U-Shape Kitchens have widths that range from 9'-12' (2.7-3.7 m) and depths that vary as desired. U-Shape Kitchens should be planned with an overall area of roughly 107 ft2 (10 m2). U-Shape Kitchens are continuous kitchen layouts that locate cabinetry and fixtures along three adjacent walls in a U-Shape arrangement.
Passageways through the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide (or desirably larger if you're building an open floor plan kitchen). In work areas, walkways should be at least 42 inches wide for one cook or 48 inches for multiple cooks.
Layout Tips
A small U-shaped kitchen can be defined as one that has about 42 to 48 inches between the facing aisles. A U-shaped layout can work great in a small kitchen, but it does come with minor drawbacks.
U-shaped kitchens with cooktop or sink located at base of U w/ 30” wide knee space to a height of 27” AFF to allow forward approach, to have a clear width of 48”. All other kitchen designs to provide a minimum clear width of 48”.
Use Bold Contrast To Make A U-Shaped Kitchen POP!
A small U-shaped kitchen can be easily revitalized with a pop of contrast. The more dramatic, the better. With two differentiating color tones dominating the space, the eye is drawn to the contrast rather than the compact size of the layout.
Like a lot of things, U-shaped kitchens work best in large spaces, but it is also possible to implement a U-shaped kitchen in a smaller space. Ideally you should have at least 1.5 metres of floor space between the opposing units, so the kitchen doesn't feel too cramped, but you may be able to get away with less.
If your U-shaped kitchen is large enough, you can always install a kitchen island. But if your kitchen has enough counter space and storage around the periphery and enough depth or width in the center to add a seating area, some people find a dining table and chairs more comfortable than bar seating around an island.
An ADA compliant sales or service counter must have a portion that is 28"-36" inches high, measured from the finish floor to the sales counter top. This portion of the counter must also be at least 36" inches long for a parallel approach or a 30" length for a forward approach.
Specific to kitchen sinks, under the ADA requirements, the sink should be 5 inches to 5 ½ inches deep to allow space for a wheelchair to go underneath and to not be so deep as to make it difficult for a seated person to reach to the bottom of the sink.
32 ½” of overall cabinet height: Cabinets need to be an overall height of 32 ½” in order to be compliant with the ADA. 9” deep/high toe kick: The toe kick of your kitchen cabinets needs to be at least 9”. The toe kick is the space under the bottom cabinets that the cabinet hangs over.
While an open kitchen gives you the convenience of getting to serve easily and spending time with your guests even while the meal is being prepared, a closed kitchen always gives that private space you sometimes need in your messy kitchen.
The U-Shape
Arguably the most versatile layout for any size of kitchen, a U-shaped floor plan surrounds the user on three sides, so it allows for longer countertops and extra storage cabinetry. “If you have enough space, I love a U-shaped kitchen with an island in the center,” says interior designer Tina Rich.
Taking the common size of a kitchen (10% to 15% of total floor space) this means an average kitchen in an average home is 240 to 360 square feet. Also, this doesn't include condos or apartments which have kitchens that are only 100 to 200 square feet on average.
full kitchen means a kitchen having a minimum of a dishwasher, range, sink, oven, and refrigerator.
According to the kitchen triangle rule, each side of the triangle should measure no less than four feet and no more than nine feet and, ideally, the perimeter of the triangle should be no less than 13 feet and no more than 26 feet. In other words, not too small and not too large.
Sinks & Faucets
To meet ADA guidelines, sinks shouldn't be mounted higher than 34 inches from the floor, and they should have a knee clearance of 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 11 to 25 inches deep. You also need a clear floor space and insulated pipes under the sink.
Your sink must be mounted no higher than 34-inches off the floor. There must be 27 x 30 inches of knee clearance below the sink. There must be 11-25 inches of knee depth below the sink. The floor space below the sink must be clear and unobstructed.
Where sinks are provided in accessible rooms or spaces, at least 5%, but no less than one, of each type must comply. This provision applies to sinks in breakrooms, kitchens and kitchenettes, classrooms, and other spaces required to be accessible.
General regulations
Reception desk must be located on a clear floor space and take into account the additional space (at least 30 to 48 inches) that shall be able to accommodate the movement of a person with reduced mobility, as well as big enough wheelchair turn space.
Sinks. A sink should be mounted at a maximum 34” above the floor to the top rim with clear floor space underneath to allow for a forward approach. It is important to provide a knee clearance of 27” in height to the sink underside for at least an 8” depth.
What is Bar Height Seating? The elevated counter or bar height counter seating is usually about 41″-43″ off the floor to the countertop. This is approximately 6” higher than the standard 35″-40″ kitchen counter height typically used throughout the rest of the kitchen design.
U-Shaped kitchens are considered to be the ideal layout for home cooks, and according to Houzz, is the most popular layout of 2016. However, you'll find this layout lends more to traditional homes rather than the modern home.
To prevent your U-shaped kitchen from feeling too enclosed or boxy, consider a light kitchen color scheme and bright palette of modern neutrals or soft pastels for a subtle color hit. Soft shades reflect the light in any space, and can be especially effective in smaller kitchens or spaces that lack natural light.
Great for saving space, especially in small apartments or lofts. Provides a clean, minimal look with everything in a row. Can easily add a table or install an island for added storage and counter space.