Best Practices for Kitchen Work Triangles in AutoCAD + (Free DWG Download)

Kitchens are the most complex room to design due to the strict integration of appliances, plumbing, and cabinetry. Drawing every burner on a stove or sink drain manually is a massive waste of time. More importantly, inaccurate drawings can lead to expensive errors, such as a dishwasher that can’t open because it hits the island.

Professional kitchen design relies on modular blocks. Cabinets come in standard widths (moving in 3-inch increments), and your AutoCAD blocks should reflect this. Using accurate blocks allows you to calculate the “Work Triangle”—the efficiency distance between the sink, stove, and refrigerator.

Technical Guide: Best Practices for Kitchen Layouts

Precise dimensions are non-negotiable in kitchens. Follow these rules:

• Base Cabinet Depth: Standard base cabinets are 24 inches (60cm) deep. Countertops usually overhang by 1-1.5 inches. Ensure your plan blocks show the countertop edge to check aisle widths accurately.
• Aisle Widths: The minimum comfortable aisle width for a one-cook kitchen is 42 inches (107cm). Use your blocks to measure the distance between the perimeter counters and the island.

For detailed guidelines on kitchen planning, refer to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Standards.

Expand Your Residential Library

Kitchens require appliances and details. Get them here:

• Kitchen Appliances (F1) for stoves and fridges.
• Interior Details (A11) for cabinet sections.

Watch: Video Guide to Drafting Standards

Watch this video to learn more about drafting standards for architectural drawings and how to efficiently integrate these blocks and patterns into your daily workflow.

Download the Kitchen Starter Pack (Free)

To help you work faster, we have created a professional AutoCAD Kitchen Cabinet & Layout Pack. It includes base cabinets, wall cabinets, and islands. It is fully layered, purgable, and ready to use.

[Image: Preview of the Kitchen Cabinet blocks]

Become a Revit & BIM Expert

Ready to move beyond AutoCAD? Check out our Revit Interior Design Course to master BIM workflows.