Is there an ideal height for a workbench?
I don't think there is specific universal height as people aren't manufactured in a specific universal height.

Googling for "workbench height" returns many results asking the same thing: what is the best height for a workbench.

This page suggests the following method:


  A good rule of thumb is to make the workbench table the same height as
  the distance from the floor to your wrist when letting your arms hang
  down. So if you stand next to your table, the height would be exactly
  where your hands would be touching it if you put your palms on the
  table.


The page goes on to say that you should consider the type of work you'll be doing. If you're doing lots of detail work, you may want to sit (so the bench shouldn't be too low or too high to accommodate a chair). If you're standing and decide to put those foam mats down to make it more comfortable, you might want to add a half inch or so. The final suggestion is if you have the space for it, have more than one workbench.