Web site layout sizing?

[Shaky-Developer]

Hey guys,

I'm designing a few sites for some friends meant for viewing from a desktop. I am pretty familiar with HTML and have used it before but mostly with templates. I am not sure what sizing to use for my layout container. I am developing an application mostly for desktops. What sizing should I use??

I have a 1920 x 1080 screen size for my development machine but not sure how to make my site look right for multiple different screen sizes. Should I develop against a 1280-1024 screen size which apparently is the average screen size..? Should I use Percentages or fixed width? I would appreciate any info..

[hamburglar]

The best way to figure out what statistics to use is by looking at the stats.

I build according to this: http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_display.asp

[handcraftedweb]

Assuming 1024px wide is a pretty safe bet, works well on netbooks and iPads. Personally, I don't like websites much wider than that, even on a big screen. If you want to get fancy research responsive design. Smashing Magazine really pushes that technique to the hilt, overdoing it a little I think. Try resizing your browser with that page up.

[cbVision]

Smashing Magazine really pushes that technique to the hilt, overdoing it a little I think.

Overdoing it? I think they've mastered the technique. The website looks beautiful on every screen size!

[handcraftedweb]

Overdoing it? I think they've mastered the technique. The website looks beautiful on every screen size!

It is impressive but I think things move around too much. For instance, when I change orientation on an iPad some nav menu items disappear, and this causes me to stop, think, look around for those lost items, etc.

[BrianJames]

That is the problem with different browsers.