Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen Cabinet Design and Layout Tips kitcab.gif (5758 bytes)

1. The three most used elements of a kitchen are the sink, stove, and refrigerator. To minimize wasted motion, situate each to form a triangle with a perimeter less than 18 feet.

2. The oven and refrigerator should not be adjacent. The dishwasher should be located nearby the sink and if possible, position the sink under a window with a light above it.

3. The number of doors for each cabinet is based on the door width not exceeding its height. For cabinets between 2 to 4 feet wide, use 2 doors.

4. Use false drawer fronts where drawers not possible (e.g., under sink) for a consistent look.

5. Allow 18" of counter space on either side of the range or microwave.

6. Allow 18" of counter space on door-opening side of the refrigerator.

7. Allow 30" of counterspace to right of sink, 24" to left

8. Provide a corridor width or passing space of no less than 36".

9. Maximum height of a shelf above a countertop is 42" for an average sized adult. 36" is optimal.

Standard Dimensions of Wall Cabinets

Depth (25" deep countertop)	12-1/4"
Depth (30" deep countertop)	15"
Height with full soffit	30"
Height with no soffit	42"
Height of cabinet above countertop	18"
Height of cabinet above stove top	24"
Height of highest shelf	60"-68"
Width	to match base cabinet

Standard Dimensions of Base Cabinets

Cabinet depth	24"
Countertop depth (1" overlap)	25"
Height from floor to countertop	36"
Splashboard height	4"
Kickspace height	4"
Kickspace depth	3"
Depth of drawer above cabinet doors	4"

Standard Dimensions of Counters

Countertop height	36"
Counter length per person	21"
Depth (one-sided seating)	15"
Depth (two-sided seating)	30" min
For the physically challenged:
Countertop height	31"
Under counter access width	30"
Under counter access height	29-1/2"

Standard Dimensions of Kitchen Appliances

The dimensions of most appliances used for residential purposes in the U.S. fall within the ranges given below. Although these dimensions are useful for planning purposes, obtain actual measurements before starting cabinet construction. In general, major appliances are designed to fit beneath a 24 inch wide countertop.

Appliance	Height	Width	Depth
Cooktop	2- 3"	12-48"	18-22"
Dishwasher	33-35	23-24"	23-26"
Microwave	13-18"	21-23"	14-22"
Range, floor model	35-36"	19-40"	24-26"
Range, w/ upper oven	61-68"	30-40"	25-28"
Range, drop-in	23-24"	23-24"	22-25"
Range hood	5-8"	24-72"	12-72"
Refrigerator	55-69"	24-36"	26-33"
Trash Compactor	33-35"	12-15"	18-24"
Wall oven, single	23-25"	21-24"	21-23"
Wall oven, double	39-50"	21-24"	21-23"
Wall oven with broiler	38-40"	21-24"	21-23"

About | Sitemap | Links | Contact