Choosing The Kitchen Layout
Deciding on kitchen counter top layouts for new construction or remodeling is a big decision! There are four basic kitchen layouts which have proven effective in managing space and traffic. They all make use of the 'kitchen triangle' principle, which means that a uniform triangle can be drawn between the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove.
The first layout option is the simple, or corridor, layout. One counter top stretches along one wall and usually contains the sink. A second counter top stretches along the opposite wall, which is usually interrupted by the stove and the refrigerator. If the sink and the stove are along the same wall, it is important that the refrigerator not be directly across from the stove, or traffic jams may result.
The second layout option is the L-shaped kitchen. Two counter tops sit perpendicular to each other, and the sink, stove, and refrigerator form a triangle along this L. Most of the food preparation will take place in the corner, which avoids other traffic moving through the kitchen.
The third layout option is the U-shaped kitchen, which is valuable for small spaces where counter tops need to be maximized. The sink, stove, and refrigerator will each sit on one leg of the U.
The island layout is perfect for spacious kitchens. Often, an L-shaped or U-shaped counter top will sit along one wall, with the island in the center for additional food preparation. Sometimes, a stove top rests on the island. Sometimes an additional sink is placed there for vegetable preparation. The only issue with island kitchens is that they be laid out with the work triangle in mind, such that the island does not block the triangular flow of traffic.
Bi-level counter tops are also popular. A second, smaller counter top runs several inches above the primary counter top, which provides extra temporary storage space, away from the dampness and mess of food preparation, for recipes, dishes, drinks, and anything else that will be needed shortly, but would be in the way now.
Counter top overhangs provide a built-in, casual eating space. But they must be adequately reinforced. Natural stone is naturally brittle, and must have adequate support to keep from breaking. Your contractor or stone dealer will advise you regarding extra support if your counter tops are to overhang your cabinets by more than 6 inches.
Your cabinets must be able to fully support the weight of your natural stone counter tops. If you are unsure about this, have your contractor or stone dealer evaluate your cabinets. It may be necessary to add support to your existing cabinets. Granite should have no more than a 36 inch unsupported span, provided there is strong support on each side of the span. An excellent way to increase the strength of your counter tops is to add a sub-top of plywood directly on top of your cabinets. Consult your stone dealer or contractor before doing this yourself.
And now, the question of sinks! There are three primary types of kitchen sinks: self-rimming, under-mount, and farm. Self-rimming, or drop-in, sinks sit on top of the counter top. This is the least attractive sink option, and the least practical, as the counter tops cannot be wiped off directly into the sink. The rim prevents this from happening smoothly. Also, food particles can get stuck between the sink and the counter top and breed bacteria and mold, which can, in turn attract pests.
Under-mount sinks are attractive and functional. In this case, the kitchen faucet is usually attached to the counter top, though some under-mount sinks allow for the attachment of faucets directly to them. Counter tops can be wiped down directly into the sink, and the flow of the natural stone across the counter top is not interrupted by an ugly sink dam. Under-mount sinks come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and give more freedom of style and design than any other sink.
Farm sinks are, perhaps, the most aesthetically pleasing of all kitchen sinks. They are an entire sink unit which intentionally breaks the flow of the counter top almost like an appliance. (Where this is a bad thing with a drop-in sink, it's a very good thing with a farm sink because these are substantial sinks that are a visual focus of the kitchen.) They have a finished front wall which leads directly up and over into the sink basin. Farm sinks are made of many materials, but the most attractive ones are made of granite, marble, or travertine. For the heavily-used kitchen, granite farm sinks are the most practical.
Sinks are getting more attention, not only as design elements, but as practical features, and are getting larger as time goes by. But the standard cabinet size does not. It may be, therefore, that you just don't have enough room for the sink that you want. In this case, a bump-out can be built. This is where the counter top and cabinet at the sink extend several inches away from the wall, out into the kitchen, to provide a bit more space for the sink. Bump-outs can be extremely attractive, especially to highlight a particularly beautiful sink.
If all the options get too overwhelming, relax, have a cup of tea, and imagine yourself in your new kitchen with your beautiful new stone counter tops. Then take out a piece of paper, and take things step by step. Your contractor or stone dealer is always there to answer questions.
And before you know it, you'll be preparing your favorite recipes on counter tops more beautiful than you could have ever imagined!
By:Artur G
The first layout option is the simple, or corridor, layout. One counter top stretches along one wall and usually contains the sink. A second counter top stretches along the opposite wall, which is usually interrupted by the stove and the refrigerator. If the sink and the stove are along the same wall, it is important that the refrigerator not be directly across from the stove, or traffic jams may result.
The second layout option is the L-shaped kitchen. Two counter tops sit perpendicular to each other, and the sink, stove, and refrigerator form a triangle along this L. Most of the food preparation will take place in the corner, which avoids other traffic moving through the kitchen.
The third layout option is the U-shaped kitchen, which is valuable for small spaces where counter tops need to be maximized. The sink, stove, and refrigerator will each sit on one leg of the U.
The island layout is perfect for spacious kitchens. Often, an L-shaped or U-shaped counter top will sit along one wall, with the island in the center for additional food preparation. Sometimes, a stove top rests on the island. Sometimes an additional sink is placed there for vegetable preparation. The only issue with island kitchens is that they be laid out with the work triangle in mind, such that the island does not block the triangular flow of traffic.
Bi-level counter tops are also popular. A second, smaller counter top runs several inches above the primary counter top, which provides extra temporary storage space, away from the dampness and mess of food preparation, for recipes, dishes, drinks, and anything else that will be needed shortly, but would be in the way now.
Counter top overhangs provide a built-in, casual eating space. But they must be adequately reinforced. Natural stone is naturally brittle, and must have adequate support to keep from breaking. Your contractor or stone dealer will advise you regarding extra support if your counter tops are to overhang your cabinets by more than 6 inches.
Your cabinets must be able to fully support the weight of your natural stone counter tops. If you are unsure about this, have your contractor or stone dealer evaluate your cabinets. It may be necessary to add support to your existing cabinets. Granite should have no more than a 36 inch unsupported span, provided there is strong support on each side of the span. An excellent way to increase the strength of your counter tops is to add a sub-top of plywood directly on top of your cabinets. Consult your stone dealer or contractor before doing this yourself.
And now, the question of sinks! There are three primary types of kitchen sinks: self-rimming, under-mount, and farm. Self-rimming, or drop-in, sinks sit on top of the counter top. This is the least attractive sink option, and the least practical, as the counter tops cannot be wiped off directly into the sink. The rim prevents this from happening smoothly. Also, food particles can get stuck between the sink and the counter top and breed bacteria and mold, which can, in turn attract pests.
Under-mount sinks are attractive and functional. In this case, the kitchen faucet is usually attached to the counter top, though some under-mount sinks allow for the attachment of faucets directly to them. Counter tops can be wiped down directly into the sink, and the flow of the natural stone across the counter top is not interrupted by an ugly sink dam. Under-mount sinks come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and give more freedom of style and design than any other sink.
Farm sinks are, perhaps, the most aesthetically pleasing of all kitchen sinks. They are an entire sink unit which intentionally breaks the flow of the counter top almost like an appliance. (Where this is a bad thing with a drop-in sink, it's a very good thing with a farm sink because these are substantial sinks that are a visual focus of the kitchen.) They have a finished front wall which leads directly up and over into the sink basin. Farm sinks are made of many materials, but the most attractive ones are made of granite, marble, or travertine. For the heavily-used kitchen, granite farm sinks are the most practical.
Sinks are getting more attention, not only as design elements, but as practical features, and are getting larger as time goes by. But the standard cabinet size does not. It may be, therefore, that you just don't have enough room for the sink that you want. In this case, a bump-out can be built. This is where the counter top and cabinet at the sink extend several inches away from the wall, out into the kitchen, to provide a bit more space for the sink. Bump-outs can be extremely attractive, especially to highlight a particularly beautiful sink.
If all the options get too overwhelming, relax, have a cup of tea, and imagine yourself in your new kitchen with your beautiful new stone counter tops. Then take out a piece of paper, and take things step by step. Your contractor or stone dealer is always there to answer questions.
And before you know it, you'll be preparing your favorite recipes on counter tops more beautiful than you could have ever imagined!
By:Artur G
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