Ideal Work Bench Height

[~Rowdy~]

Going to be building a built in work bench in my garage this summer and need to know what the "ideal" height is for a regular guy. Reason I ask is because I am 5'4 and want to build it for re-sale not specifically for me. So that when I sell my house whoever gets it isn't like "who the f**k was the midget that built this?!" lol.

Appreciate the info.

 

[TylerG]

Going to be building a built in work bench in my garage this summer and need to know what the "ideal" height is for a regular guy. Reason I ask is because I am 5'4 and want to build it for re-sale not specifically for me. So that when I sell my house whoever gets it isn't like "who the f**k was the midget that built this?!" lol.

Appreciate the info.

I'm not sure that there is a set height, I mean, as you said, you're a shorter person, so who's to say the person who buys your place isn't short as well. The one that's in my garage now definitely was not built by the previous owner because its too high for me, its getting cut down soon! Its a personal preference thing in my opinion, some guys like to work with stuff up high, others like to work with stuff a little lower so they can sit or whatever.

 

[~Rowdy~]

I'm not sure that there is a set height, I mean, as you said, you're a shorter person, so who's to say the person who buys your place isn't short as well. The one that's in my garage now definitely was not built by the previous owner because its too high for me, its getting cut down soon! Its a personal preference thing in my opinion, some guys like to work with stuff up high, others like to work with stuff a little lower so they can sit or whatever.

Thanks Tyler. I have a bench in there now that I'm gonna give away, it is WAY too tall for me. Maybe I'll just build one a couple inches shorter than that one.

 

[blastoff]

Trim it too fit if possible then put a piece of 12gauge sheet metal on it, easy for cleaning

 

[~Rowdy~]

Trim it too fit if possible then put a piece of 12gauge sheet metal on it, easy for cleaning

Well I want to build a built in shelving and work bench so it's all bolted in and to the floor etc. I will for sure be putting a metal top on the work bench. Most likely will be building most of it all out of uni-strut.

 

[RMK Junky]

I'm 6' and the bench in my garage is mid chest height, so maybe 4.5' or so off the floor. It was allready in the garage when I bought the house. It's a good height for me because I hate bending over LOL

 

[~Rowdy~]

I'm 6' and the bench in my garage is mid chest height, so maybe 4.5' or so off the floor. It was allready in the garage when I bought the house. It's a good height for me because I hate bending over LOL

wow that is really tall!

 

[TylerG]

wow that is really tall!

This is one that's in the garage at the place we just bought... it stands taller than a standard computer desk for sure. I'll measure it tonight.

 

[ferniesnow]

Think about kitchen counter height! Being an ex-shop teacher, I have built, installed, and used all kinds of benches. The standard wood working table is shorter than the average work bench. Think about the kitchen table and the wood working table; similar in height. Work benches and kitchen counters; similar in height. If the bench is too high, it is hard to work things in the vice like a hacksaw or file because you can't get your body weight behind the tool. If the bench is too low, well you know what I mean. Some shops have short/tall sections for various jobs. Might be an idea.

 

[RMK Junky]

wow that is really tall!

My back bothers me sometimes so the position of being more up right when working on things just makes it alot more enjoyable. You'll see when you hit 40+ LOL

 

[plio7]

38-42 inches is prett standard for counters and working surfaces

 

[Sofa king]

Make the legs with adjustable feet, maybe 1" threaded rod and nuts. Then it's good for anyone short or tall.

 

[~Rowdy~]

This is one that's in the garage at the place we just bought... it stands taller than a standard computer desk for sure. I'll measure it tonight.View attachment 128431

That'd be great! I will measure my current one tonight too. To me it just seems tall but maybe it's better that way.

Think about kitchen counter height! Being an ex-shop teacher, I have built, installed, and used all kinds of benches. The standard wood working table is shorter than the average work bench. Think about the kitchen table and the wood working table; similar in height. Work benches and kitchen counters; similar in height. If the bench is too high, it is hard to work things in the vice like a hacksaw or file because you can't get your body weight behind the tool. If the bench is too low, well you know what I mean. Some shops have short/tall sections for various jobs. Might be an idea.

So if I measured my kitchen counter and made the work bench the same height that'd probably work? I will take measurements tonight.

My back bothers me sometimes so the position of being more up right when working on things just makes it alot more enjoyable. You'll see when you hit 40+ LOL

Yeah my back bothers me too. I actually don't use the bench much but every garage needs a work bench!

 

[sledderdoc]

38-42 inches is prett standard for counters and working surfaces

The carpenter has spoken ............... so let it be written so let it be done!!

 

[~Rowdy~]

38-42 inches is prett standard for counters and working surfaces

Great! Thanks pilo!

Make the legs with adjustable feet, maybe 1" threaded rod and nuts. Then it's good for anyone short or tall.

Thats a really great idea! But I wonder if people would utilize it or it would be a waste of $$...Also wonder if that would be possible with uni-strut.

 

[plio7]

You could also do a step down half way...... Do half at 38-40 then bump up to 46". Just an idea as something are easier to down when you can beat down and others easier to do a little higher

 

[plio7]

"easier to do when you can bear down on"


Phucking phone changing word on me

 

[~Rowdy~]

You could also do a step down half way...... Do half at 38-40 then bump up to 46". Just an idea as something are easier to down when you can beat down and others easier to do a little higher

that's kind of what I was thinking. I want the work bench to be approx 6ft long. Maybe 4ft at 38-40 then the rest at 46". It's going to go into the corner of my garage where I'll be putting a beer fridge and stereo.

 

[polarice]

just went out and measured mine and its 36 1/2 but i do a bit of wood working as well so i made a drop down portion to have the mitre saw even with the bench top makes it easier to handle the stuff your cutting

 

[~Rowdy~]

I was thinking of something like this for my garage. So Maybe I can step the work bench just at the end of the window towards the corner where the fridge and stereo will be