Ideal Workbench Height

[NickH]

I'm looking to build a large (4'x8'-ish) island-style workbench in my new shop similar to this:
(stolen from the Google)


The one thing I am not sure on is what the ideal height should be? I typically build my wall-mounted benches on the tall side, 36"-40" but I think that may be too high for this style of bench. For reference, I am 6'2" tall and plan on using the bench for pretty much anything and everything from wood work, mechanical work, electronic work, etc.

So, anyone who has built something similar, how tall is your bench? And what is your ideal work height?

Thanks!

 

[Forgottonia]

I'm long legged and I favor a tall workbench. I've built several workbenches over the years, and tinkered around with height. My ideal workbench height is 42". Most workbenches are 5" to 7" shorter I think.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

I did mine at -2" from my elbow height and it feels about perfect. I searched several places online that is what I found. don't forget to take into account if you have a large bench vise. You may have to go lower so the vise is at proper height. If you are going to be working with hand powered woodworking tools like planes I would recommend you go lower.

 

[JimH74]

Just built one for my son. He wanted something that he could stand at and work, as well as sit at and work. He is 6'2" and wanted it at 37 inches.

 

[banjopete]

If you're after function, and it's going to be moveable, I'd set the height to match the surrounding work surfaces. I'm 6'4" and have my work benches around 39".

 

[larry_g]

Take what you think is the best advise you get and with that make it 2-4" taller. Leave enough room between the lower shelf and the floor so that you can cut 2-5" off the legs if necessary.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[kelpaso1]

I'm 6' and my bench is 36" tall. Just right for me.

 

[Shiftless]

I’m 5’10 and I have 2 benches…one 36 tall and one 38 tall. I like the taller one better.

If you work mostly on small stuff, the higher bench might be better. If you work on bigger, taller stuff, the shorter bench might be better.

As Mr. W. said, If you clamp big stuff in a big vise, you’ll definitely want a lower mounting height for that vise.

Conclusion? You can’t ask a bunch of guys what is the best height and get a sensible answer besides “it depends”.

 

[Blind1]

If you already have tall benches I’d make the table shorter.

For me it depends on the type of work being done. If I’m working on things right at bench height then maybe a taller bench. If it could be used for taller items I would make it lower etc.

I chose a height where I can put my hands flat on the surface with a slight comfortable elbow bend. It works and I have a drafters chair if needed.

 

[Ilikeike]

I run around 41" on mine in the shop and my home garage, I'm 6'4".

Carts roll under for storage,

Easy to sit at on a bar stool



Even Harbor Freight knows what Height to make stuff 41.5"

 

[nadogail]

I like benches that are the same height as my belt buckle.

 

[ZRX61]

The formula is distance from elbow to ground, minus the height of your bench vise.

 

[RAS61]

I'm 5'-10" and my large bench is 41" high with castors. It works fine for me when standing, and is the perfect height with my tall shop chair when sitting. If you're going to sit, which I find best when working for long periods or on small detailed things, proper height for a chair is a very important consideration

Another thing to consider, if you're going to use the bench as an outfeed table for a table saw or in conjunction with other tools or tables, then you'll want to match that height. 41" is also the height of my contractor saw on a custom mobile base

 

[u2slow]

40-42" is ideal for me and my back. I'm about 6'3" now; not leggy. Doing mostly automotive, mechanical, electrical bench work. Always standing it seems. Dunno why I don't have a stool yet. A few of my wheeled shop items too tall to roll under a 36" bench, so there is that too. (I have very limited square-footage.)

I do find when building with wood on a bench, a lower height is nicer because what you're making tends to get taller.

Some shops I've worked in have had a dropped area or pedestal for the vise - especially if its a large one.

 

[rd65]

Mine is tall enough that I can sit on my shop and comfortably lean back on my elbow and have a beer.
At 5'9" it is about 1" taller that typical kitchen counter.

 

[oldwino]

Mine is 38”. Works great with a stool but would have liked it 1-2” shorter for standing.
height was determined by chopsaw, etc stored underneath on a lower shelf

 

[619DioFan]

I am 6-4 and my work benches are 42 '' tall. I never sit at them .

 

[bearskinner]

I’m 5’8, for standing I have a rolling workbench, drill press , grinder, powder coat stand at 42”. I work here standing. For sit down work I have one solid and also use plastic tables at 36”. Those are pretty standard, but sit as you would work, and stand as you would be working.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

If I were building a work table it would be about 1/4” shorter than the height of my table saw. Would come in great for cutting longer stock or sheet goods.

 

[Ilikeike]

I like benches that are the same height as my belt buckle.

I think that is a perfect size, now I need to raise mine from 41" to 42"
I almost had it perfect.

 

[Ilikeike]

It's looking like overall should be about 40" to 42" for the general public.

 

[bbbarracuda]

Are you planning on standing or sitting most of the time?
And if sitting, what is the height of your chair, or stool you plan to use?

 

[Trapps]

I am 6'2" and built my benches at 44" to accommodate a storage cabinet. If I had it to do over I'd skip the cabinet and go 42".

 

[CraigStu]

I like larry-g's answer. Build it on the tall side and build so you can lower it if needed. If you don't have a tall chair already, make sure any you buy are adjustable. While I like the idea of matching saw height, I wouldn't let that guide me too strongly. There are many ways to have a support for that need.

 

[Bogie1632]

Lots of good advise here. I'll add this.... Read up on Christopher Schwartz. He's primarily a wood worker but there is some great advise in his writings/books on bench design. Height is a big deal not just for function but for comfort while working.

For me, the right height falls about where my hand ends/fingers start while at rest by my side. Low enough to not cause me pain while working yet give me leverage for what ever is on the bench. Im 5' 9" so my next bench will be built at around 33 - 34 inches and will do double duty for woodworking and auto repair in my teeny tiny garage.

V/R
Bogie

 

[nolimits76]

Digging the chair. Looks comfy, where did you find it?

 

[Ilikeike]

Digging the chair. Looks comfy, where did you find it?

Viper chairs