Kitchen Planning Standards – Class 101

May 17, 2018 By

Photo credit – Melissa Kew Photography

Ever wonder what standards there are for either a new kitchen or a kitchen renovation?

Well, I’m here to help!

These industry standards will help  you work out your plan properly so you don’t run into any unexpected surprises.

APPLIANCES

Standard oven width – 30 inches

Standard dishwasher width – 24 inches

Standard fridge width – 36 inches. Keep in mind that you should choose and order your appliances before building a new or renovating a kitchen, the cabinetry and countertops will be built around them for the most custom look.

CABINETRY

Standard upper cabinet depth – 12 inches

Standard base cabinet depth – 24.5 inches

Standard counter height – 36 inches

Standard counter depth – 25.50 inches

Standard distance between bottom of cabinet and your countertops – 18 inches**.  If you are installing under cabinet lighting, a must in my books, then you’ll have to give some consideration to the extra space needed for them and valances.  Also, if there is a special appliance(s) you would like to store on your countertop, be sure that the 18 inches will accommodate it.

**This height will change if you are putting in a gas cooktop. Please check with your contractor or designer with regards to your building codes and safety requirements for your particular kitchen design.

ISLANDS

Minimum distance between two working areas – 39 inches.  48 inches would be ideal but you can get by on the minimum of 39 inches.

Minimum island overhang – 12 inches with no brackets for support (depending on the counter material) or 15-18 inches with supports.

Minimum counter space on either side of the stove – 18 inches.  A stove should never be placed right beside a wall, as this could be a fire hazard.

STOOLS AND LIGHTING

Bar stool height – 30 inches

Counter stool height – 24 inches

Height for hanging light fixture over a table or island – Standard is 30-36″ from the top of the dining table, however this can and should be adjusted for individuals using the space and for sight lines.  I usually prefer to hang the light lower if it is a statement piece and if the table is large enough to accommodate it.  For an island fixture – standard is 60-66″ from the floor, but again this can and should be adjusted for sight lines and for tall individuals.

HAPPY KITCHEN PLANNING!

Lisa

 

 

Filed Under: design professional, Haven, inspiration, Kitchen, renovation Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Comments

  1. Angie In My 30s says
    January 30, 2014 at 5:47 pm

    very helpful info!

  2. House@heart says
    January 30, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    Hi, there!!! Thank you for the info, it’s helpful, where were you a year ago when I planned my kitchen?:)
    xo
    Ozana

  3. Meredith says
    January 30, 2014 at 9:01 pm

    Oooh! These are great measurements! Buying standard sized counters sure help to keep costs inline…I wish I’d had this cheat sheet to save some second-guessing last month 🙂

  4. Inspire Me Heather says
    January 31, 2014 at 11:53 am

    Well that’s handy having all this information in one place, thanks!

  5. Heather says
    January 31, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    Great info for reference Lisa! I agree, I like a lighting fixture to be hung a bit lower as well over a table. Great post – Pinned!!

  6. Andrea says
    January 31, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    Helpful to have all these numbers complied in one place! So sad I didn’t have a handy reference like this two years ago!!!

  7. Carole Reid says
    January 31, 2014 at 4:50 pm

    Hi Lisa,
    I’ve filed this helpful information in on Pinterest.
    Thanks.