Sitting for a prolonged period can cause severe health issues. Multiple studies have linked sitting to back and neck pain as a result of tightening your muscles; furthermore, sitting for hours each day can also increase risks for heart diseases, and obesity.
That’s why nowadays we are witnessing a surge in standing desks popularity. If you plan on jumping on this trend and are considering switching your regular desk for a standing desk, here is some information you should know:
What are standing desks?
Standing desks enable you to raise your computer high enough for you to be able to stand while doing your job. This helps you alleviate back and neck pain, makes you more productive, and few researches also linked standing with burning more calories.
Types of standing desks
Although in essence, all standing desks follow the same basic concept – allowing you to work while you stand, there are 3 different versions that you need to consider when buying/making one for yourself:
- fixed-height standing desks – have fixed height that can’t be adjusted;
- sit-stand desks – which are adjustable: they can be adjusted to either sitting or standing height;
- standing desk converters – adjustable desk units which you can place on an existing desk or surface and transform it into a standing desk.
We have compiled a list of 19 best, DIY standing desks (all three types included) that will inspire you to create one for yourself:
1. Simple & Portable Adjustable Standing Desk
This model of the adjustable standing desk allows you to go from a serving table that holds all of your snacks, to a standing desk ready for work duties within a few minutes.
The design features a center post that lets you adjust the height easily, and the smooth-rolling casters enable you to transport your desk from one room to another effortlessly, just roll it over any floor surface in your home.
2. Practical DIY Standing Desk Converter
While in the past the standing desks were seen as signs of a pretentious character, nowadays they are part of almost any office, and chances are you probably have already seen a similar design used by your coworkers.
This model was created by Popular Mechanics and is straightforward and easy for making; they also offer everything from plans and a list of required materials to guidelines for creating it. Check it out!
3. Classical, Adjustable DIY Sit-stand Desk
This sturdy, beautiful, classical sit-stand desk made by Family Handyman is one of our favorites due to her accommodating features: it can easily be transformed in both versions and is quite spacious which can be quite useful.
Made from pine boards, it looks like any classical desk, except that, you can adjust it to your preferences.
4. Rustic, Electric DIY Standing Desk
If you are ready to upgrade your desk and give it a modern look and few new, updated features such as adjustable height, then this idea is for you!
The design and footprints may look a bit more complex compared to the others since it is electric and includes a pair of 18-inch linear actuators and power supply, but if you follow David Gunter’s guide, you too will be able to recreate it in 5-6 hours (over the course of few days, as you will need to let the glue dry.)
5. How to Make a Standing Desk Out of Two Tall IKEA Cabinets
Well, if you want something super manageable, effortless to make, and ideal for any design, this idea by Domino is what you were looking for!
Made by combining two tall ikea cabinets with a pine board, it is not only easy to recreate, spacious, and stylish but also provides enough storage space for all of your work materials.
6. Industrial DIY Standing Desk Made from Galvanized Pipes
Why not put those pipes you had been tripping over from the garage to good use? If you don’t have any at home, don’t worry, Homedit, who created this design and offers the instructions on creating it claims that all of the materials are available at Home Depot.
The height of this standing desk can be adjusted just by switching out different sections of pipes, and the top, which is made of 2x12s wood boards, is big enough that allows for two people to work on it comfortably.
7. Easy as 1,2,3 – DIY Standing Desk Converter (Keyboard and Monitor Stands)
These are just child’s play for making! Truly, it can’t get any easier than this! Just measure the height you want and feel comfortable for you (you can do so via stacking books or boxes beneath your keyboard and monitor to see which height is comfortable for you) and measure the width.
Don’t forget to leave an extra few (9-10 inches) for the mouse. Then, follow Instructable’s guide and you will recreate this standing desk converter in no time.
8. Elegant 7-Steps DIY Standing Desk Converter
This lovely, elegant design may look like it was store-bought but it was actually made in 7 simple steps and you will need like an hour to create it.
Moreover, it is super affordable and easy to make, so it’s really an ideal solution for everyone! If you want to learn more, just visit Desk Advisor and follow their instructions, you will not regret it!
9. How to DIY a Standing Desk (Tall Person Friendly!)
Tall people, we understand the struggle and we got you covered as well! Around the World, L has created this inexpensive, ergonomic adjustable standing desk that doesn’t take much space and can be used in small areas.
Another great feature is that it can be easily adjusted to everyone’s height, from kids to tall adults. Finally, it is also super easy to make. Simply ideal!
10. Modern Evolution:from Shelf to A Diy Standing Desk
This is a multi-functional solution for everyone who looks for a simple, modern solution for their problems.
Using a shelf, you can easily recreate this design by Dream Green DIY, and save some money. The Best part is that you can use it as a shelf when not working or if you get tired of it and no longer need it.
11. Bookcase, Pet House, or Standing Desk? Why Not All-in-One?
If you are limited with space, which really all of us are, and are on a tight budget and can’t afford to spend hundreds of dollars on a new desk, (which, again, we understand and relate) or you simply like multi-functional pieces of furniture, we present to you the Bookcase-standing desk design.
The Verge has come up with this idea which allows you to convert a bookshelf into a standing desk. Our favorite part? The bottom shelf is officially pet-throne and allows your pet to join you in your office! How cute is that?
12. Straightforward DIY Standing Desk Converter
Your first thought – “why did I not think of that?” We wondered the same! Just Two stacked wooden crates and a shelf- do you really need more than that or any other explanation?
If yes, just check Richard Selwyn Jones blog and the instructions he offers.
13. IKEA LACK Coffee Table in the function of DIY Standing Desk Converter
For just under $45 you can give an upgrade to your desk and create a beautiful standing desk that can fit dual monitors, keyboard, and mouse!
It also blends nicely with the other interior and doesn’t stand out like some other standing desk converters. We must admit, the Ikea Hackers truly outdid themselves this time!
14. DIY Command Center – a Rolling Adjustable Height Desk on a Budget
Oh, well, where to begin with this one?! Another brilliant idea from Instructables, this design is incredibly useful and perfect for everyone whose work requires them to move around with equipment.
The design is affordable, it’s easily movable, can be adjusted to different people’s heights, and offers enough space for all the work equipment.
15. Lovely Fixed-height DIY Standing Desk
This design reminds us of those fancy coffee shops in amazing destinations that you simply don’t want to leave!
It beautifully integrates into the interior, doesn’t stand out or look out of place, and best of all, it is super practical, offers plenty of desktop space, and is super easy to make! As A Beautiful Mess put it, it truly is a “Double bonus!”
16. 2-in-1: Dresser & DIY Standing Desk
Simple Home Simple Life, truly lives up to their blog’s name, with this simple idea – using two sanded-down old barn boards they have turned their Ikea Hemnes Dresser into a practical, standing desk.
We adore this idea!
17. Take It on the Road with You: Tiny DIY Adjustable Standing Desk
If your job requires you to hit the road regularly and work while traveling, you know that the struggle for finding the ideal desk is real. As soon as you adjust to a new desk, you have to leave it behind; and working with a laptop in your hands while traveling is really frustrating.
That’s why we love this idea: this tiny DIY standing desk with adjustable height can be used at home, or on the go; you can easily pack it and take it with you.
18. Affordable Standing Desk from Pallet
Dwelling in Happiness offers us this amazing solution for a DIY standing desk made from pallets. You can put that small wall to good use and transform it into a tiny office where you can have your meetings and work.
Since it is made of pallets, nails and a piece of wood, it is really affordable.
19. Adorable, Little DIY Standing Desk Converter
This idea by A Beautiful Mess is one of our favorites: it’s easy to make, quite inexpensive, and the DIY Standing Desk Converter can easily be transported to another location.
We also appreciate the simplicity of the design which gives us modern, minimal vibes.
Final Thoughts
Which one is your favorite and you would love to recreate? Share your designs with us!
