What is the recommended height setting for countertops?

The recommended height setting for countertops, which is ¼" above the tops of drawers or doors, ensures functionality and aesthetic quality in cabinetry design. This specification allows for smooth operation of drawers and doors while also accounting for typical variations in floor levels or cabinet installation.

Maintaining a consistent gap ensures that as cabinets settle or as carpet affects floor levels, there won't be an interference with the hardware. Additionally, setting the countertop height at this measurement helps create a visually pleasing alignment across the cabinetry, avoiding gaps that can occur if heights are not uniform.

In contrast, the other height settings either exceed this recommended height or do not allow for a sufficient margin to accommodate typical variances in cabinetry or flooring which could lead to operational issues over time. Therefore, the selection of ¼" with a tolerance of 1/8" provides the best blend of function and form in cabinetry installations.