The Kitchen Store

Wheelchair-accessible kitchen cabinets are a significant part of making your kitchen work for you as you age. In this post, kitchen remodeling expert The Kitchen Store shares everything you need to know about designing wheelchair-accessible kitchen cabinets to help you make informed decisions on your next project.

The Basics of Accessibility in Kitchens

When redesigning a kitchen to be accessible for wheelchair users, it is crucial to consider the height, reach and functionality of its cabinets. Traditional kitchen layouts and cabinet designs often don’t meet the needs of people using these mobility devices, making cooking and reaching for items a challenge. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines provide a good starting point for creating accessible kitchens by detailing optimal heights and clearances for cabinets and worktops.

Types of Wheelchair-Accessible Kitchen Cabinets

Adapting kitchen cabinets for wheelchair access can involve several aspects that most reputable kitchen remodeling services consider, such as:

• Electric Power Cabinets. These cabinets can be adjusted in height with the touch of a button, making upper cabinets easily accessible.
• Manually-Operated Shelves. A less expensive alternative, these allow users to manually adjust the height of the cabinet’s shelves.
• Glide-Out Shelves. For lower cabinets, shelves that glide out make it easier to reach items stored at the back.
• Adjustable Shelves. Incorporating shelves that can be adjusted in height can accommodate changing needs.
• Lazy Susans for Corner Cabinets. These revolving shelves enhance reachability and utilization of corner cabinet space.
• Non-Slip Cabinet Liners: These help ensure items can be retrieved from shelves without accidental slips, reducing the risk of drops or spills.

Choosing the right cabinet mechanism, whether it be touch-release doors, loops or bar handles or even the type of door hinges, can significantly impact the ease of use for individuals using wheelchairs.

Best Practices for Kitchen Design

To ensure a kitchen is truly accessible, other design aspects need to be considered:

• Countertop Height. The height of countertops is paramount in creating an accessible kitchen. They should be set at a level that is usable for a person on a wheelchair, often lower than standard countertops.
• Sink Accessibility. The sink area should be designed to allow room for a wheelchair to fit underneath. The faucet should also be easily operable with one hand or via touch.
• Storage Accessibility. Ensuring that at least 50% of storage space within cabinets is reachable without needing to stand up or stretch.

Ready to build wheelchair-accessible kitchen design to go with your choice of countertops? Turn to the best kitchen experts in Los Angeles, CA, The Kitchen Store. Call us at (310) 572-7515, or fill out our request form to get started!