Dimensional Reference Guide for Kitchens from Floor To Ceiling®
A basic knowledge of industry dimensional standards is important for establishing a frame of reference about your kitchen or bath floor plan opportunities even before you consult with the
Floor To Ceiling® designer. Print out this handy guide for reference as your kitchen or bath project progresses.
Kitchen Industry Standard Dimensions
Production economies resulting from dimensional standardization make both appliances and cabinetry a better value and easier to replace. Most appliances and all manufactured cabinetry is standardized, based on 3” increments. (Cabinet standardization does not preclude customization, when you choose custom or semi-custom brands.) Another advantage of standardization is the resulting possibility of creating expanses of countertop for generous workspace in modern kitchens.
Refrigerator: 30” – 48” wide. Depth ranges between 24” for built-in models to up to 31+” for free standing units. Heights are not standardized.
Range: Both free-standing and drop-in style ranges are standard at 30”. Depth of most units is 25” plus the extension of the oven door handle. (The full depth of the range including the oven handle must be considered, especially when the range is placed near a corner or is planned for a location opposite another appliance with a door, such as a dishwasher.)
Cook Top: Most cook tops are 30” to 36” wide. Some models may permit the combination of several modules, using up to 54” of counter space. Cook top depth is gauged to fit within standard 25” deep countertops.
Dishwasher: Dishwashers are usually 24” wide. Drawer style dishwashers may vary. 18" wide dishwashers are available but are usually only used for wet-bar installation.
Microwave: Even built-in models come in various widths and heights. Over-the-range microwaves made to be installed over a 30” wide range can vary in height. Those to be built in to cabinets are governed by cabinet widths, usually beginning at 24” up to 30” wide.
Compactor: Trash compactors are usually 15” to 18” wide.
In addition to the standard dimensions for appliances and cabinets to be placed in your floor plan, your professional Floor To Ceiling® designer will refer to dimensional standards for:
- Counter space relative to each work station (wet/clean-up, food preparation, etc.)
- Traffic patterns and walk ways
- Clearance for entry doors, appliance and cabinetry doors
- Width, height and knee space for seating areas
- Height placement of wall switches, outlets and appliance controls
For Accessible Design
With growing interest in universal or accessibility design, you may want to consider incorporating these forward-looking features in your new kitchen’s design. No longer limited to the interests of people with disabilities, smart homeowners are finding creating environments that are easier for everyone to use is just good sense. For a more accessible new kitchen using standard products, consider these possibilities:
- Wider aisles and doorways
- Wall cabinets installed at lower-than-standard height
- Fully adjustable shelving in base, wall and tall cabinets
- Lower wall oven, sink and cook top (possibly with seating space at cook top and sink)
- Microwave installed below wall cabinets or on countertop rather than above the range
- Cabinet doors that open 70 degrees or more
- Allow 48” or wider aisles between opposing walls and between an island and an opposing obstacle or wall. Go to Islands to Treasure for how to plan an island.
- Allow 24” minimum width for each seated diner
- Allow 15” minimum depth for an eating counter
- For greatest accessibility, plan eating countertop at 29”- 30” from floor, allowing for use of standard chairs
- Dishwasher raised about 12” off the floor (most cabinet manufacturers feature a cabinet for this purpose)
- Glass doors in wall cabinets with interior matched to exterior; low voltage light fixtures enhance beauty as well as providing increased visibility. (Specify clear acrylic shelves for maximum visibility)
- More and deeper drawers are easier to access than slide-out shelving for most base cabinets. (Slide-out baskets work well under sinks.)
- Tall cabinets 12” deep provide best ‘pantry’ access
- Corner cabinets equipped with a lazy susan or slide-out shelving
- Open shelving in some base cabinet areas
- A work island at a lower height than other base cabinets (vanity cabinets can be used, providing toe kick height is matched or a transition is created)
- Appliances with controls at the front or side
- Faucets installed at the side rather than behind the sink
- Allow a minimum of 36” passageway between an island eating counter or a dining table and an opposing wall
