How to build a standing workstation for $52.41

There has been a lot of hype lately about how ditching sitting for a standing workstation or desk drastically improves your health.  But let’s dig a little deeper.  Here are a few other reasons to build your own standing desk.

1. It’s a great way to tone your calves
2. It’s hard to fall asleep standing up
3. You are never at a power disadvantage when people come into your office
4. You burn more calories so you can eat more cookies
5. It’s an instant conversation starter with co-workers
6. Who cares about health, let’s talk about looks. Everyone looks better standing up
7. It’s great training for standing in long lines at the grocery store
8. You can do tree pose while working on a memo
9. Gives you an excuse to wear sneakers to work
10. It takes seconds off your 5:01 work exit

The future is bright for standup desks.  The best part is, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get one.  This DIY standup desk costs $52.00 from Ikea.  Below is a step by step guide to building it.  Happy trails!

DIY: Standing Desk/Standing Workstation

This is a two piece structure to be placed on an already existing surface.

Materials are inexpensive and assembly is easy.  All materials were purchased at Ikea.  The tabletop and shelf are in the shelving department.  There is a variety of color and size options, so take a spin around to get the best fit for you.

Materials

Linnmon Table Top: $10.99

Ekby Shelf: $9.99

Capita Leg 4 Inches: $12.00

Capita Leg 8 Inches: $16.00

Total Cost: $52.41

Part 1: Base

1. Place leg bases around the 4 corners of tabletop
2. Use either a drill + drill bit, or hammer and nail, to pre-drill holes enough to allow for easy start to screwing leg bases into table top.
3. Drill or screw nails into leg bases and tabletop

**Make sure screws from leg set are not too deep for the shelf otherwise they will go through shelf.  If this is the case, go to hardware store to get appropriate size screws.

4. Screw plastic washers onto leg base bolts
5. Attach legs by twisting

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Part 2: Computer Screen Shelf

1. Attach leg bases to shelf
   • Set leg bases around each for corners of shelf
   • Pre-drill hole for screw
   • Drive or screw nails into pre-screwed holes

2. Screw plastic washers on to leg base bolts
3. Attach legs by twisting

**Because legs are screw in, you can adjust if surface is not even

4. Place shelf on top of table top