Electric Height Adjustable Desk
Intro: Electric Height Adjustable Desk
I really wanted a geek desk, but they're like 1,000 dollars. So I built my own for about 200 bucks (not including top). This is simply a regular desk that can rise up with a push of a button and turn into a standing desk. It takes about one minute to raise, speedier linear actuators are expensive.
Parts
Pair of linear actuators (found on eBay for 150)
Premium pine (Home Depot 50 bucks)
12v power supply (found in my electronics junk box)
wire
screws
electrical tape
Tools
miter saw
drill
clamps
wire cutters
stapler
Parts
Pair of linear actuators (found on eBay for 150)
Premium pine (Home Depot 50 bucks)
12v power supply (found in my electronics junk box)
wire
screws
electrical tape
Tools
miter saw
drill
clamps
wire cutters
stapler
STEP 1: Design
I wanted to figure out how this thing would all fit together before I started making any cuts. So I drafted a 3D mock up in Autodesk Maya. I know Maya is usually used for animation, but it’s what I know, and it works. I wanted to take my current IKEA desk and just swap out the static legs for dynamic columns.
STEP 2: Gather All the Parts
I found a pair of linear actuators on eBay for only 150 bucks shipped. They came with a wiring harness too which is great because I don’t know anything about electricity. They have a 16 inch stroke and are rated at 220 pounds each, but I wouldn’t put more than two monitors on this desk.
I went to Home Depot to find some wood, I ended up spending about 50 dollars for premium pine. All the cheap pine was warped and I figured a telescoping column should probably have straight edges.
I went to Home Depot to find some wood, I ended up spending about 50 dollars for premium pine. All the cheap pine was warped and I figured a telescoping column should probably have straight edges.
STEP 3: Cut and Assemble the Legs
I’m basically going off my 3D mock up here for measurements
I mounted the linear actuator to a small wood base, then built the inner column around it. Then the outer column around the inner.
I tested the first leg built to see if it could lift the table top. It did, so I built another one.
I mounted the linear actuator to a small wood base, then built the inner column around it. Then the outer column around the inner.
I tested the first leg built to see if it could lift the table top. It did, so I built another one.
STEP 4: Attach Legs to Table Top
This was pretty simple. Just keep in mind that if you plan on using an IKEA table top, most of them are just made of cardboard, so drilling legs into it isn’t strongest hold.
STEP 5: Mount the Switch and Route the Wires
I just drilled out a large hole in the side of the table top to mount the switch
I ran some extra wire so the desk could rise without snags.
I ran some extra wire so the desk could rise without snags.
STEP 6: Finished
Takes about 60 seconds to change position, cost about 200 bucks.
Recap:
If I spent maybe another 200 on the linear actuators I think they would be a bit faster and stronger. Also I would have rather had 18 or 20 inch stroke, but 16 was the most affordable.
The legs are definitely version 1.0, I know they don’t have to be this big, it was just really easy to make it this way.
I will eventually add something to program height positions. So I could just press the button once instead of having to hold it down. I have a Raspberry Pi laying around here somewhere.
80 Comments
Cometeer 10 years ago
jwilcott 10 years ago
Flor Degrande 1 year ago
Like the idea and the mechanical side is good. Maybe you could integrate a microcontroller for control using a pc or an app.
brilliantpunk 2 years ago
deeO57 4 years ago
would like to build one for my daughter and husband. Where can I find the lumber cut list and more detailed assembly instructions?
Thank you!
Dee O
RichardW58 5 years ago
Did you ever get around to adding a raspberry pi
themitchell 5 years ago
You mention that the actuators can handle 220lbs each but then say you would only put 2 monitors on the top. Can I ask why you would only put such a low weight on the table. Surely with the actuators that means you have an overall load weight of 440lbs which is huge or did i misunderstand?
Great project though, I'm hoping to build something similar for my turntable setup, with the turntables recessed, and then a lid on top so it can be used as a low sitting desk as well without turntables blocking desk usage but this is a significant chunk of weight but still not 220lbs.
DellA2 6 years ago
Ebb_27 7 years ago
How is the stability of the desk in the raised position? I am tempted by the simplicity of your design. However it looks like when it is in the raised position, the fit between the inner and outer columns would be the main thing keeping the desk top from rocking side to side. But if I make the fit too tight, I am concerned that seasonal expansion of the wood could make it bind. I imagine the issue would be that much greater if you used the longer linear actuators you suggested. Is this something I should be worried about?
maxpayne28 7 years ago
Do these 2 actuators sync at all time?? I would like to make a 4 leg version but i concern about they will out of sync
jwilcott 7 years ago
lampmanjosh 7 years ago
Hello, I'm interested in this project. Any ideas or tips to make this quieter? I have roommates, and don't want to disturb them.
Daniel_Lee1 7 years ago
pauldezo 7 years ago
Looks great. I want to make a similar set up for a 6X8 foot table top so it will be heavy. Do you think this will work for 4 legs? Any suggestions?
RogerSilva 8 years ago
Great article!
I am interested in doing a similar project.
Please, May you post/publish the project Autodesk Maya mock up file?
It was not clear for me how to mount the desk legs mechanism.
I appreciate any help you can give me
jwilcott 8 years ago
Sure thing, I added the Maya file to my site: Check it out here: http://justinwilcott.com/height-adjustable-desk/
teotsin 8 years ago
Thank you for this very nice instructable, makes the project look easy.
Once I get to round to gather the parts and do it, I ll post my effort.
Mohit Thakur 8 years ago
ElizabethJ8 8 years ago
I was wondering if you could do this as a pedestal table with just one support. I don't need that much clearance. That would take out the synchronization issue. Probably have to use a much more heavy duty actuator though. Great article! Thanks!
bonfire62 8 years ago
Might do this in a few weeks, here is a great option I just found on ebay for actuators, 12" and 14mm/s (or .5 inches per second).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-2PCS-12-Stroke-1000N-220lbs-12V-Linear-Actuators-Wireless-Control-Kits-/191611653852?hash=item2c9cf1cedc