We are 99% complete with our new home, and are uncertain of the dimensions a kitchen island should be.
Are there certain “rules of thumb” to determine distance from counter tops, refrigerator, etc? Any help would be appreciated. thanks.
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I expect a lot of traffic in my kitchen. I kept about 4 feet clearance from other cabinets, appliances, walls, etc. I think they recommend at least 3 feet clearance.
You got some dimensions on your existing kitchen? Attachment of a layout maybe?
I've built an island that was 6' X 14', obviously not all kitchens can handle something as big as an aircraft carrier.
Doug
my island is 4'from the sink counter and at the end is 4' from the refrig.open on the other 2 sides. i will say i wouldn't want to farther than 4. if you went farther than that it would be to many steps.my island is 5'at it's widest and 9' long.sized so 1 slab of granite would cover it. something i did that my wife really likes is i loered the height to about 32" high so she could work on it easier.
no matter what make sure you clear the diswasher,stove and frig with the doors opened. larry
hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.
Thank you for your helpful response.
mine is 44" x 84" that seems to be pleny big; also about 45" from other counters. If the main cook is tall, consider making the height a bit taller than 36".
The main concern is being able to open the dishwasher and still be able to pass without hitting your shins on the open door; with 36", this is definately a problem. Also, any area where you may have some traffic (e.g. stove/oven, fridge, sink) you need the extra space (if you have it to spare), so for me that meant about 45".
Roger <><
I appreciate your response. Thank you.
For aisle widths?
If it's a working aisle, then the recommended minimum distance is 42" for one cook, 48" if more than one person will be using the working area at one time.
For simple traffic lanes, to traverse an area, the minimum recommended width is 36".
The goal is to maintain adequate clearance for one person to pass behind someone who is working without interfering with them, and also for the dishwasher door to be open while stil having clearance to open a door or drawer on an opposing run of cabinetry.
Not enough space is bad.
Too much space is bad.
Have a kitchen Goldilocks would be proud of.
Mongo
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Any chance you could show a layout? ( I need pictures)
“The richest genius, like the most fertile soil, when uncultivated, shoots up into the rankest weeds..” – Hume
Years ago at a high school reunion I met a girl that was like #3 in our class of 250. She had become an architect. She was a Yale grad then went to MIT and graduated the archi program- a definite genius. Her first job for me was a kitchen- and I almost threw out the island plans. She left only 30" between the sink counter and the island,and 34" between the refridge and the island- but that depends on your door swing. I was convinced this was way to tight. I listened to her and 8 years later I just did it on my own island. It's great on the work side to just be able to turn around and set things on the island. The side away from the work side has more room for gatherers at party time.
I really think her 30" spacing is more important than the size- but at 4'-6" sq there's plenty of work space.
Edited 3/7/2007 9:06 am ET by byrnsie
wow what a great resource! Thanks.
The minimum distance to other units should be 42-44"
Other than that can't say a thing without your others dims.
How did you get 99% complet with no more planning than this? You need to know size and placement of an island to situate the ceiling lights
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If plumbing and electrical are not going into the island, put it on rollers. Otherwise, 4FT of clearance is best.
Best to you and yours, Chris.
Some say I know too much? Can you ever?
I will agree with everyone. Design it from the other cabinets in. Leave yourself plenty of space between your main work area and your island. 36" minimum, and allow for dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator doors to be open and leave room to get around them.
I'll occasionally go as small as 30", IF it's a secondary space, not a primary space like a main circulation route or across from a stove, sink, or fridge. Those need 42". Circulation space needs 42" to 48", or closer to 60" if there are bar stools.
thank you woodguy!