How do I add more counter space?

Having enough counter space in your kitchen is essential for meal preparation and storage. If your kitchen is lacking counter space, it can make cooking inefficient and frustrating. There are several ways to add more usable counter area without a full kitchen remodel.

Should I Consider Remodeling My Kitchen?

Before looking at quick fixes, consider if a full kitchen remodel is feasible for you. A remodel allows you to reconfigure the entire kitchen layout to maximize counter space. It also lets you replace counters with new surfacing materials. While expensive, a remodel provides the most counter space.

Factors to consider for a full remodel:

• Budget – Kitchen remodels often cost $20,000 to $50,000.
• Time – Remodeling takes several weeks to months to complete.
• Scope – Determine if you want to reconfigure, replace counters and cabinets, update appliances, etc.
• Return on investment – Kitchen renovations recoup 50-75% of costs at resale typically.

If a full remodel is not feasible, know that there are more affordable ways to gain counter space.

Add a Kitchen Island

One of the fastest ways to add counter space is by adding a kitchen island. Islands provide tabletop space for meal prep as well as storage. They also tend to cost significantly less than a full remodel.

When choosing an island:

• Pick a size – Islands range from 30″ to 60″ wide and long. Measure to see what fits.
• Select a style – Choose mobile or fixed, open or closed storage, etc.
• Mind placement – Leave at least 42″ clearance around the island.
• Match aesthetics – Islands come in stainless steel, wood, laminate, and more.
• Consider function – Add storage, seating, appliances, etc.

Islands can cost $500-$2,000+ depending on size, features, and materials. Prefabricated options are most affordable.

Repurpose Furniture

Another budget-friendly idea is repurposing furniture as counter space. For example:

• Use a table or desk as a makeshift island.
• Turn a dresser into a kitchen cart for extra storage.
• Use the top of a storage cabinet for additional prep area.
• Place shelving units on wheels to easily move around.

When repurposing:

• Make sure items are around 36″ tall for comfortable prep height.
• Select furniture that matches your kitchen’s style.
• Look for pieces with storage to maximize functionality.
• Add wheels for mobility.

By repurposing furniture you likely already own or can buy secondhand, you can add workspace on a budget.

Extend Counters

Making your current counters longer is another possibility for gaining space. Common ways to extend include:

• Add butcher block – Use wood plank butcher block to seamlessly extend counters. Match to current counter height.
• Install an island extension – Some islands can accommodate counter extensions for more surface area.
• Add a tabletop – Match counter height and overhang to add a tabletop extension.
• Use wall-mounted shelving – Install floating shelves to act as extra prep space or storage.

When extending counters, make sure any seams are flush and the surface is sturdy. Also caulk gaps to prevent moisture damage.

Optimize Space

Along with physically adding more counter area, you can optimize what you already have:

• Declutter – Clear counters of small appliances, dishes, etc. Store items efficiently.
• Add storage – Use cabinets, racks, containers to put items away.
• Adjust lighting – Improve task lighting over key prep spaces.
• Change layout – Adjust traffic flow to allow more usable counter access.

By clearing and reorganizing your current counters, you can gain back valuable workspace.

Add a Rolling Cart

For small kitchens, a rolling cart is an easy way to provide flexible extra counter space. Options include:

• Utility carts – Stainless steel carts with storage shelves and a towel bar.
• Butcher block carts – Wood top work tables on casters.
• Kitchen island carts – Carts with counter space, cabinets and drawers.
• Microwave carts – Carts designed to hold a microwave with extra work surface.

Carts provide workspace that can roll where you need it. Prices range from $50-$300+ depending on size and features.

Install Pull-Out Shelving

Adding pull-out shelving and storage to existing cabinetry is an easy way to optimize unused space. Options include:

• Pull-out cabinets – Full height pull-out units for storage.
• Drawers – Shallow drawers to access items in deep cabinets.
• Lazy susans – Circular pull-out shelves in corner cabinets.
• Vertical layers – Stacked shallow pull-outs that tilt for access.

Pull-outs allow you to efficiently organize items and maximize cabinet space. Install them anywhere cabinets are lacking storage.

Hang Microwaves or Ovens

Hanging microwave and wall oven units frees up counter surface below. To add hanging microwave or oven space:

1. Select a wall-mounted unit that matches your existing appliances.
2. Make sure the electrical, venting, and gas (if applicable) hookups are properly configured.
3. Carefully measure and mark stud locations to support weight.
4. Install mounting bracket securely into wall studs.
5. Lift and hang microwave or oven onto bracket.
6. Complete electrical, venting, and gas connections.

For safety, have appliances professionally installed unless you are highly experienced. Allow for extra costs of installation.

Build Custom Shelving

Custom built shelving and storage is a flexible way to make use of unused wall space above counters. Ideas include:

• Wall-mounted wine glass racks
• Spice storage shelves
• Floating open shelving for display items
• Custom cabinets with doors to conceal items

When adding wall storage:

• Make sure mounting locations have adequate structural support.
• Select materials that match your kitchen’s existing cabinetry.
• Include lighting in shelves for better visibility.
• Size and space shelves based on items being stored.
• Maintain 15″ clearance above prep counters if applicable.

Custom building provides tailored storage but requires woodworking skills. Hire a carpenter for complex projects.

Stainless Steel Work Tables

Commercial-grade stainless steel work tables are an excellent way to add durable, sanitary counter space. Key features:

• Stainless steel surfaces resist stains, rust, and moisture damage.
• Welded construction provides a seamless tabletop.
• Non-slip feet add stability.
• Standard depths of 24″ to 36″.
• Lengths from 60″ up to 120″.
• Matching lower and upper shelves available.

Stainless tables are commonly used in restaurants and are ideal for times you need a large, continuous prep area in your home kitchen.

Compare Countertop Materials

When adding new counters or redoing existing ones, choose a durable, low-maintenance material:

Material	Pros	Cons
Granite	Beautiful natural pattern; Easy to clean; Heat and scratch resistant; Adds value	Expensive; Sealing required
Quartz	Durable; Non-porous; Variety of colors and patterns; Low maintenance	Higher cost; Avoid direct heat
Laminate	Affordable; Many colors and patterns; Easy DIY install	Prone to scratches, heat damage; Temporary lifespan
Stainless Steel	Durable; Easy to clean; Heat and stain resistant; Modern look	Can dent; Noisy
Butcher Block	Adds warmth; Budget friendly; Easily repaired	Prone to scratches; Needs frequent sealing

Add a Breakfast Bar

Making use of space on the perimeter of the kitchen is another great option. Breakfast bars along walls or half walls can add seating and needed prep area.

To add a breakfast bar:

1. Review layout and measure space available.
2. Decide on counter height and overhang size.
3. Choose a countertop material that matches or complements existing.
4. Install sturdy, properly spaced support brackets.
5. Have the countertop fabricated and securely fastened to brackets.
6. Add bar stools or chairs on open side.

Bar countertops range from 12-18″ deep typically and need about a 10″ overhang. Include an overhang support bracket every 2 feet.

Use Removable Counter Toppers

For a temporary fix, removable counter toppers can add work space on top of existing counters. Choices include:

• Cutting boards – Use large wooden cutting boards to cover areas of the counter when needed. Lift off when done.
• Trivets or trays – Inexpensive metal or wood trays create temporary work zones.
• Removable prep boards – Custom fabricated boards securely fit over counters.
• Rolling work tops – Portable wheeled work surfaces.

Toppers provide affordable, movable extra space. Make sure they fit flush and are made of a food-safe material.

Conclusion

There are many smart solutions for adding more usable counter space in your kitchen. Key options include:

• Kitchen islands
• Repurposed furniture
• Extending existing counters
• Optimizing current space
• Rolling carts
• Pull-out shelving
• Wall-mounted appliances
• Custom shelving
• Stainless work tables
• Breakfast bars
• Removable toppers

Along with physical changes, decluttering and better organization can help unlock hidden counter space already in your kitchen.

With some creativity, you can gain valuable extra prep and storage area without the expense of remodeling. Assess your needs, budget and layout to select the counter space solutions that will work best for your kitchen.