Couch Height

[tcs339]

Hey there skoolie folk!

I'm having trouble determining the height of the wooden couch frame (sans cushion). Was originally thinking 16" and now feeling more like 14", but worried that even that may be too high for comfort. I can't go any lower than 12" due to my fresh water tank.

What dimensions has everyone used for their couches/seats/benches and how what are your feelings after sitting on it? I plan to spend plenty of time on it so comfort is highly important to me...

[Tango]

Actually, standard seat height these days is about 17".

[Ninjakitty]

We built 18" high plus 4" cushions. If I was to do it again, I'd go 14 or 15 high with 4" cushions

[tcs339]

Thanks for the responses. How tall are you fellas?

17" might be standard but I assume that includes the cushion height...? I'm only focused on the wooden frame at the moment.

[Ninjakitty]

I'm 5'5". I like a lower couch

[1olfart]

I'm 6'2" and have always said "ya gotta go with what works for you". I think this works well with couches and crappers. What works for John doesn't work so well with Jane.
That said I believe that if you subtract about 3-1/2" from what your comfort level is, you should end up with a good overall height for your frame. This allows for some "give" in the 4" cushion. Good luck

[Ronnie]

For boats, I usually build the seat frames at 14-15" then use 4" high density foam. This will sqeeze down to about 2-3 inchs when sat on.

Whats important is your feet will be able to comfortably be flat on the floor without the seat holding them up any. So this does become a personal thing. If in doubt best to be a little low rather then high.

[tcs339]

Thank you! Ronnie I think I'm leaning towards 14"--better low than high is a good tip, worst case I can make the cushion a bit thicker. And 1olfart subtracting 3.5" seems like a great rule of thumb.



PS...open to tips on custom cushions as well if anyone has ideas/experience...

[Ninjakitty]

Find your cushions before you build your couch unless you can sew. Custom cushions get expensive and so does sewing your own really. If you can find some new or second hand couch cushions in good shape you'll save a few hundred or more and not have to go through the hassle of building your own or outsourcing

[Sleddgracer]

I'm planning on making expandable benches that can double as beds, and use futon mattresses - cost for mattresses $155 upwards

[BlackJohn]

Planned my height from the couch I love best in the house.About 5 inch max cushions, three wide and a nice neutral brown colour.
So I made the frame from hemlock timbers and bolted together and thru the floor. Size about 78" overall length, 15" to top of frame from the rough floor. Now it sits at 14" with flooring. Width from wall out to aisle is about 32" I think, enough to support a 1/2 of a 2 piece queen size box frame. That frame is the back of the couch also. Cushions back on top of that for bed height, nose is just at window line for fresh air and a view.
Makes for a great inside workbench and tool rest in the meantime.



John

[geminusprime]

It wasn't exactly a couch, but I made a VR seat and couldn't figure out how high/low the seat should be, and didn't have many chairs/stools with enough different heights. Finally figured out a good solution that should work here:

An office chair.

It adjusts to low (~13") to high (~18" or more). Perfect for tailoring custom seating to your specific needs and height.