[USMA:53635] Kitchen cabinets

[Harry Wyeth]

A recent experience with kitchen cabinet design software shows some of 
the problems we face. Lowe's has design specialists who help people 
design kitchen remodels.  The computer operator uses specialized 
software to create a kitchen design using prefabricated cabinets 
manufactured by a number of companies.  There are lots of cabinets of 
various dimensions, all measured in inches, of course.  The software is 
really pretty amazing, creating on-screen detailed designs and even 3-D 
drawings and pictures of what the finished kitchen will look like.  
Various cabinets and appliances can be added or deleted and the entire 
design will rearrange instantly.  The screen shows dimensions in detail 
as small as 1/16 of an inch, which change with a mouse click as 
modifications are made.

It really works well, which is our problem:  cabinets, open spaces (for 
dishwashers, etc.), sinks, etc. are all designed in inches for U.S. 
kitchens, and the software goes along.  It's hard to change this complex 
arrangement.  I wonder how the same process works in, say, Germany.  
Dishwashers, even sold by Bosch, in the U.S. are made for a 24 inch 
opening.  I measured our Bosch's door at 58.5 cm.  Same in Europe, I wonder?

The inertia of the construction trades industry is a big obstacle in 
metrication.

HARRY WYETH