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As you plan out a major overhaul of your kitchen space, your hired contractor in home renovations may ask you a few questions about its design and layout. Depending on your needs and preferences, you’ll probably consider a kitchen work triangle for your layout as with many kitchen designs. While this is a tried-and-tested layout followed in many kitchens, this won’t be your only choice. Some kitchens are designed in terms of specific work zones, and having yours designed in such a way can be more efficient depending on how you normally use it.

Kitchen work triangles and specified work zones are two different layouts that offer their unique benefits. The work triangle layout is arguably more popular, which is why many homeowners favor this. But if you’re looking for more efficiency when using the kitchen, professional remodelers may recommend designing it with specific work zones. You should also keep in mind that they’ll have their drawbacks, so you’ll need to carefully consider their options before deciding what’s best for your new kitchen remodel. 

The Kitchen Work Triangle

The work triangle layout is a standard that measures good visual design and practical function. It’s a 90-year-old concept that essentially connects the cooktop, refrigerator and sink. This is the design principle behind this concept as the three elements should be just close enough to be within reach when using the kitchen. This supposedly makes it easier to use the kitchen since the cook doesn’t have to walk too far between the three elements.

According to the guidelines from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), each leg of the triangle layout should be between four to nine feet. Other specific rules dictate a proper kitchen work cabinet, which means refraining floor-to-ceiling cabinets and other full-height obstacles from intruding into the triangle space. Also, the islands, tables and other partial-height obstacles shouldn’t stick into the triangle more than 12 inches.

Kitchen Work Triangle Benefits

Despite the layout being over 90 years old, most home contractors can agree that the appeal of the kitchen work triangle layout is still as popular as ever. If you’re someone who loves to cook, then you’re already aware of the elements that are most important to you in your kitchen space. By having three of the most important kitchen elements within a short distance of each other, your food prep and cooking becomes easy, convenient, and even fun!

Kitchen Work Triangle Drawbacks

It’s often debated whether or not the kitchen work triangle is an outdated layout design. The layout wasn’t even known as a “kitchen work triangle” when it was first introduced back in 1929. It was originally called “circular routing” to promote labor efficiency and productivity at the time, but this was when kitchens were seen as a utilitarian space. 

Since then, the residential kitchen has slowly taken up more space in modern home design as it evolved into a place for social gatherings. And with more modern appliances and other kitchen essentials added in, it can be difficult to accommodate them all in a triangular layout without sacrificing a bit of its intended efficiency. The work triangle can also become less efficient if you often have two or more cooks prepping the food at the same time since it can become crowded with the tendency to bump into each other. 

Dedicated Work Zones

While the work triangle is still applicable in many types of kitchens, that doesn’t always mean they help promote efficiency and productivity as it did back then. And with even more kitchen design trends, such as open-plan kitchens and single-wall galleys, the work triangle won’t always be the best choice. As far as kitchen home renovations go, having yours designed with work zones in mind seems much easier and more efficient.

Work zones may lend a few features from the traditional kitchen triangle, but the concept itself is a modern approach that’s adapted to the evolving kitchen space. Instead of focusing on three essential elements in a triangular layout, the work zone theory allows you to section off your kitchen into different spaces. This is meant to maximize efficiency in a larger space, and it can be designed according to which needs and preferences are essential to your new kitchen. 

Dedicated Work Zones and Their Benefits

Having dedicated work zones in your kitchen allows you to group your appliances and fixtures according to how you normally use them. For instance, you might want to have extra sinks, microwaves, or dishwashers in your kitchen if it means more convenience in how you use it. As long as you work closely with your kitchen and roofing contractor, you can think of how you can set up different work zones to accommodate the usual tasks you perform in your kitchen. This includes food prep, baking, cooking, cleaning, serving, and even food storage. 

With the work zone concept, it’s also easier to think about how you can serve your guests and keep them comfortable as they socialize in your kitchen space. You can design your new kitchen with everything you need to perform each task conveniently while still providing space for your family and friends to socialize while they eat!

Dedicated Work Zones and Their Drawbacks

One particular drawback when designing with the work zone theory in mind is that each zone can be too big. This is especially true for larger kitchens as some of the essential elements, such as the cooktop, oven, sink and refrigerator, can become too far apart. For instance, if you decide to place your refrigerator right beside a walk-in pantry, that probably means they’re both at a distance from your sink. You’ll need to walk to your refrigerator to get some produce and back to wash them in the sink.

Figuring out the best layout for your kitchen doesn’t have to be difficult if you work with the right contractor. And as a reputable remodeler and roofing contractor in the area, Ben’s Construction Inc always gets the job done right! Call us today at (508) 962-2417, or fill out our convenient online contact form.