ready – Those extra inches allow standing guests to mingle effortlessly with people seated at the bar.
• Perfect for tall people – Taller folks may find that bending down to work at a counter height surface leads to back pain. A pub height surface makes washing and chopping more comfortable for anyone above six feet.

Counter Height vs. Bar Height Stool Measurements

In the counter height vs. pub height debate, surfaces are only the beginning. There’s also the matter of choosing the right height for seating. You'll need the right chairs or stools to sit comfortably at your table or island.

Counter height seating has to be 24–27 inches tall to ensure there’s enough room between the stool and the bottom of the surface.³

Meanwhile, bar height stools should measure 28–33 inches from the floor to the top.⁴ Any shorter, and you’ll have an awkward distance between the surface and the bar stool; any taller, and you won’t have space to sit.

Are Kitchen Islands Counter Height or Bar Height?

Most kitchens feature counter height islands. The reason is simple: As mentioned, most people find counter height more comfortable for kitchen tasks like:

• Cutting vegetables
• Baking
• Doing the dishes

However, people who intend to use their kitchen island primarily for seating may prefer a bar height surface. That way, your guests can sit or stand at the island while you prepare dinner.

Choosing Between Counter Height vs. Bar Height

If you’re unsure about whether to pick counter height or bar height tables, here are some details to think about.

Consider Your Budget

First of all, how much do you want to spend? If you’re on a budget, the more affordable counter height should be your first choice.

Bar height may only be a few inches taller than counter height, but that extra material adds up. Plus, bar height tables and islands are less common, so you’ll often have to place a special order.

Consider Your Kitchen Size and Layout

Next, you’ll want to reflect on your kitchen size and shape. In a small kitchen, a bar height island can feel out of place, while a counter height island will fit right in.

If, however, you have an expansive kitchen, you may prefer the look of a taller island or table. A bar height kitchen island can also act as a room divider in open-concept homes.

Consider Comfort and Accessibility

Finally, think about who spends the most time in your kitchen. If you’re a taller person who hosts many get-togethers, a pub height island or table may be the best option.

For most other people, counter height will be more comfortable and accessible—especially if you have children, seniors, or wheelchair users in your home.

Explore our blog for more tips on planning out the dimensions of your furniture, like as found in our standard dining table height guide.

Create Your Dream Kitchen with James & James Custom Wood Furniture

Whether you decide that counter height or bar is the right height for your space, one thing is for sure: You deserve quality-made furniture.

Why buy American-made products from James & James? We offer heirloom-quality, custom, made-to-order wood furniture for the modern home that lasts. Choose from a variety of styles and finishes designed to complement any kitchen or dining room, from our solid wood dining room tables to our best-selling Windsor dining chairs and more.

Reach out to our team at 479-633-7557 or sales@carpenterjames.com to start creating the perfect furniture for your dream kitchen.

Sources: 

1. The Spruce. Comparing Counter Height and Bar Height for Seating. https://www.thespruce.com/counter-height-vs-bar-height-7151676