These guidelines are just that...guidelines...If your family is particularly tall or short (or has special needs
or setting) feel free to BREAK THESE RULES.....H.B.
Top Ten Cabinet Planning Rules
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.
10.
If your kitchen ceiling is much higher(from the floor) than 84", consider adding a drop-ceiling
(or soffit above the cabinets) to bring the overall cabinet height closer to a useable 84".Open space
above the uppers is a dust collector & awkward to clean
Standard Dimensions of Upper (wall) Cabinets
Depth
(over 25" deep countertop): 12-1/4" (over
30" deep countertop): 15"
Height (with full soffit): 30"
(with no soffit): 42"
Distance between countertop and bottom of upper cabinet: 18"
Distance between stove top and bottom of upper cabinet: 24"
Height of highest shelf: 60"-68"
Width to match base cabinet
Standard Dimensions of Base Cabinets
Cabinet depth
24"
Countertop depth
(1" overhang) 25"
Height from floor to countertop 36"
Splashboard height 4"minimum
Kickspace height 4"
Kickspace depth 3"maximum
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, It is IMPORTANT that you 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" |
12-14" |
| 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 w/ broiler |
38-40" |
21-24" |
21-23" |
Feel free to contact me for more information, discuss a design, or make an order.
