Is there a universal standard height that people try to go for when building workbenches? Should DIY tabletops be tailor made to the height of the user and how does the ideal height of the tabletop correlate to the person?
N ideal height for a workbench
constructionfurnituremeasuring
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There are common established heights for table/counter surface and seating combinations. They are:
- Table height: 30in (750mm), with a chair at 18in (450mm).
- Counter height: 36in (900mm), with stools at 24 in (600mm).
- Standard bar height: 42in (1050mm), stools at 30in (750mm).
- Extra tall bar height: 48in (1200mm), stools at 36in (900mm).
(Source: runmyhouse.com)
In all these combinations, the difference in height between seat and table/counter surfaces is 12in (300mm). Whether or not this is ergonomically ideal, most people will be used to these sorts of dimensions, so sticking with them is a safe bet.
Simple really assuming you have the proper tools.
- Cut your 4x4's to 18 inch length
- Build a frame
- Attach to the 4x4 posts
- Cut wood to fit the surface of the frame
- Add lateral support to the 4x4 posts
To join 2 benches at a corner, figure out your corner angle and modify the plans to match.
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Best Answer
There is a large body of information about what size furniture and tools should be. The field concerning sizing furniture to individuals and populations is called Anthropometrics and information about safety and ease of use is called Ergonomics.
If you are building your own workbench for your own use, then you should size it to yourself unless you expect others to use it. Why buy off the rack if you can get tailored for less?
Most furniture is optimized for the middle of the height distribution curve which is roughly 5'8". I got into woodworking in the first place because I am 6'4" tall and absolutely nothing fits. It's all literally 6" too short.
I used the "fall drop" rule to size my generic workshop surfaces. Just stand relaxed and let your hands fall down as if resting comfortably on a surface in front of you. It's the position you hands will just fall or drop to if you try to rest them on an imaginary surface. It gives a higher bench than the using the wrist line method above.
I suggest creating a mock-up first using whatever is available and easily resized. I used a chair, a sturdy box and books of various thicknesses. I swapped books and fiddled with the height of the mock-up until I found the most comfortable height. In my case, it was exactly 39".
You'll know it when you find your own ideal height because it just feels right.
However, shuffler is correct that different work requires different heights. The "fall drop" rule sizes a bench for use with modern power tools and precision hand tools but if you use other tools you might want a higher or lower bench e.g. heavy handsaws, chisels and planes usually require something like saw bench which is usually just under knee height.
I use a mini-bench on top of my main 39" surface if I have fiddling work like soldering.
Oh, and build yourself a custom stool and work supports at the same time. You'll be glad you did.