Kitchen Design Layout
Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2026 10:26 pm
Entrance and Freedom of Movement
Door openings (entry, appliance, or cabinet) must never interfere with the safe operation of other appliances, cabinets, or doorways.
Measurements
Door opening: 32" minimum, though 34" is recommended
Door clearance: 32"
Work space width: 42" for one person, 48" for two people
Passage width: 36"
Electrical Outlets, Switches, and Ventilation
GFCI outlets
To prevent shock, GFCI protection (ground fault current interrupter) is required on all outlets for countertop use in the kitchen.
1 outlet must be located a maximum of 24" from the sink
1 outlet must be located a minimum of every 48" of counter space
Countertop sections more than 12" wide must have an outlet
Outlets should be located 42" from the floor and no higher than 20" above countertops.
The stove or cooktop requires a dedicated range circuit
Switches
1 switch for every entrance to the kitchen is required.
Ventilation
The power or air movement for range hoods is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The minimum exhaust rate for a kitchen is 100 CFM, but if you do a lot of heavy cooking with strong odours, get a hood with at least 350 CFM.
Door openings (entry, appliance, or cabinet) must never interfere with the safe operation of other appliances, cabinets, or doorways.
Measurements
Door opening: 32" minimum, though 34" is recommended
Door clearance: 32"
Work space width: 42" for one person, 48" for two people
Passage width: 36"
Electrical Outlets, Switches, and Ventilation
GFCI outlets
To prevent shock, GFCI protection (ground fault current interrupter) is required on all outlets for countertop use in the kitchen.
1 outlet must be located a maximum of 24" from the sink
1 outlet must be located a minimum of every 48" of counter space
Countertop sections more than 12" wide must have an outlet
Outlets should be located 42" from the floor and no higher than 20" above countertops.
The stove or cooktop requires a dedicated range circuit
Switches
1 switch for every entrance to the kitchen is required.
Ventilation
The power or air movement for range hoods is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The minimum exhaust rate for a kitchen is 100 CFM, but if you do a lot of heavy cooking with strong odours, get a hood with at least 350 CFM.