I'd go with the lower, flat look.

Tried to find some photo examples. I really like the waterfall edge in the last photo, the quartz wraps down the end of the peninsula. The 3rd photo shows a waterfall edge on the bar height portion. Nice detail. I agree with Angel18432, don't do the 3 inch backsplash in quartz, take it all the way up as a backsplash or use another material.

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Do you currently use the taller surface to place serving dishes, bread baskets, large salad bowls, etc. while you are sitting at the table? If so, then reducing the surface area of the 42" knee wall will eliminate, if not greatly reduce this possibility. Is the table your only sit down dining area?

Angel18432 and Bette P -I will not be doing the little backsplash, it will be deck top with new backsplash all the way down; Scott Design-the bar top now becomes a drop for papers and other 'stuff', rarely used for serving dishes. The flat top would suffice and if I do the 42", the depth would be 9" to make it somewhat useful for smaller dishes. I also have a formal dining room.

If you do a flat counter height surface, will there be enough room to the rear of the faucet to keep the inevitable faucet drips from flowing over to the nook side? If you're skipping seating, skip doing counter height and do bar height instead.

ProSource, the pony wall is 4.75" thick so, flat counter, with minimum 1" overhang (and I may do more but I think 3" is my limit or I will still have the bumping problem when walking behind a pulled out chair) and a few inches on sink side, I'm guessing no less than 7" behind faucet. Don't know if that is enough to prevent spills.

PS - not afraid of high arc faucet with flat counter; only concerned if bar height ... opinions?

the counter is the only way to go. (and I am always right :) ) it is more useable and kids or older adults or too much beer enabled friends have a harder time having a plate or glass go over the edge. not to mention the "look" . I put it this way.. watch million dollar listings, or luxury home tv, and 5% of the time is there a 2 height counter... but what do I know...:). and... you haven't invited me over for dinner in weeks .

Complete Design - love your "sensibility". Oh, and I'm on the other coast, stop in anytime.

Jay - so what are your feelings about it.

Counter height. So much better unless you are a complete slob and need to hide the dishes. And do consider an overhang for stools, even if it means changing the rectangular table to a round one to accommodate it. You will not reget the decision.

Advira, stools are not an option, there is just not enough room even with a round table. Angel, I have about a month before I have to make a final decision. Still on the fence. If the sink was not where it is, I would definitely do flat counter. Moving plumbing is not an option. Anyone know how much space is adequate behind faucet to avoid a mess on the other side?

Kitchen finally completed. Cambria Canterbury, Ivory honed travertine backsplash, Moen Arbor faucet, LED Under-cabinet tape lights. Kept raised knee wall but took off 4". I don't think the countertops photograph as pretty as they are-warm in person especially with the cherry stain

Completed kitchen · More Info

Completed kitchen · More Info

Completed kitchen · More Info

Completed kitchen · More Info

My kitchen looks similar to yours. The bar top is on an angle. I want to lower the bar height and make it counter top height. Did you lower your bar?

For a number of reasons, I did not lower it to one level counter height. Now a few years later, I have become more in favor of it and if I had it to do over, I would have.

I get calls to cut bars down regularly. I've never gotten a call to build one up.

My kitchen is very similar to the above kitchen. Can you send me a picture of a remodel with the bar cut to counter height?

hpcasale:

Sorry, no before picture, the handymen had already done the deed:

Thank you going with counter height.