Ideal height for new work bench

[TxMN]

I know it may depend on users height, but what is a generally accepted height for a work bench top?

Anyone have pics of their work benches?

 

[ArlyA]

I'd do about 36 to 38". I'm 5,10.

 

[bcp]

Set the height so that most of the time your forearms are level when working.

Bruce

 

[CoyPatton]

Personally it really depends on its intended usage.
For example, the table around my free standing table saw matches the table saw height, which is slightly short for my taste for projects such using it for a gluing work surface, but that is outweighed for the benefits of support for large pieces going on the saw.
For generalize work surface I like around the 38” level for my height, as it is for you, build it to what feels best to you.
As a side note most kitchen counter tops are around the 34” mark, unless customized for a tall person or for a short person.

 

[Thomas]

As others said depends on use but I like pants pocket high.

 

[ruffdog]

I have 3 old heavy duty factory benches and they are at 34" and I have 6 wood benches and they are at 35". I think they work good for working on heavy stuff and having machinist tool boxes on and I'm at 5'10". If I was going to work on carburetors or small electrical stuff all day long, I would want a bench a bit taller, maybe around 40". I could always put wood risers under the feet or sit on a stool too.

 

[old and tired]

I have 4, at different heights. I use the smallest one for most things, can pull up a chair to it, too. Tallest one, the most resent one, is great to put on the backpack spray - it's at the correct height for that!!!

 

[Industrial Toys]

All by benches are too cluttered for it to matter.

 

[Smokeydog]

Weld bench

Plasma cutting bench. 10” adjustable feet allow matching other benches.
Like benches higher and have foam mats.

 

[3Ts]

My benches vary in height, The shortest is 30" and the tallest is 36".

Kitchen cabinet boxes from the big box stores are 34.5" tall, but then need a counter top which is typically 1.5" tall for a total of 36" to top of counter. Bathroom vanities are typically much shorter.

 

[Mat4644]

Seen these adjustable work tables at Home Depot. Very well built and 300 pound capacity. Not for hard pounding or heavy work. Looks like a good solution for lighter work and being able to adjust height.

 

[rScotty]

I can see the advantage in being able to adjust height. My favorite 3 benches are 36, 38 and 40" tall. I'm 6'. All of the benches are very sturdy and not adjustable.

Even though there is only a few inches different in height, I find that it makes a big difference when I'm working on something. I might even move the project around between benches until the height is comfortable.

 

[RickB]

Set the height so that most of the time your forearms are level when working.

Bruce

I was scrolling through the responses preparing to suggest about elbow height while standing.
Right about where you are suggesting.

 

[grsthegreat]

All by benches are too cluttered for it to matter.

I agree... i think my tables are magnetic

 

[s219]

I do mine at standard kitchen counter height, about 36". I had done one a little higher years ago (since I am tall) and it was comfortable to work at, but I could not reach across it vary far. So the standard height is pretty good for me.

 

[bigtiller]

Mine is about a quarter inch lower than my table saw, just in case I need it for a run-out table.

 

[CalG]

The lighter the work, the higher the work surface.

Work placed in the BENCH VICE should be at ELBOW height for most comfortable filing!

 

[oosik]

I made a big oak work bench. It's at 35". If I push the clutter around enough - I might even get to see the top.