-contributed by Celticmoon
Measures and space: How much, how far, how many inches… For every number there can be differing opinions. NKBA says one thing, Silvers says another, so concensus is difficult on some points. Here’s an imperfect summary of opinions. Consider it just a guideline.
- HOW FAR BETWEEN COUNTERS (aisles & walkways)?
This always leads to different opinions here on the Forum. 42-48 inches is the most common and generic recommendation, with 60 or more if the space also serves as a main passageway. BUT many people use less (33-36 inches) and claim they are happy with that. Many people say 48 is most comfortable. A range of things can make a narrower aisle more of a problem: appliances opening into the aisle; deeper appliances such as a standard depth fridge; more than one cook; appliances that open placed opposite each other, such as DW and oven; main zones opposite each other, such as prep and cooking (= butt bumping); counter lip overhangs; counter seating; aisles doubling as passage between parts of the house. Avoid these and a narrower aisle is much less of a concern. When in doubt, mock it up with large boxes and see how it feels for you. And don’t forget to consider the little counter overhangs that reduce the available space between cabinet runs.
- HOW FAR BETWEEN APPLIANCES?
Credit studies by the University of Illinois for coming up with the classic kitchen ‘work triangle’ in the 1950’s. This viewed sink, range and fridge as triangle points and proclaimed each triangle side should be no more than 9 feet and no less than 4 feet in length, with total distance around the triangle being between 12 and 26 feet. NKBA Guidelines still speak of the work triangle as
“the distance between the three primary work centers of the kitchen drawn in the form of a triangle. The work centers consist of the food storage center (refrigerator area), the food preparation center (range area), & the clean-up center (sink area). The total footage of the three sides of the triangle should measure between 12′ & 26′. Less than 12′ means your appliances are to close together & you may have a cramped kitchen. More than 26′ means you may be wasting time & steps walking between the work centers.”
Things have gotten much more complicated since the 50’s with the prevalence of dishwashers microwaves, prep sinks, separate ovens, and multiple cooks. Despite all that, you probably still want to keep the prepping sink and fridge and cook top each no more than 6-9 feet apart, center to center.
- HOW MUCH TABLE OR COUNTER SPACE FOR EATING?
To sit and eat comfortably diners each need 24 inches width and about 18 inches depth on the table surface or 15 inches depth on the counter surface for a place setting. Take care with corners that you don’t count the same surface space twice for people seated at a 90 degree angle from each other. - HOW MUCH SPACE TO FIT CHAIRS AT A TABLE?
For actual sitting, you need 24 inches between table edge and wall or other obstruction. Leave 42 inches if someone needs to pass behind to reach another chair. If there is significant traffic, leave 50 inches or more. - HOW MUCH SPACE FOR STOOLS AT A COUNTER?
People at counters use a little less space, as stools tend to stay closer to the counter than chairs to a table. Allocate 20 inches past the counter for for sitting, but 48 if people need to reach other stools. If the space is a main passageway with significant traffic, leave 48 inches. - WHAT IS A GOOD COUNTER OVERHANG FOR STOOLS?
Counter height seating needs about 12-15 inches knee space. Some have posted getting by with the lower number; some are happier with a full 15 inches. The larger number may be best for a counter reguarly used for meals; casual perching can manage with less. For taller bar height seating, the knees are more angled and an inch or so less is needed. - HOW MUCH HEIGHT BETWEEN COUNTER AND UPPER CABINETS?
18 inches is the standard, but the addition of a light rail or other fittings cuts into that space. Be aware that some taller coffeepots and mixers won’t fit in a space less than 18 inches.
Some people like the wall cabinets a bit lower, set maybe 14 inches above the counter, to allow access to upper wall unit shelves. Others like them set higher, at 21 or 22 inches. Preference seems related to height and reach of the user, importance of access to high shelves, and design factors like ceiling height, crown molding placements, etc.
- WHAT IS A COMFORTABLE COUNTER WORKING HEIGHT?
The standard counter height from the floor is 36 inches. For some tasks like working dough, a counter several inches lower is more comfortable. Murrrell offers a nice tip: Stand comfortably bending your arms slightly; measure your elbow point to the floor and subtract 6 inches. This is your ideal main counter work height. Subtract 4 inches from that for your ideal dough counter height. If this is a kitchen you want to customize for your comfort, consider making some counters a bit higher or lower to “fit” you better. Be aware that appliances (DW, range) are made to fit the standard 36″ height though, so lowering counter runs with these appliances is dicey. An alternative to lowering counters is to have a sturdy pull out or to have a lower work table or island.
- HOW DEEP SHOULD MY SINK BE?
Having to bend slightly to reach the bottom of the sink is a backache waiting to happen. Ergonomics says you should be able to touch the bottom of the sink with your fingertips without bending forward. Some even posit you should be able to place your palm on the bottom of the sink. These ‘rules’ are important for extensive dish washing by hand. Often short people feel a deeper sink could be a problem for them, but taller people are actually more at risk for backache with a deeper sink. Times change and with it sinks and sink usage. Trends have moove toward bigger and deeper sinks, with 10 inches a common depth vs. the 6-7 inches of decades ago. Some people value highly that the deep cavernous sink can swallow a diner party’s worth of dirty dishes and leave counters relatively pristine. Grids also can raise the “bottom” of the sink a bit. Most people now do most or even all their washing in the dishwasher, so the reaching is less of a concern.
Best to mock up a sink depth and try out different depths for yourself.