Lowering Breakfast Bar To Counter Height Before And After: A Complete Guide

Oleh Norma Purdy June 05, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you tired of struggling with your high breakfast bar? Do you want to make it more accessible and functional? If so, lowering your breakfast bar to counter height could be the solution you're looking for.

Lowering a breakfast bar may seem like a daunting task, but it can make a significant difference in the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a complete guide on lowering a breakfast bar to counter height before and after, including the benefits of doing so, the process involved, and much more.

A breakfast bar is a popular feature in modern kitchens that offers a casual dining experience, additional storage, and counter space. However, many people find that their breakfast bars are too high and uncomfortable to use. This is where lowering your breakfast bar to counter height comes in.

By lowering your breakfast bar, you can create a seamless transition between your kitchen countertops and your bar. This will not only make it more comfortable to use but also give your kitchen a more cohesive look. Additionally, a lowered breakfast bar can offer more seating options, making your kitchen more inviting to guests.

Now let's dive into the details of how to lower your breakfast bar to counter height before and after.

Benefits of Lowering Your Breakfast Bar

There are several benefits to lowering your breakfast bar to counter height, including:

More comfortable seating: A lowered breakfast bar provides a more comfortable seating option since it's closer to the ground and easier to get on and off.
Better accessibility: A lowered breakfast bar makes it easier for everyone to access, regardless of age or mobility issues.
Improved aesthetics: A lowered breakfast bar creates a seamless transition between your kitchen countertops and your bar, creating a more cohesive look.
More seating options: A lowered breakfast bar can offer more seating options, making your kitchen more inviting to guests.

The Process of Lowering Your Breakfast Bar

Lowering your breakfast bar can be a DIY project or by a professional. Here is a step-by-step process for lowering your breakfast bar:

Determine the height you want to lower your breakfast bar to and mark it on the wall.
Remove the countertop from the base cabinets using a screwdriver or drill.
Cut down the base cabinets to the desired height using a saw.
Reattach the countertop to the base cabinets using screws.
Finish the exposed edges of the countertop with trim pieces or edging.
Install new stools or chairs that complement the lowered height.

It's important to note that if you're not comfortable with DIY projects, it's best to hire a professional to do it for you.

Before and After: Examples

Here are some before and after examples of breakfast bars that have been lowered:

Before and After Example 1

Before and After Example 2

As you can see, lowering a breakfast bar can make a significant difference in the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen.

Things to Consider Before Lowering Your Breakfast Bar

Before lowering your breakfast bar, there are a few things to consider:

Plumbing and electrical: If your breakfast bar has plumbing or electrical work, you'll need to relocate it before lowering the bar.
Cabinet height: Make sure the base cabinets are tall enough to accommodate the lowered height of the breakfast bar.
Stool or chair height: Ensure that the height of the stools or chairs you choose complements the lowered height of the breakfast bar.
Budget: Lowering your breakfast bar can be expensive, so make sure you have a budget in mind.

Maintenance and Care

To keep your lowered breakfast bar looking its best, follow these maintenance and care tips:

Clean the surface regularly with a mild detergent and warm water.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the surface.
Use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from heat damage.
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
Avoid using sharp objects on the surface that can scratch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I lower my breakfast bar without removing the countertop?

Yes, it's possible to lower your breakfast bar without removing the countertop. However, it's a more complicated process that involves cutting down the base cabinets and reattaching them to the countertop.

Q2: How much does it cost to lower a breakfast bar to counter height?

The cost of lowering a breakfast bar to counter height varies depending on the size of the bar, materials used, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. On average, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000.

Q3: Is it possible to raise a lowered breakfast bar back to its original height?

Yes, it's possible to raise a lowered breakfast bar back to its original height. However, it's a more complicated process that involves adding additional material to the base cabinets.

Q4: What type of stools or chairs are best for a lowered breakfast bar?

Stools or chairs with adjustable heights are best for a lowered breakfast bar since they can accommodate different heights of people.

Q5: How long does it take to lower a breakfast bar to counter height?

The time it takes to lower a breakfast bar to counter height depends on the size of the bar, materials used, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. On average, it can take anywhere from one to three days.

Q6: What materials can I use to finish the exposed edges of the countertop?

There are several materials you can use to finish the exposed edges of the countertop, including wood trim pieces, metal edging, or laminate strips.

Q7: Can I lower a granite breakfast bar?

Yes, it's possible to lower a granite breakfast bar. However, it's a more complicated process that involves cutting down the base cabinets and reattaching them to the granite countertop.

Q8: Will lowering my breakfast bar affect my home's resale value?

Lowering your breakfast bar can either increase or decrease your home's resale value, depending on the quality of work and whether it's to meet your specific needs.

Q9: Can I lower only one side of my breakfast bar?

Yes, it's possible to lower only one side of your breakfast bar. However, it's important to ensure that the height difference is not too drastic, which can lead to an uneven surface.

Q10: Is it safe to do it myself?

Lowering a breakfast bar can be a DIY project, but it requires some level of expertise and experience with woodworking and power tools. If you're not comfortable with DIY projects, it's best to hire a professional.

Lowering your breakfast bar to counter height before and after can make a significant difference in the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. It provides a more comfortable seating option, better accessibility, improved aesthetics, and more seating options. Before lowering your breakfast bar, consider plumbing and electrical work, cabinet height, stool or chair height, and budget. To keep your lowered breakfast bar looking its best, follow maintenance and care tips. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, a lowered breakfast bar is a great way to enhance your kitchen.