Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Jul 14, 2008 06:57pm | #1

   Nominal desk height is about 28". You can go up or down from that depending on the person's height, but the seat height of the chair that will be used with the desk is an even more significant factor.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   zolton | Jul 14, 2008 08:15pm | #2

   Steve,

   Thank you for the quick reply. I had an inkling that it was in the neighborhood of 29 inches or so - which is about what some tables are - so the 28 you cited will probably wind up what I'll make it.

   Now to come up with a low-tech design for the legs on this thing. It's kind of like putting lipstick on a pig..

   Thanks again,  ZoltonIf you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon

2. 
   AZMO | Jul 15, 2008 06:21am | #3

   Zolton, most desks are set at 29 to 30" tall. My moms antique secretary with a drop down table is set at 28" tall. I am a bit taller, and like mine at 30". Again it depends on the person and size of chair. If your client is over 6' I would err on the high side. Under 5'4" and go for the 28" size. Any shorter and they are invisible ;>) Morgan

                     

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   -------(*)/ (*)   http://www.EarthArtLandscape.com

1. 
   zolton | Jul 15, 2008 02:31pm | #8

   Thanks Morgan,

   I'm meeting with my client today to get a read on the height of the chair she'll use with this desk and we'll go from there.

   ZoltonIf you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon

1. 
   mufti | Jul 15, 2008 09:34pm | #9

   Hard to say to your client, but watch out for full thighs. On holiday, my party of four went out for a nice meal, three were OK but my thighs jammed between the table rail and my chair! And I am not odd, six foot one of mature attractive hunk and not too fat, but sitting on a lower chair would leave my chins on the table top. 

    

    

1. 
   zolton | Jul 15, 2008 11:16pm | #10

   "Hard to say to your client, but watch out for full thighs. "

   Mufti,

    Will do! I always look out for full thighs. Well, shapely ones anyway..

   Good pointer though. No worries with this particular client though..

   ZoltonIf you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon

3. 
   oldusty | Jul 15, 2008 07:17am | #4

   Zolton ,

               The advice given has been right on 28 - 30" for a desk surface is quite common .25  1/2"  - 26 1/2" for a typing or keyboard surface works well .

        Also important is the rule of ergonomics a seat is typically 12" lower than the surface , check to see what chair they plan to use , it may not be a standard ht .

       The design and look of the piece should also be taken into consideration .

                   regards    dusty

1. 
   zolton | Jul 15, 2008 02:29pm | #7

   Dusty,

    Thanks for replying about this desk height question. I'll query my client as to her preference with regard to the chair she'll use for the desk and go from there.

   ZoltonIf you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon

4. 
   sykesville | Jul 15, 2008 12:24pm | #5

   I made two desks about three years ago and concluded from research that they should be 29 inches, which seems perfect to everyone in my house (5'4", 5'6" and 5'9" (short family, I know). My question is, if what you have was made in the 20s-30s, how could one say it is not an antique?
   jack

1. 
   zolton | Jul 15, 2008 02:28pm | #6

   Jack,

   I guess my definition of "antique" would mean a piece of handmade furniture. This is obviously a factory piece, and a poor one at that. Here's an example of the faulty construction methods: the dividers for the drawers are attached to the carcase sides with nails. That's it. No dado or dovetail or anything else. Just nails. The carcase sides have spread apart about 1/4 inch on each side and there are gaps of that size between the ends of the divider rails and the sides.

   As I said, it's questionable whether or not this desk is worth saving, but it does have sentimental value for the client, so I'm going to do my best to "restore" it to working order again.

   Thanks for writing about the height issue. It looks as though I need to look at my client and the chair she is going to use at this desk. But between about 28-29 inches is probably where it's going to wind up.

   ZoltonIf you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon

5. 
   WillGeorge | Jul 16, 2008 03:39am | #11

   Writing desktop height?

   I never read past those words.. I have made more that a few for folks of all ages.. FUN to make!

   I go to the receiver and ask/see them write something! AND ask if they would like something higher or shorter for them to be relaxed when writing.

   I found even a inch or two makes a BIG difference to them.

   I have an adjustable mock up I/We use for the test.. Maybe a 100 dollars US to make it.  OK,  so not counting the knobs and bolts!

   You do not even need that. Just ask them if their arm wrist is swore after writing.. Gives you a clue! Old books for props or whatever they have around to make a table to test you theory on the subject.

6. 
   WillGeorge | Jul 16, 2008 03:42am | #12

   LOL...  LOL..

   If you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet.

   I think I have seen that more than a few times! I NEVER kill animals anymore...

   However,,,  I am NOT above eating a good Porterhouse Steak or even a hamburger!

    

   I never like Veggies!

1. 
   mufti | Jul 16, 2008 07:42pm | #13

   Come, come, there's nothing wrong will chewing the cud in the company of a few herbivores. Healthier than chewing the fat.

   Born in 38, never ate meat.