Standing Up for the Ultimate Work Table

July 7, 2008 7:23 PM

What is the ultimate table height for working while standing?

I need a table for my work and projects. It will need to have a large surface area so my various projects can spread out if needed. I plan to use this table for graphic design (on the computer but also cutting out comps etc.), drawing, sewing (I realize there may be an issue with the pedal), bookbinding, cutting with an x-acto on a mat, assembling things etc.

Growing up I loved the wooden tables we had in art class. We sat in stools, so they were a bit high. This is what I think I'm looking for. I would like to recreate this experience for my home office but I'm not sure what a good height would be. I have an old library table that has sawed off legs so I am thinking about buying some wood to make new legs (with wheels). This means I can make it any height I want. I could go with a standard height but I assume that those heights are based on average males while I am only 5'5."

What is a good height? I plan to sit in a stool to work on the computer and for some tasks but would like to be able to stand at times. Should my forearms hit the top? At my waist? I have a bad back so not stopping over to cut out 100 sheets of paper is a priority.

The reason I ask is because I had originally thought that where my forearms naturally hit (while bent at a 90 degree angle) would be good but I stood over some desks at IKEA today and was thinking maybe something more at waist level would be better. I could buy a cheap IKEA table with adjustable legs but I like the idea of a sturdy wood table that doesn't shake when you bump into it. Maybe I should just buy a regular-height desk and make this table for my projects but I'm convinced that making my ultimate desk is possible. I like modern design but am cheap and handy with a table saw. Still, I'll take suggestions of desks available that fit the bill. Anything I'm overlooking? Thoughts?

posted by Bunglegirl to home & garden (13 comments total)

for woodworking at any rate, the best table height is generally wrist level with arms hanging naturally. That's for standing working I think. for sitting you could just get a tall stool and amputate the legs to feel right with whatever table you go with
posted by Redhush at 7:46 PM on July 7, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

The only ultimate height is the height that works for you.

It's totally (personal) height dependent - and even then it's dependent upon the length of your legs vs. the length of your torso and arms.

There is no accurate answer to this question other than to say you need a table with an adjustable height.
posted by matty at 7:49 PM on July 7, 2008

I'm facing this problem myself, I'm tall and everything is too short, while Mrs. Burnfirewalls is average height...and everything is still too short.

It sounds like you're looking for a table height that lets you check out the entirety of the project (paper or sewing or what have you) without making you hold your back at an awkward angle. In that case, you're going to want something a little taller than what feels perfect.

You said you liked the "bit high" art class tables and that you also want it to be sturdy, so you can lean against it...the higher it is from your hips, the easier it will be to lean against it (read: levers and fulcrums) and take the pressure off your back for cutting the last few pieces of paper. It sounds like an inch or two higher than where your forearms naturally hit would be good, because then you'll be able to lean against the table and also won't have to crane any part of your neck or spine to get a good look. Plus, if you're doing anything intricate it'll be nice to have it closer to your eyes.
posted by burnfirewalls at 7:50 PM on July 7, 2008

Interesting, Redhush. My regular desk is only about 1" shorter than where my wrists hang naturally. I wouldn't have thought it would be so short. That's the kind of information I'm looking for, thanks. I understand that it will depend on my proportions, but I figured it could be summed up in relation to one point on my body (aka wrist level with arms hanging naturally).

My main issue with adjustable desks is they don't feel sturdy to me. I'd like it to be sturdy enough to stand on (although I probably won't need to stand on it).
posted by Bunglegirl at 7:54 PM on July 7, 2008

I have an IKEA Galant desk system. It shakes if you bump into, but I have, on one occasion stood on it. I wouldn't recommend that by any stretch of the imagination, but I weigh over 300 lbs and it doesn't appear to have collapsed under my weight.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:19 PM on July 7, 2008

I've heard the wrist rule, and I've also heard that a good height is for the tabletop to be just under your belt buckle. Perhaps the difference comes from whether one has a long or short torso?

And some online ergonomics guides I found (example) suggest elbow-height as a guide for table height when you are working with your hands.

Some of the Ikea table legs (like this one) are adjustable, and at least some are reasonably sturdy. Even if you build your own from scratch, I would suggest designing in some ability to adjust the height in case you get it wrong on the first try -- it is a lot easier to adjust four screws than it is to build four entirely new legs.
posted by Forktine at 8:33 PM on July 7, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

I was looking at the Galant System today. It doesn't feel as bad as some of the IKEA desks, but still not too sturdy. It's really the only adjustable desk I've looked at.

So, burnfirewalls, if I'm reading correctly you would have the desk surface higher than where my forearms rest if my elbows are bent at a 90 degree angle? That seems like it wouldn't work because I couldn't rest on it with my forearms without hunching my shoulders. When I cut paper with an x-acto blade on the table it needs to be low enough so I can exert force downward... maybe at hip level for me. I agree that a standard desk is a bit too low (at the least) for this sort of thing without hurting your back. I had to cut some paper (with a paper cutter, not by hand) recently at a client's office and after 5 minutes of bending over the low desk I almost had to stop because of the intense lower back pain.
posted by Bunglegirl at 8:37 PM on July 7, 2008

I think there are a few factors involved in the height of a work bench. My SO is 6'1 and I'm 5'6. Our inner leg measurements are both 82cm but his outer leg (95cm) gains 10cm on mine (85cm) and it all just keeps going from there. I need to be able to get right in close to my work, ...he probably should avoid this with his. I'm bony and can't just lean on stuff and expect that to be comfy. He's nice and solid. We're both long waisted (ie- tip of elbow ends below waist).

His ideal = 100cm. Mine = 95cm.
(Or juuust under the pointy bit of my hip. Comfortable for slouching, leaning or pivoting on to easily reach things I want to look at at the back of the bench!) Also my bench is pretty wide and his are much more narrow. I always make contact with them whereas even in the kitchen or whatever he will still tend to stand clear.
posted by mu~ha~ha~ha~har at 11:07 PM on July 7, 2008

According to Architectural Graphic Standards, a person who is 65.1" high finds a high counter height most comfortable around 41" high. Coordinate your needs with something in the range of your elbow/waist height, which is a bit lower. Delicate work should fall between 36" to 40" high. (BTW, a kitchen counter for this person would be most comfortable at 35").

To find the perfect height for you, get an adjustable ironing board and raise or lower it until you find the best working solution. Suggest that you work at this height for at least an hour at a time to make sure it does not cause strain.
posted by mightshould at 5:30 AM on July 8, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

I think you might be looking for two different things- using a mouse (and keyboard) requires a higher table (for me). Waist height is fine for working with tools and such, but if I have to use a computer it needs to be higher or I get fatigued...
posted by gjc at 6:38 AM on July 8, 2008

Thanks for all of the answers, I'll test those heights out. For working on my computer I would sit on a stool so my concern is more for working with my hands on the table.
posted by Bunglegirl at 10:11 AM on July 8, 2008

I actually bought one of the counter height dining room tables from Pier One to use as a work table. It's perfect. Solid wood, sturdy, and the perfect height for standing or sitting at with a stool. It was on clearance when I bought it for $99. It was similar to this, only bigger and sturdier, but you get the idea. I think they're also called "gathering tables".
posted by pyjammy at 1:10 PM on July 8, 2008

@Forktine

I can confirm that the ikea adjustable legs are very sturdy indeed, and adjustable between 24 and 33 inches.

I can stand on the table with said legs and I weigh 150 pounds.

I have also heard the elbow level while sitting/standing (arms bent at the elbow out infront of you) is the most comfortable working height, for computer work at least, and possibly for working with your hands.

It would probably also be wise to think about neck strain looking downward if the table is too low. I'd err on the side of a table that was higher for that reason.
posted by ilumos at 1:22 PM on July 9, 2008