"Optimum table height?" Topic

Just wondering if anyone else out there has contemplated raising the height of your wargaming table? The normal height for most tables is about 30" and this is a bit low for folks like myself with a bad back. I've been looking at ways to raise the table height of standard foldable tables.

They make risers you can use to raise the height up about 8-9" but the easiest and most stable way I have thought of was to go with two 2.5'x8' tables and put an inflatable queen sized mattress on top to raise the height. With varying heights for the mattresses you should be able to find a height that's comfortable. For myself I decided on a 10" high mattress.

Ping pong table height is what I used for years.
It is also the height of custom made German and Middle East terrain boards for use at the Fort Riley and Fort Hood.

I have a heighten wargaming table. I'll have to measure to get exact height. I cut 3 pieces per side of 2"x6" lumber and stacked them under the table giving me ~4.75-5.5" of added height.

And may add another one or two pieces or I may stand the lumber on its side and build a rectangular box to support the table.

I have an IKEA wood table with steel support legs and I use a 4'x6' piece of plywood on top.

I also do not like to lean over a low board. It has made a big difference in my enjoyment factor.

Kitchen countertop height in the US is 36 inches.

I made may wargame table 40 inches high because I am tall and don't want to bend over the table all day. I anticipate the players will be standing. I want to be able to reach the center of the table. My tables are 7 feet wide and I keep step stools handy for those who need help reaching the center.

It also makes the table high enough to store my collection underneath on shelving designed for my underbed storage boxes.
link

Mike Bunkermeister Creek
Bunker Talk blog

I (mostly) take the opposite approach and lower the wargamer, playing on a card table, but sitting down. For a standing game, I'd agree that 36" is better. Beyond that, you might want to measure your opponents as well as yourselves.

Like Robert, we mainly play sitting these days. I put my back out leaning over a Wargames table 20 years ago and it has never healed properly.

We do play the odd larger game standing, and yes, taller tables help but as you say, standard folding tables are the height they are.

A lot of gamers do like/want large tables. This would inevitably require some standing and stretching.
The games I play are usually 5x3 on a6x4 table. Table height 31 inches.
That allows off table junk space and the ability to reach whilst sitting comfortably.
I dislike games which use the whole table space and thus necessitate clutter (dice, rules, spare figures etc) all over the gaming area.

The local gaming centre has tables of 38" height. I find they make me stand up, which I do not like.

Reaching is easier if the table depth is less. Maybe have the junk off table space to the sides instead of to the player's front?

martin

As seen from the varying answers above, you have to decide what is best for you. I have a 6' X 8' table which is 34" high. I can barely reach the middle (I am 5'6" tall) but I set up battle dioramas rather than game on it, so I need the width for gun ranges to look right for AWI 28mm scenes and 15mm TYW scenes.

I custom build my table 8x4 and 39 inches from floor to tabletop.

The base is made up of 8- 18 inch fiberboard. Two fiberboard panels are connected forming and L shaped support. There is plenty of storage space below the table.

I also build a floating side table 2x4 (on wheels with height adjustment knobs) that is mainly used for reinforcement, casualties, and rules.

Finally, I build a 2x2 dice table (also on wheels) that fits under the gaming table when not in use.

There are adjustable table leg systems. My custom built gaming table has them: table height can be adjusted at the touch of a button, from 29" to 59". There are issues, I have learned, in using this height adjustment system: cost is very high (typically $500 USD to $1,000 USD+ for the hardware -- installation is extra); requires custom fitting to your tabletop (your table may need to be adapted for the lift system to work); any chosen height will not satisfy all of your gamer friends -- there is no one height that will make everyone happy around your table…

I heard a player complain about the table height, during a game, as it was bothering his back, bending over my table. I adjusted the table to a higher setting. After 30 minutes, the other players asked that I return it to its original height…

For gaming, it seems like it is a non-starter. LOL! My wife, however, cuts and sews quilts, she weaves, and she pursues other fiber/fabric crafts. She loves the adjustable table height, and size (5.5' x 9.5'), for cutting fabric, and working other fiber projects!

One size will never fit all. Pick a fixed table height that works for you, personally, and which will not bother your gamer friends too much… Cheers!

If I had to pick one height it would be 36".
Much less than that my back suffers.
Much higher than that makes reaching the center harder.

Bar stoles with a back support does seem to make the best chair for me.

Our club's tables are 36". We have a 6x12 and several 6x4s.

We have backless stools and backed bar stools for sitting when its your opponent's turn.

Also prefer a higher table

Table space is 4x8 at 42" high

Used 4x4 posts in 2 sections – so easier to move table when I move or need the room for another purpose

I like 30". Taller tables require step stools for me. If you've got one, I'm game.