Hi jacobkell,

44" will work, and yes there are standard bar stools available for this in the 29" - 30" range. 44" may feel a little high though, because the typical standard height for a bar is 42". (Ideally, mock up the 42" and 44" and see which one you prefer, before you build the wall)

As for the granite overhang, that will depend on a few details, what is the length of the top/distance between corbels? We've build many overhangs and with end corbels only, and a maximum 7ft span, typical distance warrantied by our fabricators is 12" in front of the pony wall. If you'd like to increase that you have a few options, such as flat 1/4" hidden steel plate which is bolted through the top of the wall, and /or flat steel L brackets which are bolted into the sides of the studs in the pony wall. (They look like a framing square) The top of these brackets is partially visible but they are incredibly strong.

There are of course many decorative corbels and brackets which you could use, but they will also encroach on the seating space. If you consider adding these, I'd suggest laying out the seating arrangement first, then framing the wall in such a way so the corbels are landing on either the studs or solid blocking in between them

Steve

I think the perfect height would be the same 36" height as the rest of the island, or 6" lower so that it would be standard table height.

It kind of depends how you will use the breakfast bar. If you wan to use it for crafts and such, then you will want it to be 36", or whatever your counter height is. your overhang, should be at least 12" but probably not more than 18" unless you have special circumstances. Some wish to define the eating area, then you could raise, or lower that portion. If you lower, to say 30", I extend the bar to 18", roughly 1/2 the width of a table. If you go to 44", then 12" should be fine, since your legs will drop to the stool rest.

First decide how you will use your island, and that may depend on where it's located in the house...In a corner? Open all around? Partially obstructed by a wall or pathway?

There may be a right answer, but thinking of it as a fit for your purposes is pretty important too.