"Best height for a wargames table" Topic

About to tackle the long-planned game table project. It's a custom size that starts at 40" x 55" to allow for a 4' x 3' gaming area but can expand to a 4' x 6' area for larger games (4' x 8' was pushing the limits of the room it's in)

My last decision is on height. I'm thinking either 36" or 40". Either should allow for an easy reach to the center of the table when fully expanded.

Do any of you have any opinions on height?

Go with 36"

The extra 4" of underneath storage is not a big deal but as games almost always happen at the center, the easier reach will be worth it. Especially for shorter gamers and those of us with bad backs.

I have a 4X8 that is waist high, and after a session my back often protests.

My father had a train layout that was nearly chest high, and I now think he may have been on to something.

I like about 30" myself. I had a buddy with a 40" table and I was always standing on a step stool to get the right height for my tastes. It's all what feels best to you.

My table is 30" but that is because we sit at it for most of the game – just standing to move troops.

I'm currently doodling ideas for a new table with a covered vault (i.e. sides that you can put a cover on to leave a game setup but us the table still for packing, etc).

Mike

It really depends, if you plan to stand or sit, with a 4' width standing is better, in which case I would go with 40" height.

As we get older our backs get less forgiving, so higher is better unless you intend to sit during most of the game. I find myself, even if a chair is available, standing because I am interested and involved in the game. The only games I have predominately remain seated are those that move extremely slow or ones, for what ever reason, where I'm not that involved(interested) in the action.

Mine is 40", 12' by 4' and I'm 5'10".

It is just the right height for me to lean across the table with my hip against the edge.

The table has to be firm enough to take the sideways pressure though.

My players either stand or sit on high stools.

I've got really bad knees and can't stand for very long at a crack. Even tall stools do me in. One of my gaming buddies went with the tall table and after one time gaming their I haven't gone back. The fallout the next day was just too much for me.

So it's pretty much a personal preference issue but if you have anyone in your group that can't stand for long I would go for a table height that works for sitting as well as standing.

My table was 7 feet wide and 16 feet long and 40 inches high.
I put rubber mats on the floor all the way around, so feet and back are not hurting after a long session and bar stools with backs for the gamers to sit in and survey the scene.
I have small folding step stools for those who need longer reach. The table was built solid, strong enough for two full grown men to walk on; when we change light bulbs.
Kitchen counter tops are tall for a reason. A short table means you have to bend over every time you move or measure anything.

Mike Bunkermeister Creek
bunkermeister.blogspot.com

At my previous house I would set the gaming table to on the breakfast bar for most games, less bending and far more comfortable. The exception was urban battles with tall buildings when I moved it to the dining room table to make it easier to reach in among the buildings.

Any chance of making it adjustable with an old car jack and some drop in supports?

Robert

Ikea make adjustable legs – though I think they only go up to 33 inches…
Mike

I think the height of your dining table.

Mine is 80"L x 55"W x 37"H. At just under 6' I can comfortably reach the middle from both ends. When sitting we use 26" stools.

My table is 12'x 6' with 34" height. About as high as we can use & reach the middle.

Height is a variable of table width & arm length of the gamers plus their height.

The playing surface of my table (8'x5') is about 36" above the floor. I added a 2"x6" frame a few years ago that extends about 3" above that. Makes it a little harder to reach the middle, but saves on stuff getting knocked off. Anyway, it works for me. I'm about 6' tall.

Mine is 35". Once had it taller by about 8-12" for more storage underneath, but found it uncomfortable.

I've been experimenting with different height counters and tabletops around the house. We'll most likely be standing for the games and given my most frequent visitors heights, I think the 36"-ish is the way to go.

Now to get cracking on the actual building of it! Wish me heaps of luck. Thanks all for your thoughts!

Go with an axjustable height base: mechanical, or electronic. Search the Internet for sources and prices: roughly $400 USD and $800 USD, respectively. Cheers!