Universal Design-ADA Kitchen Cabinets

Designing a kitchen for wheelchair accessibility requires proper turn radii, appliances, flooring etc. but what about cabinets? What do you choose standard cabinets, universal design cabinets, automated cabinets?

Where do you get universal cabinets?

Click 'Read More' for lowdown on standard vs universal cabinets.

Standard cabinets-obviously most popular.

• Base Cabinet: 34 1/2" tall with counter top the cabinet is approximately 36" from finished floor.

• Base cabinet 24" deep.
• Base cabinet toe kick 4" high and 4" deep.

Universal Design Cabinets.

• Base cabinet 32 1/2" tall with counter top the cabinet is approximately 34 1/2" from finished floor.
• Base cabinet 23 1/2" deep.
• Base cabinet toe kick 8 1/2" high and 6" deep.
• Upper cabinets to be mounted 48" above finished floor.

ADAS Design automated cabinets.

Automated Cabinets.

• Automated cabinets can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate different needs.
• More pricey than the average joe can afford.

Great site to see a fully accessible universal design kitchen is: http://www.handicapped-accessible-kitchens.com/index.htm

Raised dishwasher, Kraftmaid Passport Series, sold at Lowes.

        Where do you get universal

        design cabinets?:

• Any semi-custom or custom cabinet design distributor company can make universal design cabinets. There are no code requirements for universal design of kitchen for private single-family homes.

• Kraftmaid Passport Collection- http://www.kraftmaid.com/DesignYourRoom/ProductHighlights/cabinets/PassportCabinets.aspx

• Lowes has some universal design cabinetry. http://www.lowes.com/cd_Accessible+Cabinetry+Ideas_1283886011_

• Most builders will alter off-the-shelf cabinets to be accessible, which allows for almost any style of cabinetry.

Tambour Storage, Kraftmaid Passport Series, sold at Lowes.

How you find universal design cabinets on the web (keywords.)

Keywords: handicap cabinets, handicap kitchen cabinets, universal design for cabinets, universal design for kitchen cabinets, handicap accessible cabinets, handicap accessible kitchen cabinets.

Price ranges (generally and compared to standard cabinetry)

Anticipate paying $100-200 more per cabinet

      





How close can a wheelchair user get to a standard base

cabinet compared to a universal design base cabinet?

A wheelchair can get 5" closer to a universal design cabinet than a standard cabinet when approaching from the front. The taller/deeper kick plate allows for closer front approach without damaging the face of the cabinet.

Click here to see pgs 114-116 of ADA standards for obstruction reach for counters

            Elevated Toe Kick
The 9-inch by 6-inch. toe kick offers space for wheelchairs and mobility assistive devices and raises base cabinets to a comfortable height. Kraftmaid Passport Series sold at Lowes.

What kinds of doors can go in front of things like roll under sinks so that you don't have to see the roll under space when it isn't being used

• Swiveling cabinet doors under the cooktop fold out of the way, providing valuable knee space. (GE)

Pull-Out Table
This table, Kraftmaid sold at Lowes, fully extends to make eating and working more accessible.