Kitchen Planning Guidelines

Spacious islands are functional additions to any kitchen.

The kitchen needs to be extremely functional in order for it to be efficient. There are certain guidelines that you can follow to ensure that your kitchen is well planned. Whether you have a U-shaped, L-shaped or oblong kitchen, ensure that every functioning part of your kitchen is in accordance with basic standards.

Work Triangle

The work triangle is the most important design aspect in any kitchen. This configuration represents the triangular area between the main components of a kitchen--your cooking range, the refrigerator and the sink. The kitchen design standards from the National Kitchen and Bath Association state that this distance should not be more than 26 feet. Also, the distance between any of these three items should be no less than four feet and no more than nine feet.

Circulation Space

Adequate clearance space is vital, so ensure that no two activities overlap one another. Doorways, entry ways and walkways should range from a minimum of 32 inches to an optimal 36 inches in width. The width of a work area should be a minimum of 42 inches.

Counter Space

The book "Time Saver Standards for Building Types," edited by Joseph De Chiara and John Hancock Callender, states that minimum counter top width in a kitchen should be 16 to 24 inches. It also indicates comfortable counter height to be between 32 and 34 inches.

Plan for a preparation counter adjacent to the sink area, which is at least 36 inches in width and 24 inches in depth. Ensure that your counter tops have smooth, rounded edges for maximum comfort.

Kitchen Cabinets

Wall cabinets should have adjustable shelving, be 12 inches in depth and at least 30 inches in height. Base cabinets are generally at least 21 inches deep. Try to incorporate corner carousel units into base cabinets to maximize corner spaces.

For kitchens less than 150 square feet in area, allow for at least 144 inches of wall cabinet frontage, 156 inches of base cabinet frontage and 120 inches of drawer frontage.

If your kitchen is larger than 150 square feet, opt for 186 inches of wall cabinet frontage, 192 inches of base cabinet frontage and 165 inches of drawer frontage.

Appliances

Position your dishwasher within 36 inches of the sink. Allow for at least 12 inches on one side of your cooking surface and 15 inches on the other side, for comfortable usage. Also position your sink such that there is at least 24 inches of counter top frontage on one side and 18 inches on the other. Microwave ovens should be positioned at a maximum height of 54 inches from the floor and three inches below the shoulder of the main user.

References

• Kitchens: Layout and Designs
• Better Homes and Gardens: Kitchen Design Guidelines