Affordable Stand Up Desk

I got tired of sitting and decided to build an affordable stand up desk for the office. We have three treadmill desks in our office, but I only needed to get out of my chair. It took a little while to adjust to standing up, but now I can't quite see going back to sitting. I also bought a stool that I use a little bit during the day or if I've had too much exercise over the weekend.

Before you get started, figure out your measurements. This is a good resource to help you get started and make sure to allow for the height of the keyboard you plan to be using. You might want your measurements on the low side as you can always raise your keyboard/mouse with some kind of riser. Cutting down your desk afterward is a bit tougher, which I found out the hard way. I use a books and magazines to fine tune the finished heights.

I bought all of these at Home Depot for about $80.

3 - 8' 2x2
1 - 4' x 24" top
1 - 1" 4'x8' sheet of nice plywood

Follow the pictures and image notes to walk through the process of building this desk.

Happy standing!

Comments

[Beakers]

You can fix the shaking (racking) by nailing / screwing a 2x diagonally across the back, say from just underneath the shelf to about halfway down the other side. The cut is a little tricky because the sides are at an angle and you are putting the board at an angle. Once you get that in place the desk is rock solid.

[hokies9402]

I just made this desk this past weekend. Thanks for posting the pics. It was a nice clean design and easy to make. I did add a shelf about 18" from the bottom for my computer tower and a board across the back for support. Do you have much problem with shaking?

[randofo]

You should put up a picture of the desk in use.

[chaz343]

On the right side, ewilhelm has a photo of his treadmill desk, but not in use. I agree. Would like to see one in motion. Wondering how difficult it is to type as one steps on the treadmill.