Design Info & Gallery
Design Information
This will be a point version of the basic requirements for safe kitchen design.
- Stove clearances are very important, you should check with your local council on their requirements.
- As a general guide there is a requirement of 250mm from a vertical surface and 590mm minimum to a standard range hood for electricity and 750mm for gas. Also, a fire retardant surface is required behind the cook top ie tile, stainless steel with fire retardant backing or stone.
- It is recommended that heat deflectors are fitted to either side of under bench ovens, also a 4mm air gap between the oven and the heat deflector is recommended therefore we produce a 606mm under bench oven cabinet to suit a 600mm oven (if this is not done, the warranty on doors for heat damage is void).
- Pantry's should not be fitted next to ranges, cook tops or burners as you have to comply with the earlier mentioned flammability requirements and distances. You can put a wall oven cabinet next to a pantry.
- When designing your kitchen keep in mind that you will need to cover all visible cabinet faces with panels. Also, panels are usually required either side of a range hood, as the cabinets either side may be lower than the hood. Make sure you allow enough clearance for the thickness of the panels that you purchase. When measuring your bench top don't forget to add the panels to the length of the cupboards or your bench top will be short.
- If fitting an island bench unit in your kitchen design, this unit must be firmly anchored to the floor to stop the risk of tipping or movement.
- Don't forget to allow sufficient room to access your kitchen, get your fridge into the kitchen and open your cupboard doors.
General kitchen design recommendations
The most important place to start is to get ACCURATE measurements of the room in which you intend to build this kitchen.
Be aware that most houses are not perfectly square or plumb, therefore check these variables and make allowances in your measurements.
Draw up a floor plan of the room, preferably to scale, as this makes it easier to visualize what you can fit in and mark in windows, doors, plumbing and electrical outlets as it is not always easy to change these services.
Most kitchens are designed using a work triangle based around sink, fridge, stove.
Start by inserting your corner cabinets if applicable, sink and appliances in their positions as dictated by your services. You will need the applicable trade person when installing electricals and plumbing.
Next, decide where you want drawer units, standard floor cupboards, pantry's & wall oven if applicable and place these on your plan. Now if you want overhead cupboards fill in the appropriate positions (avoid placing overhead cupboards over windows and doors).
Check that you have not missed a space for your range hood, microwave oven, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, oven etc. You may not require all of these but it may be worth thinking now if you might allow for fitting in the future ie. Put a 600 cupboard near the sink for a dishwasher space in the future.
Select the colours for the doors, panels, bench top & kick boards and then proceed to our order form.
Download a sample floorplan and drawing grid