Kitchen cabinets can present accessibility challenges for individuals in wheelchairs. With our expertise in both kitchen remodeling and accessible remodeling, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Greensboro can help you transform your kitchen into an area that supports independence and ease of use for individuals with mobility challenges. Continue reading to learn tips on how to incorporate wheelchair-accessible cabinets into your kitchen design.
Understanding Wheelchair-Accessible Kitchen Design
Designing a wheelchair-accessible kitchen begins with the user’s unique needs. Standard counters are usually 36 inches high, which might be reachable but not ideal for someone in a wheelchair. Likewise, traditional cabinets, often placed above the counter or near the ceiling, are difficult to access for those with limited mobility.
Customizable Cabinet Options
Here are several customizable cabinet options designed to enhance accessibility.
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Pull-Out Shelves: These are like a drawer-shelf combo, allowing users to pull the entire shelf forward. This makes it easy for wheelchair users to reach items at the back of the cabinet without straining.
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Glide-Around Cabinets: These turn an inaccessible corner cabinet into efficient storage by combining pull-out shelves with a 360-degree rotating platform, making everything easily reachable.
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Accessible Sinks and Workspaces: Following ADA standards, sinks must be installed at the right height with knee space for full accessibility. Adjusting counter heights is also important to ensure comfort and easy access for wheelchair users.
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Automated Cabinets: Electric-powered cabinets can be adjusted with the push of a button. Though they cost more, their convenience and functionality greatly enhance kitchen usability.
Designing for Accessibility and Comfort
Making a kitchen wheelchair accessible doesn’t stop with just the cabinets. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Greensboro emphasizes the importance of comprehensive design, which includes the following:
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Optimal Layout: Ensuring enough space for a wheelchair to comfortably navigate and turn around in the kitchen is crucial. Ask a general contractor near me to help you create a layout that is both spacious and functional.
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Accessible Appliances: Microwave drawers, dishwasher drawers, and other appliances should be installed at heights that can be easily accessed from a wheelchair, removing the need to stretch or reach upward.
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Safety and Ease of Use: Integrate features such as touch-release doors and drawers, non-slip liners, and loop or bar handles to enhance safety and ease of use.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Greensboro is dedicated to creating kitchens that cater to the needs of individuals with mobility challenges. We can also provide you with a kitchen quote to further help you plan for your project. Call us at (336) 890-8005 or fill out our contact form to get started.
