DIY Standing Desk for Laptop

Take a look at the next project I’m working on. A DIY standing desk for your laptop. Create a dedicated workspace in the home while using space efficiently.

<Download PDF Instructions and Parts/Cut List>

We are all working more from home these days and that puts that extra bit of demand on the workspace. My wife and I use the dining table as a makeshift workspace but it’s hardly functional. The kids are also having online school so they compete for desk space when they can. And often win…

This basic standing desk has a small footprint. The frame for the desk, which are two 2×4 timber posts, is set up against the wall. The desktop fastens to the posts using shelf supports. All in all, it takes up little space.

It’s quick and easy to build and you can locate it anywhere in the apartment. The timber posts are easy to set up using Labrico 2×4 Adjuster brackets. There is a top and bottom bracket which pop on each end of the 2×4 post. The top bracket tightens against the ceiling by turning the adjusting screw.

It’s held there by tension with no tools required.

I decided to set up my standing desk next to the countertop in the kitchen. This is great for when I’m cooking or preparing a meal. I can quickly get onto the laptop to check my work emails or facebook posts.

I wanted to show you how little space this desk takes up. You can see in the photo below that I can put a set of kitchen shelves under the desk and still have enough space to work.

Add a pegboard for important notices, calendars and stationery items. This is great for extra space. Be sure to leave enough gap between the bottom of the pegboard and your opened laptop.

Supplies

• Labrico 2×4 Adjuster brackets x 2
• 2×4 Wood post vertical x 2
• 9” x 7” shelf brackets x 2
• 86 cm x 60 cm (12″ x 25″) pine board shelf x 1
• 86cm x 60 cm pegboard x 1
• 1 ¼” wood screws for pegboard
• ¾” wood screws for shelf bracket

Step 1: Choose the Location

Select location.

The Labrico 2×4 Adjuster brackets need a flat and sturdy ceiling and floor.

Check the ceiling and floor.

Step 2: Calculate the Length of 2x4 Timber You Need

To calculate the length of 2x4 timber you need to buy, use this calculation.

Ceiling height minus 95mm (3.7") = 2x4 length

Tip: The hardware store can cut the wood for free or sometimes they charge a small fee per cut. It saves having to do it yourself.

Step 3: Pop on the Brackets

Pop on the upper and bottom bracket onto the wood post.

The bracket with the adjusting screw goes on the top of the timber.

Step 4: Position the Timber

Lift the wood post into place.

Step 5: Fasten Bracket to the Ceiling

Turn the adjusting screw clockwise to tighten the upper cap against the ceiling.

Step 6: Check the Level

Use a spirit level to check the wood post is vertical.

If not, loosen the adjusting screw and reposition.

Step 7: Setup the Framework

Setup 2 posts 65cm (25”) apart

Step 8: Fasten the Shelf Brackets

Mark a spot on the post 100cm (40”) from the floor.

Fasten the 7” x 9” shelf brackets to the post.

The 7” length fastens to the post. The 9” length fastens under the desk board.

Step 9: Mark Holes for the Desk Top

Place the desk board on the shelf brackets and centre.

Mark the screw holes from underneath.

Step 10: Drill Pilot Holes for the Desk Top

Take the desk board off the shelf brackets.

Using the marked spots, drill pilot holes.

Step 11: Fasten the Desktop

Place the desk back onto the shelf brackets and use screws to fasten.

Step 12: Finished!

Step 13: MORE Storage? Add a Pegboard

Here are the dimensions that I used to add a pegboard.

You can definitely customize this to suit your needs.

Step 14: A Tip!

Just make sure with the pegboard, you have enough height to fully open your laptop.