How much height between the first row of seats and 2nd row?

There are a lot of factors involved in this. No way to give you a clear cut answer. Screen height, distance between rows, chair height, etc., all play a role in determining overall riser height.

If I remember correctly, my riser ended up being about 11", and I wouldn't have complained if it had been a little higher.

This link will give you a nice starting point.
http://www.diymovierooms.com/calculator_riser_height.aspx

9

I build my riser out of 2x6 but the back chairs are taller than the front so I've got 9-10".

I built mine with 2x12's. My ceilings in my basement are not that high. I have a 106" screen and anything lower than 11.5" the back row could not see the bottom of the screen. In my theater build thread I have some pics of my riser.

There is a riser calculator in the Dedicated Theater construction area.
http://www.avsforum.com/t/505237/riser-height-calculator
Edited by louisdamani - 1/17/13 at 7:10am

my riser ended up 14" tall. link t o the build is in Sig line