Designing a Wheelchair Accessible Kitchen

Whether you’re updating your current kitchen or building one from scratch, thoughtful design choices can make it more functional and welcoming for everyone. This guide will help you ensure your kitchen design is ADA-compliant and easily accessible.

What are the ADA Guidelines?

According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), there are several guidelines for creating an accessible kitchen. When designing your wheelchair-accessible kitchen, these guidelines should be followed since they are focused on creating a safe, functional, and inclusive space for those with mobility challenges.

• Clear Pathways: floors should be clear of obstructions, with wide doorways at least 32 inches wide, and open layouts for easy navigation.
• Proper Countertop and Sink Heights: Counters should be between 28 and 34 inches high, with open space underneath for wheelchair users.
• Accessible Appliances: front-operated appliances and easy-to-reach controls to make them easier to use.
• Safe Flooring: slip-resistant and smooth surfaces should be used so wheelchairs can operate easily.

Knowing these guidelines is the first step to designing and building a wheelchair-accessible kitchen.

We were honored to be featured on the hit TV show George to The Rescue, where we collaborated with designers to create the ideal kitchen for Isaac, a teenager in a tragic cheerleading accident that left him paralyzed. His old kitchen layout didn’t work for him at all, leaving him little access and feeling left out of family gatherings. The new floor plan and smart accessories gave him the independence and accessibility he deserved.

Here's how to design your wheelchair-accessible kitchen:

Start with the Layout

An open floor plan is a must for a wheelchair-accessible kitchen. Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide so a wheelchair can fit through easily. If you have an island, there needs to be 60 inches of space so a wheelchair can make a full turn while users can easily open cabinet doors without blocking access.

Anti-Slip Flooring

Anti-slip flooring, such as textured tile, is a must for a wheelchair-accessible kitchen. It’s also a good idea to remove any rugs- these are trip hazards for anyone, not only those using wheelchairs.

Accessible Countertops

Counters 34 inches and less are ideal for wheelchair users, unlike the standard 36 inches. It’s important to leave space underneath so wheelchair users can roll up to the counter and use it easily. Fabuwood Discovery and Metro cabinets offer ADA-compliant base and sink cabinets designed for wheelchair access. These cabinets feature open fronts for easy access and reduced heights, meeting the ADA standard of 32 ½” tall.

Easy Reach Upper Cabinets

A wheelchair-accessible kitchen isn’t only about floor space and accessible counters- the cabinets are important for a properly accessible kitchen. Base cabinets should be 32.5 inches high instead of the standard 34.5 inches. You can also include gliding shelves, pull-outs, and roll-outs for quick access to items. Upper cabinets should include pull down shelves, making reaching for normally hard to reach cabinets easy.

Cabinet hardware also makes a huge difference- choose pulls instead of knobs since they are easier to grab (and they look great too).

Sink Accessibility

Fabuwood offers a removable front for Discovery and Metro sink base cabinets, creating a clear space for wheelchairs underneath. Sink bases need to be positioned at the ideal height so those in a wheelchair don’t have to bend down or reach unnecessarily. This setup allows for easy dishwashing and food prep without a struggle. For faucets, touch control or lever handles are ideal to keep things user-friendly.

Accessible Appliances

Easy-to-use and easy-to-reach appliances make life so much simpler. Here are our top suggestions for kitchen appliances:

• Ovens: side-open oven doors and retractable shelves below the oven are preferable for placing hot dishes.
• Cooktops: the dials should be placed at the front to avoid reaching over hot burners.
• Fridge: pull-out drawer freezers and slide-out shelves help with easy access.
• Dishwasher: drawer style dishwashers provide direct access to racks. Install the dishwasher at a height that prevents straining or reaching. Opt for user friendly controls on the front panel for easy visibility.

Well Placed Task Lighting

Undercabinet, in-cabinet, and task lighting are important- and keep your kitchen safe. Focus on key areas like above the sink, the stove, and the prep areas. Bright lighting will make food prep, cooking, and cleanup easier and safer. Fabuwood works exclusively with Hafele Lighting for top-of-the-line undercabinet and in-cabinet lighting options.

Creating a wheelchair-accessible kitchen isn’t just about practical needs; it’s about creating a usable and comfortable space for everyone. Adjusting base cabinets and counter heights and including accessories like pull-outs and pull-down shelves make a huge difference. To learn more and to start designing your accessible kitchens, reach out to your local dealer