Kitchen Planning Guide, Guideline 1, Walkway Clearances

Guideline 1-A

Doorways should be at least 32" wide and not more than 24" deep in the direction of travel. (Fig. 1)

Guideline 1-A Clarification

When two counters flank a doorway entry, the minimum 32" wide clearance should be allowed from the point of one counter to the closest point of the opposite counter. (Fig. 2)

Guideline 1-B

Walkways (passages between vertical objects greater than 24" deep in the direction of travel, where not more than one is a work counter or appliance) should be at least 36" wide. (Fig. 3)

Guideline 1-B Clarification

If there are perpendicular walkways, one should be a minimum of 42" wide. (Fig. 4 & 5)

Guideline 1-C

One Cook Kitchen Work Aisles

Two Cook Kitchen Work Aisles

Work aisles (passages between vertical objects, both of which are work counters or appliances) should be at least 42" wide in one-cook kitchens (Fig. 6), and at least 48" wide in multiple-cook kitchens. (Fig. 7)

Guidelines used by permission from the National Kitchen & Bath Association