National Kitchen & Bath Association - Kitchen & Bathroom Planning Guidelines with Access Standards
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6: Work Aisle

Recommended:
The width of a work aisle should be at least 42” for one cook and at least 48” for multiple cooks. Measure between the counter frontage, tall cabinets and/or appliances.

Code Requirement:
State or local codes may apply.


Access Standard

Recommended: Kitchen guideline recommendation meets Access Standard recommendation. See Code References for specific applications.

Code Reference:

  • A clear floor space of at least 30” by 48” should be provided at each kitchen appliance. Clear floor spaces can overlap. (ANSI A 117.1 305.3, 804.6.1)
  • In a U-shaped kitchen, plan a minimum clearance of 60” between opposing arms. (ANSI A117.1 804.2.2, 1003.12.1.2)
  • Include a wheelchair turning space with a diameter of at least 60”, which can include knee* and toe* clearances. (ANSI A117.1 304.3.1).
  • A wheelchair turning space could utilize a T-shaped clear space, which is a 60” square with two 12” wide x 24” deep areas removed from the corners of the square. This leaves a minimum 36” wide base and two 36” wide arms. T-shaped wheelchair turning spaces can include knee and toe clearances. (ANSI A117.1 304.3.2)

* Knee clearance must be 30” wide and maintain a 27” clear space under the cabinet, counter, or sink for a depth of 8”. The next 11” of depth may slope down to a height of 9”, with a clear space of at least 17” extending beneath the element.

* Toe clearance space under a cabinet or appliance is between the floor and 9” above the floor. Where toe clearance is required as part of a clear floor space, the toe clearance should extend 17” minimum beneath the element. (ANSI A117.1 306.2)

Code Reference:
State or local codes may apply.

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