If you are trying to reach for something on the top shelf or change the lightbulbs in your kitchen, you might be considering standing on the countertop. You may think that the countertops are strong and durable, so they should be able to sustain your weight, right?
Well, you might be mistaken. Standing on countertops is never a good idea – especially since you are risking an injury on yourself in case of an accident.
So why you shouldn’t stand on kitchen counters? For that, you need to know the capacity of your countertop.
How Much Weight Can a Kitchen Countertop Hold?
If you are wondering how much weight any kitchen countertop can hold, then the answer depends upon the type of material used for construction. Typically, kitchen counters have a height of approximately 36 inches. At this height, it is important to consider that your countertops will not be able to resist sudden loads of weight at one specific point.
This means that while placing a heavy object slowly on your kitchen countertop will not result in damage, throwing a heavy object with impact on your countertop will certainly cause some cracks.
However, you should not be worried about damaging or breaking your kitchen countertops with everyday use. Feel free to place heavy pots and pans on the counters, since your countertop can easily resist that weight. Kitchen countertops are also made to resist the weight of multiple kitchen equipment machines, but make sure you evenly divide their weight across the entire slab of stone.
Can You Stand on Granite Countertops?
Granite countertops are fairly thick, durable, and can hold a weight of about 1000 pounds. Considering this, you might be thinking that it is incredibly safe for you to stand or sit on your granite countertop to reach for the top shelf. However, that is not true.
While granite is able to resist a lot of weight, the only condition is that the weight needs to be evenly distributed. When you stand on a countertop, all of your weight is collected at one point of the granite which increases the chance of damage. In case your granite countertops have been installed for many years now, you should be extra careful with them since they are prone to damage.
The only possible way for you to stand on your granite countertop is to have a designated place for it where you place strong plywood. The plywood will act as a barrier between your weight and the granite countertop, thus making it easier to distribute the weight.
Remember to be careful if you are standing on a granite countertop since falling off can cause a serious injury. To avoid scratches and splinters, it is important to wear closed shoes.
Can I Stand on Quartz Countertop?
If you have a quartz countertop, chances are that you got it because people said that the material was indestructible. While quartz certainly has more compression and strength than granite, you should still be careful with your quartz worktop.
Although it is nearly harmless to stand on your quartz countertop, it is certainly not recommended. If you do end up standing on your quartz countertop, then make sure that you avoid the part of the seam where two separate slabs of quartz are joined together. These points are the most vulnerable to damage.
One of the biggest reasons to not stand on your quartz countertop is the risk of damage. In case your countertop cracks or chips, the cost involved to repair quartz is very high. Since quartz countertops are considered quite the luxury, standing or sitting on them can void the warranty if you end up damaging them at one point only.
Sitting & Standing on Marble Countertop
Marble counters are quite similar to granite and quartz, especially because they do not have much flexibility to offer. If you add too much weight at one spot on the marble, it could easily cause damage. If you have a marble countertop, it is certainly not recommending for you to stand on it. Although you might think that a marble countertop is sturdy enough to resist your weight, I assure you that it is not that durable.
On marble countertops, you should be especially careful around the sink and the stove since the layer of marble is quite thin. If you hit a pan on the edge of the stove, you could cause a crack in the marble kitchen countertop. Since the countertop can be damaged by such a small impact, standing on a marble countertop should completely be out of the question.
Can I Stand on Corian Counters?
Corian is a popular choice for kitchen countertops, especially since it is made with acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate (ATH). While this material is incredibly solid, it is not recommended to stand on a Corian countertop.
If you have Corian countertops in your kitchen, you should be extra careful around the joints and edges where two slabs are joined together. These spots are most susceptible to damage and can easily be cracked if too much weight or impact is put on them.
Alternatives to Standing on Countertops
Since it is probably obvious by now that you should not be standing on any kitchen countertop, it is important for you to have an alternative instead. Here are two easy options that you can consider:
1. Step Stool
If you have high cabinets that are difficult to reach, then all you need a step stool in your kitchen. This can give you some extra height and make it easier to reach the top of the refrigerator or the shelves. A good tip to finding the right step stool is to look for one that is small enough to be easily moved around but is strong enough to hold your weight. Remember to keep your step stool inside the kitchen since its presence will help you fight off the urge to stand on the countertop.
2. Use a Step Ladder
While a ladder might cost more than a step stool, it will be more functional around the entire house. As for the kitchen, you can easily keep a small ladder in your pantry and bring it out every time you need to reach for something that is too high above.