Using Countertops to Create Kitchen Work Zones

Designated Work Spaces Kitchen prep stations can include a sink, drainboard, and cutting surface for easy chopping, disposal and cleanup. Photo Credit: Brooks Custom Food prep area.For those who love their food fresh, a counter with a comfortable drop-down surface is often the option of choice. For tasks like mixing or beating, a 27-inch height may be desirable. A food prep surface might include a wood chopping block or a stainless-steel prep area, once common in commercial kitchens and now popular among home chefs. An integrated sink allows fruits and vegetables to be cleaned and scraps disposed of right at the preparation center. Raised strips of metal set into the countertop will support hot pans and protect the counter against scratches. Drainboards, too, can be integrated into the sink-side countertop for convenient cleanup. Entertaining. For some homeowners, food is all about sharing—with friends, family, and company. Granite and marble have long been popular as food staging and serving counters. New solid-surface, concrete and e-stone selections also offer some striking options for display and dining counters. Baking. For those interested in baking, a proper countertop is essential. That might mean installing marble or granite countertop sections that will maintain the cold for proper dough rolling. Depending on the height of the home baker, the tasks of kneading and rolling dough can be made more comfortable by lowering the countertop from the standard 36-inch counter height. Experts recommend a rolling counter that is 7 to 8 inches below the elbow for a baking and mixing countertop. Kitchen counters may be at varying heights to accommodate baking, chopping, entertaining, or desk areas. Photo Credit: Bob Narod for Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath Kitchen office. Even today, the kitchen remains the center of the home. Because of that, kitchens often require a zone that includes space for a phone, computer, message board, bill paying, and other household work. For the tasks at hand, an office zone may require a multilevel counter. Counters from 30 to 34 inches high with adequate knee space will accommodate a chair for desk space. A stool can be used for higher counters and as homework or snack spaces for family members. Surface choices here may go beyond the function and look to the feel or the “hand” of the surface. Having a warm or cold surface, one that is hard, or one that is giving can give real character to the desk area.

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