Kitchen Design Guidelines Quiz

Door Interference

• Entry doors should not obstruct appliance operation
• Appliance doors should not interfere with each other

Distance Between Work Centers

• The total distance traveled between three primary work centers should not exceed 26 feet (7.9 meters)

• No single leg of the triangle should be less than 4 feet (1.2 meters) or more than 9 feet (2.7 meters)

• For more than three primary centers, each additional distance should be between 4 feet (1.2 meters) and 9 feet (2.7 meters)

• Measurements are taken from the center of each appliance or sink

• Work triangle legs should not intersect islands or obstacles by more than 12 inches (305mm)

Separating Work Centers

• A full-height, full-depth tall obstacle should not separate two primary work centers
• Properly recessed tall corner units are acceptable

Work Triangle Traffic

• Major traffic patterns should not cross the basic work triangle

Work Aisle

• Work aisle width should be at least 42 inches (1067 mm) for one cook and at least 48 inches (1219 mm) for multiple cooks
• Measurements are taken between counter frontage, tall cabinets, and appliances

Access Standard

• A clear floor space of at least 30" x 48" (762 mm x 1219 mm) should be provided at each kitchen appliance
• Clearances can overlap
• In U-shaped kitchens, minimum clearance between opposing arms is 60 inches (1524 mm)
• Wheelchair turning space must be at least 60 inches (1524 mm) in diameter, and can include knee and toe clearances

Walkway

• Minimum walkway width is 36 inches (914 mm)
• If two walkways are perpendicular to each other, one should be at least 42 inches (1067 mm) wide

Traffic Clearance at Seating

• In seating areas where traffic does not pass behind seated diners, allow 32 inches (813 mm) of clearance from the counter/table edge to any wall or obstruction
• If traffic passes behind the seated diner, plan a minimum of 60 inches (1524 mm) for wheelchair passage

Cleanup/Prep Sink Placement

• If a kitchen has only one sink, locate it adjacent to or across from the cooking surface and refrigerator

Cleanup/Prep Sink Landing Area

• Include at least 24 inches (610 mm) wide landing area on one side of the sink
• Include at least 18 inches (457 mm) wide landing area on the other side of the sink
• For parallel approach for wheelchair users, allow a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) of countertop frontage from the centerline of the sink to the returning counter

Preparation/Work Area

• Include a continuous 36-inch-wide x 24-inch-deep (914 mm x 610 mm) countertop section immediately next to a sink for a primary preparation area
• A 30-inch(762mm) wide section with a permanent or adaptable knee space should also be provided

Dishwasher Placement

• Locate the dishwasher within 36 inches (914 mm) of the nearest edge of a cleanup/prep sink
• Provide at least 21 inches (533 mm) standing space between the dishwasher edge and the countertop, appliances, and cabinetry that are at right angles to the dishwasher

Auxiliary Sink

• Provide at least 3 inches (76 mm) of countertop frontage on one side of the auxiliary sink and 18 inches (457 mm) on the other, all at the same height as the sink

Refrigerator Landing Area

• Include a 15-inch (381 mm) landing area on the refrigerator handle side
• Include a 15-inch (381 mm) landing area on either side of a side-by-side refrigerator
• Include a 15-inch (381 mm) landing area that is not over 48 inches (1219mm) across from the refrigerator
• Include a 15-inch (381 mm) landing area above or adjacent to under-counter styles refrigerators

Cooking Surface Landing Area

• At least 12 inches (305 mm) of landing area on one side of a cooking surface and 15 inches (381 mm) on the other side

Cooking Surface Clearance

• Maintain a 24-inch (610 mm) clearance between the cooking surface and any protected, non-combustible surface above it
• Maintain a 30-inch (762 mm) clearance between the cooking surface and any combustible material or metal cabinetry

Cooking Surface Ventilation

• Provide a properly sized ducted ventilation system for all cooking surfaces.
• Minimum recommended is 150 cubic feet per minute (cfm)

Cooking Surface Safety

• Do not locate the cooking surface under an operable window.
• Window treatments should not be flammable
• Place fire extinguisher 15" to 48" (381mm to 1219 mm) from the finished floor.
• Cooking appliances should not be installed in non-commercial kitchens

Microwave Oven Placement

• Locate the microwave at a height appropriate for the user
• Bottom of the microwave oven should be at least 3" (76 mm) below the principal user's shoulder but no higher than 54" (1372 mm) above the floor
• If placed below the countertop, the bottom of the microwave oven must be 15" (381 mm) above the counter

Microwave Landing Area

• Provide at least a 15-inch (381 mm) landing area above, below, or adjacent to the handle side of a microwave oven

Oven Landing Area

• Provide at least a 15-inch (381 mm) landing area next to or above an oven
• Landing area should not extend more than 48 inches (1219 mm) from the oven

Combining Landing Areas

• If two landing areas are adjacent, increase the minimum area by 12 inches (305 mm)

Countertop Space

• A total of 158 inches (4013mm) of countertop frontage, 24 inches (610mm) deep, with at least 15 inches (381mm) of clearance overhead is required
• Built in appliance garages can be included in this measurement but may interfere with landing areas

Countertop Edges

• Specify clipped or rounded corners for all countertops instead of sharp edges

Corner Cabinet Storage

• At least one corner cabinet should include functional storage

Test your knowledge on kitchen design guidelines, focusing on appliance placement, work triangle efficiency, and separation of work centers. Understand the importance of unobstructed access and proper spacing in creating an effective kitchen layout.