Guidelines for Selecting an ADA Compliant Kitchen Sink

Kitchen sinks come in many styles, with different qualities and options. While it is easier to think about the sink’s design in terms of how the sink will look in your kitchen, you will get much more pleasure out of a sink that is chosen for how it performs and how it functions for you. This guideline will tell you how to select a kitchen sink so you will be happier in the long run!

How wide should the sink be? The answer starts by determining the best location for the sink.

• Experts recommend that you study the kitchen space in terms of the work flow and the most efficient use of counter space, including corners.

• The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends at least a 24" wide landing area to one side of the sink and an 18" wide landing area on the other side.

• Don’t forget the location of the current drainage and water inlet piping. There are added costs if you need to move or extend existing plumbing.

• When you decide where the sink should be, determine how wide a sink that location can accommodate. If you need a smaller sink to leave more counter space, consider a salad or bar sink that is placed in another part of the kitchen. A secondary sink can allow more creative use of space and counter levels.

• An accessible design includes a plan for a cabinet or opening with knee space at least 36" wide x 27" high and 8" deep underneath the sink. The depth of the opening should increase to at least 17" for toe space towards the bottom of the opening. This clearance allows for good access to the sink and landing area for a person using the average 26" wide wheelchair.

How many bowls should the kitchen sink have?

• A single sink is easier to use as a catch all, giving you space for larger pots and pans. If you do a lot of baking, this is for you.

• Sinks with multiple bowls increase your options. You could use separate bowls for washing and rinsing or use a small side sink for food preparation or disposal.

• Remember that bigger sinks provide more room for washing dishes and preparing meals; they also result in less counter surface for working or storage.

What depth should the bowls be? Why should I care about drain placement? Will the sink be accessible enough to accommodate my changing needs?

• The ADA guidelines recommend sinks that are shallow. Depending on the height of the counter, a shallow basin should allow for 27" clearance from the finished floor to the bottom of the sink, necessary for an individual using a wheelchair. If the counter is 34" high, then the sink can be 6.5" deep; if the counter is 33" high, the sink should be only 5.5" deep.

• Think ahead for the drain pipe and plumbing. Both must be shielded from the knees of an individual in a wheelchair, either through placement at the back of the installation or by using pipe insulation or both. Sinks with rear or offset drain positions will accommodate plumbing at the back of the unit, creating more space underneath for storage or accessibility. A creative plumber can handle a centered drain to make the plumbing less cumbersome, but it is easier with the offset drains.

How many faucet holes?

• Sinks typically have between 1 and 5 holes for faucets and accessories. The sink needs one hole for the spout while additional holes accommodate faucets, spray hoses, filtered or instant hot water dispensers and soap dispensers. (We’ll cover faucets in another article.)

• The water spout can come from any side of the sink. Most spouts swivel, providing a larger area that can be reached easily. The maximum reach for a wheelchair assisted person is 44 inches, so there is plenty of room to reach faucets at the back of the sink. You can also place the faucets along the side of the sink, if those positions are easier to for you to reach. If they are on the side, however, they may interfere with the flow of dishes and pots to and from the sink.

What material will hold up over time?

• Stainless steel is best choice if you are hard on the sink. Stainless-steel sinks with lower gauge ratings offer better performance and increased durability; 18 gauge stainless steel is more scratch and dent resistant than 20 gauge. A satin texture finish will show fewer scratches than a polished finish.

• Enamel coated cast iron may be the prettiest, but it can scratch and wear over time and requires frequent cleaning.

• Solid surfaces (granite or engineered stone) are easier to clean up and scratches can be buffed out, but this material is prone to chips

• Composite sinks are easier on the budget and can be quite attractive.

  • Acrylic: Often combined with fiberglass or polyester, this material is one of the more affordable. Unfortunately, the softer substances make it vulnerable to scratches.

  • Quartz: Combined with resin filler, quartz provides surface strength against cuts, dings, or stains. It can also retain heat for dishwater and has a high-gloss finish.

  • Granite: It’s the most expensive but also the most durable on the list.

Will the design fit with the kitchen decor?

• Are the lines rounded or squared off? For a great look, you can combine a simple sink with an interesting faucet.

Although planning a sink is a small part of the kitchen design, careful consideration of these questions now will save you time and frustration later.

© Copyright 2009 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Written permission must be obtained from the editor to reprint or cite the information contained within this article. Full attribution to AdaptMy.com must be included.

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