Advanced Kitchen Design
Kitchen Design Terms
1. Base cabinet – Cabinets in a kitchen or bathroom which sit on the floor
2. Baseboard – The finish trim where the wall and floor intersect
3. Bullnose – Rounded edges of cabinet trim
4. Cabinet work – The interior finish woodwork of a structure, especially cabinetry
5. Chair rail – Molding placed horizontally on the wall at chair height to prevent wall damage.
6. Ergonomics – The study of human space and movement needs as they relate to a given work area.
7. Fabrication – Work done on a structure away from the job site
8. Upper Cabinet- Wall hung cabinet that is places above the base cabinet and countertop.
9. Millwork – Finished woodwork that has been manufactured in a milling plant
10. Modular cabinet – Prefabricated cabinets constructed in specific sizes called modules
11. Molding – Decorative strips used to conceal the seam in other finishing materials
12. Prefabricated – Buildings or components that are built away from the job site.
13. Section – A type of drawing showing an object as if it had been cut through to show interior.
14. Specifications – An exact statement describing the characteristics of a particular
15. Efficiency- The ability to move from work center to work center with minimal interference.
16. Pantry- Food and storage closet
17. Work Triangle- Measures kitchen efficiency. Should not exceed a total of 22'
18. Kitchen Island- separeate counter top and cabinets that is not attached to a wall.
19. Toe Kick- 4" tall base board located under the base cabinet.
20. Cabinet Hardware- Door and pull handles.
Width Varies
Cabinet Depth
Cabinet Height
Kitchen Design Considerations
1. Cabinets can be designed for ease of access or adjustable for future needs.
2. Standard cabinet dimensions
a. Base cabinet height = 32”; depth = 24”
b. Base cabinet may be as high as 42” (for very tall people)
c. Counter depth = 25”
d. 4” toe kick space is required on base cabinets
e. Upper cabinet depth = 12”
f. Upper cabinet height = 30”; over sink height = 18”-24”
g. Distance between counter and upper cabinet = 18”-30”
h. Eating bar base cabinet = 36” high with 12”-15” overhang
i. Drop eating bar = 30” high with a 12” overhang
3. Considerations should be made for space to open drawers and cabinet doors.
4. Range, sink, and workspace next to refrigerator should be on the same level
5. May require at least one counter at a height of 32” for wheelchair access
a. Provide a 27” recessed space below counter
b. Provide a larger than normal toe space
Kitchen Elevations
Kitchen & Bath Elevations and Layout
1. Purpose of kitchen elevations
a. Show the exterior of cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and appliances
b. Give general dimensions, notes, and specifications
2. Cabinet elevations are developed from floor-plan drawings.
a. Floor plan drawings establish cabinet elevation lengths
b. Dimensions are projected directly from floor plan
3. Cabinet elevations may be as detailed as desired by designer or architect
a. Standard scale for cabinet elevations is ¼”= 1’
b. May show very clear and well drawn detail
c. May be drawn artistically
4. Key cabinet elevations to floor plans
a. May be keyed with room titles
b. May use an arrow with a letter inside that corresponds to a symbol on floor plan
c. Symbol used to correlate detail drawings with location on elevation
5. Cabinet, fixture, and appliance elevations are drawn from a standing view.
a. Line of sight is noted on floor plan drawing using a cutting plane line.
b. Elevations are two-dimensional.
c. Height and length are shown in external view.
d. Depth is shown at cutting plane line.
e. Multiple elevations are drawn for cabinets and appliance detail.
6. Dimensions are included on elevation views.
a. Include horizontal dimensions
i. Drawer stacks
ii. Door units
iii. Openings
b. Overall horizontal dimensions are included for each elevation view.
c. Include vertical dimensions
i. Counter height
ii. Distance between counter-top and bottom of upper cabinet
iii. Upper cabinet height
d. Overall vertical dimensions are included for each elevation view.
