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Number of Inches Walkway Between Kitchen Counter and Island

Adding an island into an existing kitchen takes careful planning. There are many issues to cover before finalizing your island plan, including how much walking space you need around the island in reference to your kitchen countertops and appliances. The industry standard, set by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, recommends at least 36 inches of clearance between the edge of the island and your countertops and appliances. Consider a few factors before finalizing your island design.

  1. Island Function

    • If your island will have just a basic countertop with no additional sinks, pull-out garbage bins, cooktops, built-in ovens and other components, then 36 inches may be just fine. If you add a built-in oven, then make an additional 12-inch allowance for opening down the oven door in the walkway space. This allows for people and pets to have plenty of room to move away from the hot door when they suddenly come around the corner. The same concept also applies to a pull-out garbage bin, which could be a hazard if there is not enough room to get by it when open.

    Refrigerator

    • Check how your refrigerator opens against the island.

      Consider carefully the door size of your refrigerator, as many homes now have the larger size with a 36-inch door. When you open the larger door, it could open right into the island. Proper clearance depends on the size of your kitchen and refrigerator, the placement of the refrigerator, and which side the door opens out to. Based on your measurement results, you may have to install a smaller island.

    Pull-Out Cabinets

    • Most base kitchen cabinets are 24 inches deep, which means that a pull-out shelf will be 23 to 24 inches deep, too. Take this measurement into consideration when planning your island placement. You should have full access to the back end of the pull-out shelves that will face your island. Stored pots, pans or spices should be readily accessible without having to reach far back inside.

    Test Walkabout

    • Everything should be conveniently spaced to do your work.

      When you decide on the size of your island, do a mockup of the island, using chairs or a table, and reproduce how you move through the kitchen when preparing your food from start to finish. This will give you a pretty good idea of how the island will affect how you work in your kitchen. You need to move easily from one spot to another without walking a mile to get there. You also don't want to turn around and run into the handle of a hot pot on the stove or have to turn sideways to get to your next spot. Your new island should assist you, not deter you from your duties.

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Home Design
  1. How to Easily Build a Large Kitchen Island
  2. Framing a Kitchen Island Counter
  3. How to Build a Wooden Kitchen Island
  4. How to Build a Kitchen Island Table
  5. The Difference Between Kitchen and Bathroom Tile
  6. How to Separate a Kitchen and Dining Room
  7. Typical Kitchen Counter Size
  8. Comparisons of Kitchen Counter Surfaces
  9. Height Between Kitchen Island and Hanging Lights
  10. Do I Need to Caulk Between a Backsplash and Counter?
  11. How to Extend a Kitchen Counter for a Dishwasher
  12. Pros and Cons of Reglazing a Kitchen Counter

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