Designing a kitchen for everyone, including wheelchair users, goes beyond ADA guidelines. It’s about combining functionality with style to meet diverse needs. As a contractor specializing in accessible remodeling, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Reno understands the challenges of creating a kitchen that everyone can enjoy. In this post, you’ll find essential information about accessible kitchen cabinets to help you make the best choices.
Basics of Wheelchair-Accessible Kitchen Cabinets
Wheelchair-accessible kitchen cabinets are designed with ease of access and maneuverability in mind. Standard kitchen cabinets and countertops often pose challenges, being too high or too deep to access comfortably. The ideal kitchen cabinet design incorporates features that allow for easy reach, sufficient knee clearance and usability without the need to stand up.
Key Features of Wheelchair-Accessible Kitchen Cabinets
The journey towards creating a wheelchair-accessible kitchen starts with choosing the right cabinets. Several innovative solutions can transform your kitchen into a highly functional space for wheelchair users. Here are some of them.
- Pull-out shelves – These shelves act like drawers, sliding out toward the user, providing full access to items without the need to reach far inside.
- Glide-around cabinets – Combining the idea of a lazy Susan with pull-out technology, these units offer maximum storage efficiency, allowing easy access to all items with a simple glide.
- Lowered countertops and sinks – Countertops and sinks should be installed at an appropriate height, typically no higher than 34 inches from the floor. They should also incorporate clearance for knees.
- Accessible appliances – Placing appliances such as microwaves at a lower height and considering the installation of drawer dishwashers can significantly boost the kitchen’s usability.
The Importance of Professional Installation
Optimizing a kitchen for wheelchair accessibility requires not just the right products but meticulous planning and expert installation. As a trusted general contractor near me, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Reno specializes in both kitchen remodeling and accessibility renovations. Our expertise ensures that every aspect of the kitchen, from cabinets to appliances, is installed with precision, making the space accessible and usable for everyone.
Design Tips for Wheelchair-Accessible Kitchen Cabinets
Here are additional tips to enhance the functionality of your kitchen cabinets.
- Ensure that at least 50% of shelf space within cabinets is reachable from a seated position.
- Choose hardware like loop handles or touch-release doors and drawers for easier operation.
- Consider adjustable countertops that can be raised or lowered to accommodate different users.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Transform your kitchen into a welcoming and accessible space with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Reno. Our expert remodelers can help you incorporate innovative solutions for a kitchen that everyone can enjoy. Count on us to provide a detailed kitchen quote to help you plan your project effectively. Call us at (775) 522-7888 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Reno, Sparks, Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and neighboring areas.
