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Tips & Tricks

Design Like a Designer: The Working Triangle

Design Like a Designer: The Working Triangle

Designing an efficient kitchen can sometimes require a bit of science. Now before we scare you off, lets make this clear – it is absolutely not rocket science! In this article, we’ll break down what the “working triangle” is and how you can achieve creating an efficient, user-friendly kitchen by implementing it into your design.

What is “the working triangle”? 

The working triangle is a design guideline that helps maximize the efficiency of a kitchen layout by planning around the three key pillars of a kitchen: the sink, stove, and refrigerator. According to the working triangle concept, a kitchen should have these three key components laid out in a triangle formation in order to limit the steps needed to reach each area, while also having each component accessible to one another.

kitchen triangle


What are the rules of the working triangle? 

Here is where the fun begins! As recommended by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA):

  • The sum of the three travelled distances should total no more than 26ft.
  • No single leg of the triangle should measure less than 4ft or more than 9ft from each center point of the appliance/sink.
  • No side of the triangle should cut through an island or peninsula by more than 12 inches.


No matter what shape your kitchen may be (U, L, I, or Galley), its always best to consider the working triangle when starting your design. But don't worry about getting it right, our templates follow the recommended guidelines to ensure we're always following kitchen best practices!

Have more questions about the working triangle? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of Oasis Kitchens Design Curators. Whether you’re stuck, in need of some advice, or just looking for a bit of inspiration, we are here to help – every step of the way!

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