"Wargame table height ?" Topic

So I will finally get my own wargames room. I would like to build a new table. What height would you recommend so I don't get back ache from playing long games. Thanks in advance. Hunlion

I do not have a specific recommendation, but there are a number of factors that need to be considered when determining height. First are the players going to e expected to stand during the game or will the be sitting. If sitting is it on chairs or bar stools. A table intended to be used by seated players must be lower then one for standing player, but because a seated player is also lower then a standing player the low height may not generate as much backache.. Another thing to consider is that a 'normal table high table can be used or other things besides pushing miniatures., like playing RPGs, having a garage sale or diner party. It is important to remember that using chairs means more room is necessary around the table for players to move in. The next factor is how wide (Deep) a table. A player can reach father across a low table then he can a tall one. But there as you already know short tables cause backache, so there is that trade off. My personal preference, is for the top of the table to fall just above the navel and that bar stools be available to perch on part of the time. But then I played my first miniatures game in the mid 60s am getting a bit long in years. Hope these musings help.

Personally prefer a taller table

Try different heights and see which works for you

30" table height if you sit in standard chairs to play. 42" table height if you stand. But do experiment before you commit or spend serious money.

Robert is in the realm. I would have said 39" as that is what our kitchen island is.
Certainly head out to some stores and check out some table heights and the reach.

I'm 5'5" but my friend who's 6'2" has a different view of it all.

Thanks for the input guys. What would be a good depth for a table. I was thinks 5 ft x 12 ft. I have a big basement.

5' is good for most things, some of the Black Powder scenarios want a 6 by 12.

At that width I would make the table 4' high or so, reaching across is a real pain on a shorter table, at least for me.

Dynaman8789: +1

I'm 6'5" and had my table built to a height of 4'.

I prefer sitting.

The table should be a little lower than you think so that you will have the ability to reach across it. As a good rule of thumb, its height should reach about half way between your knee and your crotch. Since we wanted our table to be a little taller (about crotch high) to accommodate the bar stools that we use in our game room, we had to shorten the width of our table by an inch. Our table is 5'11" wide and 12' long. I am 6 foot tall and my gaming friends run between 5'8" and 6'3". The dimensions of our table work well for us.

I have short legs so I was thinking about 32 inch's high.

If building, then I suggest an adjustable base: either electronic, or mechanical. Search the Internet.

If you want a custom, purpose-built, gaming table, then I would recommend contacting TablesByDavis@gmail.com.

He builds heirloom quality, solid Hickory gaming tables, with/without adjustable bases. Basic Prinz Table starts at $1,000 USD (4' x 6', fixed base, no pull-out drawers) to $2,000 USD (electronic adjustable base, touch a button to raise/lower tabletop: 28" – 60"); Konig Table features pull-out drawers on both sides, and both ends, optional adjustable base, same as Prinz Table, $5,000 USD (5' x 9'; fixed height base) to $7,000 USD (5' x 9'; adjustable height base, 28" – 60"; eight player stations, with pull-out drawers). He has photos available. Web site should be up within two weeks. Cheers!

6' depth seems to be a maximum unless you're choosing players for reach, and if you have the room, go for it. It's a lot easier to not use depth you have than it is to use depth you don't have. Also, the narrower the table, the more you'll have to tinker with rules to permit maneuver and defense in depth.

But remember none of this is an absolute. There have been plenty of good wargames fought out on card tables. The players just have to adjust to their circumstances.

Years ago I purchased six folding tables that were 2 1/2 feet wide and 5 feet long. I put them together giving me a table that was 5 feet wide and 15 feet long. I also bought a bunch of folding chairs and put them against the walls in case people wanted to sit during the game. Most of the game they stand but later into the game a few sit. Has worked real well without a whole lot of expense and work building a table.

I have a friend who built a table 6' wide by 16' long. He ended up cutting a 2' wide section out at 8' because most of the games being played were four players and a 6'x8' was enough. We spent a lot of time walking around the table as most of us were too short to reach the otherside at times.

When set up the full length it is a spectacular table and he has a great eye for laying out the terrain.

Thanks guys for the in put. I think I will go with 5 x 12 and 32 inch high. Bar stools and folding chairs. :-)

Hunlion

Think about how high your kitchen countertops are and you sinks in the bathroom. Now imagine how your arms or back would feel working there for 6-8 hours.

I went with 40 inches tall on my table, it stayed up for 30 years before I moved. My new table will likely be that high too.

Whatever you do, get some saw horses and test the height with a few games before you commit in case it's too high or too low you can find out before it's too late.

Mike Bunkermeister Creek
Bunker Talk blog