So far in the Design Tips series, we've addressed working space the relationship between those spaces. In this instalment we're going to look at Guideline #6 which deals with aisles.
An aisle is created any time there are two work surfaces running parallel to one another. The most obvious example is a "galley" style kitchen, but there are also aisles to consider when you're considering an island.
NKBA standards state that for a single cook, the aisles should be 42" wide.
If you regularly have more than one cook in the kitchen, then the aisle should increase to 48". This allows space for people to pass behind each other without interfering with the work at hand.
Remember those dimensions are from the furthest point into the aisle way. Don't measure from the cabinet face if the countertops or range extend past the cabinet face.
As with all NKBA Guidelines, these dimensions are "best case". If you have more room, by all means, use it. Keep in mind that the further apart the work surfaces become, the more difficult it is to move items between them.
As with most of the other guidelines, #6 also has an accessibility component to it. At each kitchen appliance there should be a clear area of floor space of at least 30” by 48”. These areas can overlap, but you shouldn't have to step over anything to clean out the dishwasher for example.
