Standard height and width for bench on a deck - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

AutumnWood Inc. · 03-31-2009, 06:28 PM

Is there a typical height and width for a bench on a deck

Thank You

**framerman** · 03-31-2009, 06:56 PM

I think the height of seats is 19" from my recollection.

billy d · 03-31-2009, 07:02 PM

A table hovers around the 30" mark and chairs around 18".

**BuiltByMAC** · 03-31-2009, 07:05 PM

18"-19" for both is a good number - usually three deck boards wide +/- trim...

Mac

billy d · 03-31-2009, 07:47 PM

An interesting point this.Awhile back when fitting boats out I had to get deep into this subject because the arc's drawings where sketchy to say the least.What I found out is although people believe that there is standard measurements in fact there are only prepositional measurements.
An Architect named Palladio from the middle ages had studied a roman architect named Vitruvius who noted the various prepositions of the body.
while these where known in the middle ages no one could come up with a drawing to scale.Leonardo da Vinci was the first to do the drawing.(I think we have all seen it).The drawing shows a man inside a circle with his arms and legs out stretched this is the Vitruvian man.The drawing is still used to day.I've often made work tops in a kitchen higher than normal to stop people leaning over to much.This can be used when trying to sell the job because what you are selling is a bespoke job ie made to measure. billy

macatawacab · 03-31-2009, 08:41 PM

18" is chair ht. 12" deep is good but you can go a little deeper. Three boards would be 16".

Look at your computer drawing and I always make my stairs off a deck to lawn 14" to 16" run. way more comfortable

bmcquin · 03-31-2009, 09:16 PM

I've always built my benches 16 1/2' above finished deck and 18" wide with fascia. I use any fall off pieces that are long enough for the top, keeps the trash to a minimum.
On my steps I typically go 18" wide, matches up really well with the benches wherever they meet. I will go down to a 12" wide step if needed due to either space or height considerations.
Just remember here in Houston a "tall" deck is 18" above grade............. 50' above sea level and 50 miles from the coast means not much slope in the yards around here.

deckman22 · 03-31-2009, 09:35 PM

I build them according to the size of the customer, short people 18" tall, taller folks 20". Always 3- 2x6's wide, 2 is too narrow & 4 boards is too wide.

Five Star · 04-01-2009, 07:52 AM

i make mine 18h and 15 wide but i run my scrapes short ways then skirt it around.

Stone Mountain · 04-01-2009, 01:56 PM

18" high, 15-16" wide. I do 3 2x4 flat with a 2x4 bullnose all around.

John Hyatt · 04-01-2009, 07:28 PM

When I first stared building benches I went out and put the tape on chairs at a few local places. Basic we sit on 16'' wide x16'' high this varies sometimes to 18'' wide one way or the other. If the Wallet is going to lay out on the project 24''--32'' wide is cool but the 16-18'' high still goes pretty well with us basic carbon units.

Spring time is on Gentelmen!!! here is a big bent elbow to all you Deck Contrators with the Tecate. Lets have a good season,pay the bills, get the little Lady a spakley,keep the tires down and paint up on the Scoots, make the Wallet happy,Take a trip to New Mexico, And...

Go Get Em Boys!!! John Mon

knucklehead · 04-01-2009, 07:59 PM

I am kinda tall , I make the seat 24" and the table 42"

deckspec · 04-11-2009, 07:12 PM

16" high works real nice and 16 to 20" wide

**Gus Dering** · 04-11-2009, 07:33 PM

The rule of thumb that can vary a bit but should be considered is the height of the seat should be 12" lower than the table.
Most tables and desks are 29 -30" high. Placing chairs at about 16 -18" high.
Bar height is 42" making most stools around 30" high.

So your benches all seem to fit into that chair category of 16 -18" high.
The depth would be a design choice rather than comfort if there is no back on it.