Rule of thumb guides best workbench height

There's no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to workbench height. An inch or two plus or minus can make a big difference, depending on how your bench will be used.

The standard height of 34" matches most tablesaw heights, allowing the workbench to double as an outfeed support. Many hand-tool woodworkers, though, prefer a bench 1 or 2 inches lower, allowing more leverage for hand-plane and chisel use. If you're mainly a power-tool woodworker, adding a couple of inches might make power-sanding and assembly operations more comfortable.

To select a height to match your stature, use this "rule of thumb": Make your workbench height the distance from the floor to your first thumb knuckle, with your arms hanging relaxed at your sides.
—from the WOOD® shop