Designing a Kitchen for Mobility Device Users

Designing a kitchen that’s accessible to mobility device users is one way to prepare your home for your family’s changing needs. After all, roughly 30 million Americans use mobility devices such as wheelchairs, and that number is expected to grow as the population ages.

To help you get started on your kitchen remodel, here are some of the design principles you should follow.

Kitchen Countertops, Sinks & Cabinets

Certain kitchen features will need to be lowered so mobility device users can access them. These features include:

Kitchen counters. Standard kitchens usually have a countertop that’s 36 inches high. In kitchens designed for mobility device users, the countertops should be 28 to 34 inches above the floor, with a width of 30 inches. Design tip: The height of the kitchen countertop is crucial, as it determines the location of storage cabinets and appliances. As such, you need to take care of this crucial detail early on in the planning phase.
Kitchen sinks. The knee clearance for kitchen sinks should be at least 27 inches high. There should be an open space beneath the kitchen sink to afford wheelchair or walker accessibility. A touch control faucet, which can be turned on and off with just one touch, can also improve accessibility.
Wall cabinets. If you think you’ll have trouble crouching down to get kitchen tools and items from a lowered kitchen cabinet, there’s always the option of electric-powered adjustable cabinets, which provide accessibility to all the members of your household. With just the press of a button, anyone can adjust the height of the cabinet. If, however, you prefer to stick to a simple kitchen cabinet, accessories such as pull-down shelves, adjustable shelves, drawer dividers and looped cabinet pulls can make it easier for mobility device users to access the cabinets.

Keep in mind these are all estimates—the final measurements will ultimately depend on individual comfort ranges.

Hallways & Doorways

A mobility device user should be able to pass through a 36-inch door with swing clear hinges, but if you want to maximize comfort, plan on a 42-inch door opening in the kitchen. Kitchen contractors also recommend installing a lever-style door handle, which is easier to open than a regular doorknob.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Orland Park offers a wide range of professional remodeling services, including cabinet refacing services, to residents of Oak Lawn, Bolingbrook, Joliet and many other Chicagoland communities. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (708) 320-3417 or contact us online!

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