Is 41" too high for a work bench? - Page 1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Is 41" too high for a work bench? (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:12:21 PM EDT

I'm building a rolling work bench/station and want it to be higher than average so I can stand and work without being bent over. I was shooting for 38" to 40", but forgot to figure in the countertop. It's going to be 41".

I'm 5'11" if that matters

(Update)

It's done. Went with a 40" counter height. We had these cabinets left over from a store remodel at work. Boss lady wanted them gone and gave them to me with 4 pieces of left over countertop.

I think it will be perfect for tinkering.

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:16:35 PM EDT

[#1]

I like to work at 38"

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:19:07 PM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
I like to work at 38"

View Quote

This, counter height 36-38" is most comfortable to me and you can still use a stool.

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:19:56 PM EDT

[#3]

Depends on the project. I have low and high benches.

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:20:15 PM EDT

[#4]

I have my reloading bench at 42" and it works for me at 5' 9

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:20:21 PM EDT

[#5]

I like taller work benches but I am 6’5” so that matters too

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:20:22 PM EDT

[#6]

Depends.

31-32" good compromise.

Higher for more detailed work, lower for work than needs more strength.

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:20:55 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Depends on the project. I have low and high benches.

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Yup. I don't like having to lift a motorcycle engine any higher than necessary

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:21:36 PM EDT

[#8]

should be fine, if not, build a step in front of it with some 2x4's and plywood.

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:23:11 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
Depends.

31-32" good compromise.

Higher for more detailed work, lower for work than needs more strength.

View Quote

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:23:11 PM EDT

[#10]

I usually go for the work surface to be at waist height, easier to bear hug heavy shit on it.

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:23:29 PM EDT

[#11]

I don't think it is. Standard counter tops are 36". I'm 6 feet tall and 58 years old. My lower back can get a bit fatigued working on a complicated meal prep at that height. I'd suggest 39".

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:23:43 PM EDT

[#12]

41...42...whatever it takes.

The work benches in my shop are right about that height and I find it comfortable to stand at and I'm 6'.

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:24:26 PM EDT

[#13]

less hunching over

Posted: 10/17/2022 2:25:27 PM EDT

[#14]

No. I depends on your arm length & elbow height, overall height, neck strain.

Posted: 10/17/2022 3:39:16 PM EDT

[#15]

Table height is 30-32". Counter height is 36". Bar height is 42". I prefer counter height for work tables and benches, unless I'm doing fine precision work, and then I'd rather have it at bar height.

Posted: 10/17/2022 3:46:22 PM EDT

[#16]

What kind of work will be done on the bench? Seems like it's a bit on the high side to me, but you never know until you try. You can always chop a few inches off the legs if it is.

Posted: 10/17/2022 3:51:56 PM EDT

[#17]

Mine are all at 54". That's about elbow height for me - I'm 6'3". The only shorter one is a drill press on a stand.

Posted: 10/17/2022 3:53:01 PM EDT

[#18]

I'm 6'2", my plan for my workshop is 42" height.

Posted: 10/17/2022 3:55:16 PM EDT

[#19]

I like mine a little tall

Posted: 10/17/2022 4:03:14 PM EDT

[#20]

I’d have to go measure, but 38-39 rings a bell, I’m 5’10.

I built mine just below bent elbow standing, I don’t want to have bend over gunsmithing or re-loading.

I built a custom stool with a swivel boat chair for when I want to sit.

My welding table is much lower, but I almost always sit when welding, and it was ready made.

Posted: 10/17/2022 4:04:45 PM EDT

[#21]

6’4”

Workbench is at 46”

Posted: 10/17/2022 4:05:52 PM EDT

[#22]

I’d compromise on higher than 36” but lower than 41”. Usually you need some height over bench for downward force if necessary.

Posted: 10/17/2022 4:06:02 PM EDT

[#23]

I think 6-8" below your elbow is the right number unless you work with tall things a lot.

Posted: 10/17/2022 4:16:25 PM EDT

[#24]

My shop bench is at 39” and perfect for me. I am 5-10

Posted: 10/17/2022 4:16:27 PM EDT

[#25]

that sounds high for someone 5'11.

I'm 6'2 my elbows sit around 44 inches. There are a couple of things I like to work on near elbow height but most things are more comfortable around 36" or so.

In general I'd rather prop up that small amount of work on something a little taller than be forced to work on everything at that height.

at 5'11 41 inches may mean you can't even put your arms flat on the table with your elbow comfortably bent at your side. I can't imagine that is very useful.

Posted: 10/17/2022 4:21:37 PM EDT

[#26]

I’m six foot and recently built a 4’ x 4’ bench that is 40” high for assembling stuff. I love it. My other bench is 34”, 4’ x 8’.

Posted: 10/17/2022 4:54:15 PM EDT

[#27]

5'11" 42" Taller would have been OKAY for me too. I don't like being bent over. Anything heavy is put on with with an engine lift.

Posted: 10/17/2022 5:16:00 PM EDT

[#28]

It varies by the person.
Generally just below elbow height is the suggested height for a fatigue free bench.

It could be 36" or 48", just depends on the user.

That being said I just measured mine and its at 41 1/2" (I'm 5'10")

Posted: 10/17/2022 6:47:37 PM EDT

[#29]

How high off the floor are your elbows?

Posted: 10/17/2022 6:51:21 PM EDT

[#30]

I designed and remodeled a kitchen for a couple who are 6’3” and like to cook. The kitchen had 38” counters and it has worked perfectly for them.

Posted: 10/17/2022 7:27:40 PM EDT

[#31]

It would be used for more precision stuff.

My elbows are 41" from the floor.

Posted: 10/17/2022 7:28:50 PM EDT

[#32]

All of my benches are 42" from the floor.

I'm 6'0".

Posted: 10/17/2022 7:31:01 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
Depends.

31-32" good compromise.

Higher for more detailed work, lower for work than needs more strength.

View Quote

Maybe for pygmies.

Posted: 10/17/2022 8:20:49 PM EDT

[#34]

This pallet rack bench will be ~38" +3" when I get done with it:

Posted: 10/17/2022 8:45:46 PM EDT

[#35]

I think the average bar height is 43".
I base all of my decisions on this.

Posted: 10/17/2022 8:53:50 PM EDT

[#36]

I do a lot of detail work so my benches are all @40 with a foot rail at 12 AFF. Helps when I’m at one location a while I can put foot on rail them swap to other foot. Keeps me from getting stiff standing in one place for a long time

Posted: 10/17/2022 9:00:19 PM EDT

[#37]

Is it a Unity bench?

Posted: 10/17/2022 9:10:55 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:
I don't think it is. Standard counter tops are 36". I'm 6 feet tall and 58 years old. My lower back can get a bit fatigued working on a complicated meal prep at that height. I'd suggest 39".

View Quote

I'm 6'4".

Going to build a workbench along one of the garage sidewalls, and the setup will have to have a minimum 36" clearance to the bottom of the work surface so we can store folding tables underneath. My thoughts are 40"; possibly 41".

My other building has lower benches.

Posted: 10/17/2022 9:13:44 PM EDT

[#39]

Nope. I hate working at counter height. Preparing a lot of food kills my neck.

Posted: 10/17/2022 9:15:51 PM EDT

[#40]

Put some rubber stall mats in front to stand on.

Posted: 10/17/2022 9:16:23 PM EDT

[#41]

Well OP, fortunately you didn’t make it too short. Finish your bench and try it out. If it feels too tall, lop of an inch. Repeat until it feels good to you. Make note of the final measurement for future work bench builds. I don’t really see a problem here.

Posted: 10/17/2022 9:24:42 PM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:
I'm building a rolling work bench/station and want it to be higher than average so I can stand and work without being bent over. I was shooting for 38" to 40", but forgot to figure in the countertop. It's going to be 41".

I'm 5'11" if that matters

View Quote

My Snap On tool box is 45 1/2 inches tall.

I've never had a problem with it being too tall to work on.

I am 5'9" tall.

Posted: 10/17/2022 9:32:07 PM EDT

[#43]

I have a few a different heights, I will say I like the tallest bench for standing and working, I think it’s over 40 inches..

Posted: 10/17/2022 9:35:19 PM EDT

[#44]

My table top mill and lathe benches are 42 or 43 inches high, I am 5'9". It puts what I am working on a good height for me.

Posted: 10/17/2022 9:37:32 PM EDT

[#45]

Depends on the work position (standing, sitting), work type and where your elbows or wrists measure while standing or sitting.

For example - a standing reloading bench; 41" works for me there.

A standing wood working bench though, have to drop to 34".

Posted: 10/17/2022 9:40:12 PM EDT

[#46]

I like mine to be about the same height as my belt buckle. Then I add hockey pucks to the legs.

Posted: 10/17/2022 10:11:54 PM EDT

[#47]

My old bench was around 45” and I liked the height. I’m about your height. It was nice for working standing and I had a tall stool for when I wanted to sit.