The right workbench height depends on your elbow height and the kind of work you do, not on one number that fits everyone. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) gives a simple rule for standing work: precision work about 5 cm (roughly 2 inches) above elbow height, light work about 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) below elbow height, and heavy work demanding downward force 20 to 40 cm (about 8 to 16 inches) below elbow height. Below: how to size height, depth and width for your garage, with real listings.
Workbench height by task: the quick answer
These ranges come from the CCOHS page on working in a standing position. Inch figures are our conversions.
| Type of work | Examples | Surface height (CCOHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | Writing, electronics assembly | About 2 in above elbow height, with elbow support |
| Light | Assembly, mechanical jobs | About 2 to 4 in below elbow height |
| Heavy | Work that needs downward force | About 8 to 16 in below elbow height |
CCOHS also advises keeping regular operations within easy reach and your body close to the work.
How to find your own number
- Stand in the shoes you wear in the garage, relax your shoulders, and bend your arm to about 90 degrees.
- Have someone measure from the floor to the underside of your elbow. That is your elbow height.
- Apply the CCOHS offset for the work you do most often.
- If you split your time, favor your main task and adjust the work instead: a riser block for small parts, a lower stand for heavy jobs.
Some woodworkers use a wrist-height check instead; treat that as informal. Thick anti-fatigue mats raise you, so measure standing on the floor surface you will actually use.
Precision, light and heavy work at one garage workbench
A single fixed garage workbench is a compromise. Small engine repair or soldering favors a taller surface so you do not hunch; planing, hammering or pressing parts favors a lower one so you can use body weight. If you do both, consider adjustable legs, or a fixed bench plus a bench-top riser for detail work.
Workbench depth and width by garage size
Workbench depth decides how much you can spread out and how far you reach. The Tennsco benches we list come in 30 inch and 36 inch depths, and widths of 48, 60, 72 and 96 inches depending on the model.
- Tight one-car garage or a bench along the wall in front of a parked car: 30 inch depth and 48 to 60 inch width keeps the walkway open.
- Two-car garage with one bay as a shop: 30 or 36 inch depth and 72 inch width gives room for a vise, a project and a parts tray.
- Dedicated shop or long wall: 96 inch width handles long boards and multiple projects; 36 inch depth suits large assemblies.
Deeper is not always better. CCOHS warns against overreaching beyond the point of comfort, so a 30 inch top is often easier to work across.
Clearance around the bench
Measure the bench footprint, then add standing room in front plus space to open drawers or swing a board. Check that car doors still open fully, the garage door track is clear, and nothing blocks the door to the house. CCOHS also recommends room to change working position.
Adjustable vs fixed workbench height
Tennsco’s adjustable leg benches list legs that adjust from 28 to 35 inches in 1.5 inch increments. That range covers seated work at the low end and standing light work for many adults at the high end. Fixed flared-leg benches trade adjustability for a wider stance. Tennsco’s catalog listings show 33 1/2 inches high for the steel top and 33 3/4 inches for the butcher block top in the 30 by 48 inch size. Both styles have feet pre-drilled for bolting to the floor, according to the listings.
Mobile benches and casters
A mobile bench makes sense when the car has to come back in every night. The Tennsco Mobile Workbench lists welded heavy gauge steel, side and back rails, lockable drawers and cabinets, two fixed and two locking swivel casters, and a 1,000 lb capacity. Its dimensions are not listed. For a stationary bench, the Caster Kit for Tennsco Workbenches adds two fixed and two locking swivel casters with 5 inch wheels. Casters add height, so subtract the added height from your target before choosing leg settings. Lock the casters before heavy work.
Load ratings and worktop materials
Rely only on stated capacities. The Tennsco Electric Workbench lists 1,800 lbs and the Mobile Workbench lists 1,000 lbs. Load ratings are not listed on the adjustable and flared-leg bench pages, so call us to confirm before loading an engine block or a heavy vise.
- Steel: 12 gauge top reinforced with 14 gauge end channels, smooth and rust resistant. Good for oil, metalwork and automotive parts.
- Solid laminated hardwood: resandable, described as ideal for delicate machined parts and dies. Good for woodworking and tool work you do not want marred.
- High pressure plastic laminate: smooth and non-conductive, described for electronics assembly.
- Compressed wood: smooth sealed finish, aimed at general assembly.
Lighting and power outlets near a garage workbench
Good light and close outlets matter as much as height. Tennsco’s adjustable and flared legs have knockouts that accept a duplex electrical outlet, and the Electric Workbench has a front panel that accepts four duplex outlets with a master switch; its listing notes a Tennsco wiring kit is sold separately. Any wiring, new circuit or outlet should be installed by a licensed electrician, and local code has the final word on garage circuits and GFCI protection. Planning shop heat too? See our infrared garage heater guide.
Garage workbench comparison
Listing prices can change; “From” is the lowest variant.
| Workbench | Height | Width and depth | Top | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennsco Adjustable Legs, Steel Top | 28 to 35 in adjustable | 48 to 96 in W, 30 or 36 in D | 12 gauge steel | Not listed | From $342.35 |
| Tennsco Adjustable Legs, Hardwood Top | 28 to 35 in adjustable | 48 to 72 in W, 30 or 36 in D | Laminated hardwood | Not listed | From $589.83 |
| Tennsco Adjustable Legs, Laminate Top | 28 to 35 in adjustable | 60 or 72 in W, 30 or 36 in D | Plastic laminate | Not listed | From $485.25 |
| Tennsco Flared Legs, Steel Top | Fixed, not listed on this page | 48 to 96 in W, 30 or 36 in D | 12 gauge steel | Not listed | From $333.83 |
| Tennsco Electric Workbench, Steel Top | Not listed | Not listed | 12 gauge steel | 1,800 lbs | $562.48 |
| Tennsco Mobile Workbench | Not listed | Not listed | Hardboard laminate | 1,000 lbs | From $965.63 |
| 67 in Wood Workbench with Vise | 33.5 in | 67 x 26.8 in | Butcher block | Not listed | $1,913.99 |
| 7 ft Tool Cabinets with Workbench | 38.19 in | 87.8 x 23.62 in | Not listed | Not listed | $2,252.99 |
The 67 inch wood bench’s title says beech while its description says rubber wood, so confirm the material with us before ordering. The Tennsco adjustable and flared benches list LTL pallet freight and a usual ship time of 16 weeks. For the rest of the garage, see our NewAge garage cabinets review and garage floor tiles vs epoxy guide, or browse all Tennsco workbenches and storage.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good workbench height for a garage?
Start from your elbow height. CCOHS suggests about 2 to 4 inches below elbow height for light work and 8 to 16 inches below for heavy work. Many fixed benches we carry sit near 33 1/2 inches.
How deep should a garage workbench be?
Workbench depth of 30 inches suits most wall benches and smaller garages. Choose 36 inches if you build large assemblies and can comfortably reach across it.
Is an adjustable height workbench worth it?
Yes if more than one person uses the bench or you switch between precision and heavy work. Tennsco’s adjustable legs list 28 to 35 inches.
Can I add outlets to a workbench?
Some Tennsco legs and panels accept duplex outlets, but have a licensed electrician do the wiring to local code.
Questions about sizing or a specific bench? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. We offer free freight shipping on orders of $999 or more, and a $200 flat freight rate below that. Before you order, review our return and refund policy.
