When you intend to renovate your kitchen, you wish to work towards the standard dimensions for Australian kitchen for optimum ergonomics and functionality.
Please find your expert guide for optimal kitchen design measurements below.
Benchtop
Height
Standard benchtop height is 900mm. However, depending on your stature it can range from 850mm to 1000mm.
Depth
Standard depth of a benchtop is 600mm. But have a look at your fridge’s depth first. If you don’t want the fridge to protrude out of your kitchen row, adjust the depth of your benchtop accordingly. See standard fridge dimensions below.
Thickness
The most popular benchtop materials in Australia are engineered stones (e.g. Caesarstone, Quantum Quartz, Essastone, Smartstone) and laminate finishes. The average thickness of the latter one is around 33mm, whereas engineered stone usually comes in 20mm or a multiple thereof. If you wish to choose an engineered stone, our recommendation was to go with a thickness of 40mm as this looks well-proportioned and classy.
Island Bench
Distance
Galley kitchens with an island bench are still going strong in 2020. If you wish to install one, allow for approx 1200mm between the kitchen row and the island bench. If this space is too narrow, it becomes awkward when more than one person is working in the kitchen or the kids are running around your legs. If the distance is too wide, the kitchen becomes less efficient to work in.
Width and depth
The size of your kitchen island bench can be as large as your space allows. The only restriction is the width of the slab, if you opt for an engineered stone. A standard slab size is 3060mm by 1440mm, but some suppliers offer oversized jumbo slabs which eliminate the need of an unsightly joint between two slabs.
A good island width to work with is 1200mm, especially if you plan to place some barstools on the other side. In this case you wish to accommodate for the necessary leg room.
Leg room
An island bench is a great place to sit on bar stools while having your breakfast or a snack. Allow for 300mm of leg room underneath the benchtop to sit comfortably. You need to check with your kitchen manufacturer how big an unsupported benchtop overhang can be based on your chosen material.
Walkway
Plan for 1000mm walkway either side of the island bench. This will allow enough space for people to move around without having to turn sideways.
Fridge
The sizes of fridges vary significantly. For a single door fridge allow around 800mm width and 780mm depth. A double door fridge is around 1200mm wide and 850mm deep. If you have selected a fridge, check its required ventilation space in the manual to incorporate this space into your planning.
Oven
Whether you go for a wall or under bench oven, the standard width is 600mm. For large families and for entertainment standard options include 700mm and 900mm.
Overhead cupboards
Clearance between benchtop and overhead cupboards to be a minimum of 600mm. However, if you wish to install a gas cooktop, you need to allow for at least 650mm. Read the manual of the cooktop and rangehood manufacturers and follow their requirements. If uncertain, please check with a licensed electrician for the safety of your family.
Dishwasher
Dishwashers and dish drawers are usually 600mm wide, but they also come in 450mm suitable for an apartment or studio.
Sink
Sinks come in all shapes and sizes. For a double sink allow for a length of around 800mm and a width of 480mm plus drainage area on the benchtop. The depth of the sink is around 200mm.
If you wish to plan your kitchen sink with a single bowl allow for a length of 550mm and a width of around 500mm.
Kickboards
Kickboards height is usually between 90mm and 150mm and set back from the cabinet’s carcass by around 50mm.
We hope these information help you with the design of your new kitchen. You can get a pdf version emailt directly to you to be printed out. Please type in your name and email address below:
If you have a question or need help with your kitchen makeover, please send an email to martina@martinahayes.com.au or call 0434 498 450. Alternatively, you can use this contact form.
