What is YOUR preferred train table height?

I have the same question . Getting ready to start bench work fo a 40’x18’ layout and have a 5 year old granddaughter and the do not want the same sore back and bending so I also am wondering what suggestions all these forum folks have on this subject!

I liked 48" high for just myself.  When considering this layout build, I wanted to make it accessible for grandchildren, though we don't have any yet.  I finally decided on 44" for the lowest track and 49" for the highest.  They can use stools, or I'll make wooden platforms for them to stand on, since they grow so fast anyway.  Who knows, it may end up just being me alone using it anyway.

How tall you are would seem to be a large factor of how much bending you will need to do and how sore your back might get....

5', 6'6", other???

Personally I go for 42" now, and I'm right about 6' tall. (though I do not have kids I was trying to build it for - and I am only approaching middle age (40s), so not too worried about bending/reaching yet).  My dad used to go with 36", which was fine as I was growing up, but I was older by the time I was spending significant time on my own layout (HO at the time, but shouldn't affect the goal much).

-Dave

32' Nick I like to look slightly down at it You can see more and reach better. Also when you are laying under it to do electrical you can reach without a struggle. Nick

42 inches.

42"

I am 5 feet 7 inches tall and all my indoor layouts have been 48 inches high.

I built a large portable layout for a show once that was 36 inches high so kids could see it.

I have nine grandchildren and if they want to look at the layout they stand on these otherwise I give them a box of figures and they play under the layout (kids have great imaginations they don't need a fully detailed layout to have fun) or with this I built it myself 10 years ago which is 16 inches high. Roo.

I agree on the 48" height. From a top perspective, It is a view of the trains coming at you, hence a more realistic view.  Lower is like a Jolly Green Giant view where you overlook the operation.  On the bottom perspective, and for your smaller layout I am not sure that it is an overriding factor, is you will be spending a great deal of time under the layout.  At 48" you can comfortably sit on a stool (Preferably one with casters) and do your wiring.

48". Building it at a height that is best for me (since I am the one building it) and which allows me to reach almost all areas without additional aids aside from a two-step folding stool. Ample storage area underneath the benchwork, with recessed shelves and supports so there is no stubbing toes or hitting knees.

Standard Kitchen counter top height is 36".   Those sweet ladies using a kitchen are usually a bit shorter than you or me.   A Kitchen would be a good test height to start with.    Bathroom vanities are shorter 30"  

Loose-Caboose posted:

I agree on the 48" height. From a top perspective, It is a view of the trains coming at you, hence a more realistic view.  Lower is like a Jolly Green Giant view where you overlook the operation.  On the bottom perspective, and for your smaller layout I am not sure that it is an overriding factor, is you will be spending a great deal of time under the layout.  At 48" you can comfortably sit on a stool (Preferably one with casters) and do your wiring.

That point brings up the question if the layout is just for trains, or also maybe accessories.

The optimal height may depend on what you are trying to see during layout operations.

I personally feel the "Jolly Green Giant" view can be preferable, particularly if you are trying to see a fair number of operating accessories and not just the trains going by.

-Dave

I guess the good thing about building lower is that we can always bend down to see the angle we want. If it was too high, you are stuck with it. As an adult I would think something around 48-52" maybe cool. Maybe then a staging level underneath?

 I built mine at workbench height and the grand kids are happy. So I have learned to live with it.

For myself, I built at 36". For some people I've built lay outs for the preferred height is 32"

32". The lower height gives me a longer effective reach. Front-back in the yard area is 42".

Mine is at 30 inches. My son is three and 30 inches is a good height with him standing on a step stool. I could always jack it up some if I get the itch, but I'm good with it as it is.

Mine is 50" and perfect for me. Plenty of space underneath for storage. 

Dave

32" is the perfect height for me.  No need to go into all the whys.

This is a shelf layout....  24 feet long, turnarounds are about 9 feet out from the wall.....

I have found that the 32 inch height is working out for my grandchildren, ages 3 & 4.

Gary: Just hanging out in the Train Room, watching "March Madness".

My layout is 40" high, the standard height offered by Mianne. 1/2-inch plywood and 1 inch of homasote, and I'm at 41.5".  I wouldn't want to go any higher than that; if I could do it over again, I'd probably drop it 4". 

If built correctly you never have to worry about getting under it, right?

My ideal height is around 36" but I will go between 30" and 42".  I like being able to watch the trains run while I am sitting down.  The lower height also made it easier for me to work on scenery or to fix a derailed loco or car at the back of the layout.

I built mine at 42", but then raised the floor 12" in the aisles, for a net of 30" to view, but 42" to work underneath. I use a rolling office chair for much of my topside work, and just sit on the floor down below.

If I can't reach from the seated position, 30" is easy to lean over.

I also have an upper deck at 72" off the concrete, but only 60" off the raised aisle. A step stool or a ladder are used depending on how far back I need to reach.

My ideal height is 36".  I have easy access and viewing for my layout and it's easier for kids too!

Thanks for all the great replies. Currently, as mentioned, my layout is sitting on temporary sawhorses while under construction. The top is at 41" on those. I am having trouble reaching in the 2 1/2' to the middle, for laying track etc., without standing on a step stool. Since reach is a problem already, and I am going to have several operating accessories toward the middle of the layout, I am going to go lower. I just did a mockup with some leftover plywood, set at 36". I believe that is what I am going to use. It was much easier to reach 2 1/2' across the table, and this height does not require much bending over. So, got to go get the saw and get to work.

Jeff