Turn Your Desk into a Standing Desk: A Simple Guide
Affordable Standing Desk Solutions: Building Your Own
For those interested in incorporating a standing desk into their workspace, whether driven by current trends or a desire to explore the potential advantages, a significant barrier often presents itself: the expense. Fortunately, several options exist that allow you to construct a functional standing desk without incurring substantial costs.
The Rise of Standing Desks in the Tech Industry
Standing desks have gained considerable traction, particularly within the technology sector, due to the prevalence of computer-based jobs. Many professionals spend the majority of their workday seated, prompting exploration into alternative work configurations.
Extensive research has been conducted regarding the advantages of working while standing, alongside considerations of potential risks. Notably, several contributors to How-To Geek have already adopted a standing work style.
Focusing on Implementation, Not Debate
A detailed discussion of the pros and cons of standing during work is beyond the scope of this article, as the debate continues. However, if you've made the decision to begin standing at your computer, the following ideas and guidance can help you initiate the transition.
These suggestions aim to provide inspiration and practical advice for creating a standing desk setup that suits your needs and budget.
Ideas for Building a Free Standing Desk
- Consider repurposing existing furniture to achieve the desired height.
- Stack sturdy boxes or books to elevate your monitor and keyboard.
- Explore DIY plans utilizing readily available materials.
Implementing these strategies can provide a cost-effective pathway to experiencing the potential benefits of a standing desk.
Transforming Your Current Desk for Standing Use
Initiating a standing work routine can be simplified by repurposing your existing desk, as you already possess a suitable base. Standard desks, however, typically fall short in height for comfortable standing work, necessitating an adjustment to elevate the work surface.
Two primary approaches exist for adapting your desk to a standing height.
- Positioning items atop the desk to raise the keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
- Placing supports beneath the desk to increase the overall height of the desktop.
Both strategies are viable, and implementation may be achievable without cost, contingent upon available resources and the desk’s design.
Elevating Your Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitor
For a detailed view or further details, click on each image.
A straightforward method for creating a standing workspace involves placing objects on your desk to achieve the necessary height for your computer peripherals. This approach is often simpler as it doesn’t require supporting the entire desk’s weight and frequently utilizes readily available items.
Consider these items for raising your input/output devices:
- Books
- A chair
- A small table
- Boxes
- Shelves
Any stable object capable of elevating and securing your computer accessories – or potentially just your laptop – will suffice.
Potential drawbacks of this method include:
- Possible instability, depending on the chosen materials.
- A reduction in available work surface area.
If your work involves substantial non-computer tasks, the alternative method may be more suitable.
Advantages of this approach:
- Simple and quick setup.
- Facilitates easy transitions between sitting and standing.
- Cost-effective, often utilizing existing resources.
- Adaptable to a wider range of desk types due to flat surfaces.
Increasing the Desk’s Overall Height
Alternatively, you can elevate the entire desk by placing supports under the legs. The appropriate materials will depend on the desk leg style and the desk’s weight.
Suitable options include:
- Wood blocks
- Reams of paper or full boxes of paper
- Milk crates
- Chairs
- End tables
- Bed risers or vases
Numerous possibilities exist; prioritize level, sturdy supports capable of bearing the desk’s weight, and you’ll likely require four such supports.
Potential drawbacks of this method:
- More challenging to switch between sitting and standing (unless a high chair/stool is available).
- Requires robust materials to support the desk’s weight.
- Desk legs may vary, necessitating finding suitable supports.
Advantages of this method:
- Maintains the full work surface area.
- Unimpeded access to desk drawers and shelves.
- Avoids desktop obstruction at thigh/waist level.
- Offers stability comparable to a desk placed directly on the floor.
Further Considerations
Should modifying your current desk prove unsuitable, or if you anticipate purchasing a new desk in the future, a subsequent article will detail options for constructing a standing desk from scratch or acquiring a pre-built model.