Workbench Height: How to Find the Right One
A bench at the wrong height means a sore back or tired shoulders after an hour of work. There is no single right height, but there is a simple way to find yours.
Find your height
- Stand straight in your work shoes. Let your arms hang by your sides.
- Measure from the floor to your wrist crease. That is a good height for general work and hand tools.
- Go a little higher for fine work. Detail work and electronics are easier a few inches closer to your eyes.
- Go lower for heavy work. Planing and hammering are easier when you can put your weight over the bench.
Shared benches
When people of different heights share a bench, an adjustable-height top is the easiest fix. Otherwise build to the taller person's height and keep a sturdy step platform for the shorter one.
Picks to look at
72 in. 18-drawer mobile workbench with adjustable-height topWelded steel cabinet with 18 drawers, a 1-inch solid wood top you raise or lower with a crank, locking casters and a power strip with USB ports.
Check price on Amazon
46 in. extra-deep 9-drawer mobile workbenchCompact bench with drawers about 21.7 inches deep for bulky power tools, a solid wood top, heavy-duty bottom slides and a built-in power strip.
Check price on Amazon