SIGforum
Kitchen island distance from cabinets question
December 16, 2023, 08:04 PM
old rugged crossKitchen island distance from cabinets question
On this project there an L shaped kitchen with an island that is roughly 24"x60". What would a typical distance the island should be away from the cabinets along the 60" section. Seems like 36-40" is plenty. What are your thoughts? Thanks guys.
"Practice like you want to play in the game"
December 16, 2023, 08:10 PM
BulldogI just went through this on a house remodel. Several factors to consider, 1) is there a code that your local AHJ has established, if no, then, it depends on what appliances are in the space, that you hope to use this part of the kitchen for, what looks good and what feels good. We opted for 41 inches between the L shaped cabinets and the island.
December 16, 2023, 08:22 PM
cgodeJust measured mine…..45 inches from island to cabinets/appliances. Gives us enough room to walk by with the oven or dishwasher doors open….individual results may vary
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December 16, 2023, 09:24 PM
400mDepends if there are appliances in the travel path. 36” is minimum per NKBA specs. If there are appliances, you need to account for the appliance doors to be fully open. May vary from 42”-48”
That is from my friend who has been designing kitchens for 30 years. Hope it helps.
December 16, 2023, 09:38 PM
P250UA5Looking at my kitchen as an inverted U
Left side, sink/dw to island: 46.5in
Top, range to island: 34in
Right side, oven to island: 46.5in
Photo from the listing when we bought it, for reference
The Enemy's gate is down. December 16, 2023, 09:44 PM
bendableI am anti kitchen island.
Worst idea for 75% of kitchens
Safety, Situational Awareness and proficiency.
Neck Ties, Hats and ammo brass, Never ,ever touch'em w/o asking first
December 16, 2023, 10:10 PM
XLT35 years in cabinet making business, 36 is minimum 40 to 42 is ideal.
December 16, 2023, 10:24 PM
old rugged crossThanks guys. XLT I appreciate it.
"Practice like you want to play in the game"
December 17, 2023, 11:37 AM
EaganiteAround 13 years ago I completely remodeled our kitchen. The original kitchen had a peninsula that I removed and installed an island instead. I did spend a bit of time trying to decide how to situate it as the rear wall is right behind the seating side. I ended up with 39 inches between the edges of the counter tops, and 33 inches between the counter top and the wall behind the seating area. With the dishwasher door open walking space is somewhat tight.
If I could do it over again I would move it 2 to 3 inches away from the dishwasher cabinets, increasing from 39 to 41 or 42 inch clearance. If my kitchen was large enough I'd probably go 46 inches.
December 17, 2023, 11:43 AM
HRKA few years back we had to replace all the flooring, the original wood was warping, delaminated, took out the angled center island that is typical FL 90's and put in a very large
center Island.
Took a bit of crap that I was oversizing it, but in the end added 4 additional undercabinet storage places, and we end up using all that space especially on holidays.
Due to the location of the plumbing, and, that holidays with a growing family caused consternation around where the old island ended near the microwave causing a log jam I put the island even further back than normal from the cooking appliances, it's about 60 inches
Now even two full grown men can pass each other in that area, so, if you have room, go for it...
December 17, 2023, 01:36 PM
sig2392I did a gut remodel of our first floor.
The Island center sink to the cooktop back wall is 40 in.
December 17, 2023, 06:56 PM
old rugged crossSo 44" turned out the be the magic number. Thanks again guys. I really appreciate you all.
"Practice like you want to play in the game"
December 18, 2023, 09:03 AM
AglifterIf it’s an actual working kitchen…, Nevermind. No one has put a working kitchen in a house since the 50s, unless they’re kosher/Mormon/Trad Catholic or in the restaurant business…

December 18, 2023, 09:13 AM
tatortoddI have an L-shaped kitchen with double-wide island (i.e set of cabinets in each direction). I've lived here 7.5 years and didn't realize that both aisleways are 43.5".
The main area (range, sink, lots of counterspace) seems a foot wider than the side area (double ovens, coffee pot).
Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity
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