Standard Kitchen Layouts & Work Triangles

Work Triangles in Standard Kitchen Layouts

The dominant geometric shapes in most kitchens are the four-sided variety, from rectangular cabinetry to square appliances. But it is a triangle-albeit an imaginary one-that has always been an important element of a kitchen's design and functionality.

 

The "work triangle" is defined as an imaginary straight line drawn from the center of the sink, to the center of the cooktop, to the center of the refrigerator and finally back to the sink. The following guidlines are suggested by Kitchen By Design for work triangles which improves the ergonomics (Human Factor Engineering) that optimizes the workload and reduces the stress of a person operating in a kitchen

The Guidelines

• The sum of the work triangle's three sides should not exceed 26 feet, and each leg should measure between 4 and 9 feet.
• The work triangle should not cut through an island or peninsula by more than 12 inches.
• If the kitchen has only one sink, it should be placed between or across from the cooking surface, preparation area, or refrigerator.
• No major traffic patterns should cross through the triangle.