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Monday, October 15, 2012

My DIY Standing Desk with IKEA parts

The Standing Desk:


I moved into a new apartment in August and found myself without a desk for the first time, so I decided to build one out of IKEA parts.  I felt very lazy and too comfortable sitting, and the time spent at the computer was probably negatively effecting my health.  Here is how I built my standing desk.

Unfortunately, this desk is at a fixed height; it is difficult to make minor adjustments.  Adjustments in ~1 or 2 inch increments are possible by changing the thickness of the table, the height of the CAPITA legs, or adding dividers between the legs and the EXPEDIT bookshelves.  Standing on a mat may also make work more comfortable.

List of Parts and provided height:

2x EXPEDIT 2x2 Shelves (36")
1x VIKA AMON Table (1 3/8")
1x CAPITA Legs (set of 4) (8")

Additional Parts:
1x CAPITA Legs (set of 4) (8")
2x EKBY HEMNES Shelves (desk extension)

The desk totals to 43 3/8", but probably sits a little shorter as it digs into the carpet.  This isn't the cheapest way of creating a standing desk (my friend just places a chair on a table), but it comes with a bunch of shelves, and feels like a full table, which works great for me.

I've been using it for over a month now, and really enjoying it.  My only complaint is that it gets tiring after 5 or so hours.  I'm going to have to find a stool soon! >.<


7 comments:

  1. You know I've been seeing a lot of this "Ikea standing desk" online lately, I guess because it is an easy and less expensive version of a standing desk, but what about for the times when you want to sit down and stand up? You know, alternate between the two?
    I use a NextDesk at work, an adjustable height desk. I don't have to move all of my stuff to a completely separate desk (like I do at home) any time I want to take a "sitting break."
    Obviously an electronic and eco-friendly adjustable height desk like NextDesk is going to cost a bit more than this Ikea fix, but I think it's worth it.
    Also, they've just come out with a less expensive model called the "Solo." It looks pretty cool-- thinking about getting one for my house! (http://www.nextdesks.com/models)
    Thanks for the post.
    Natalie

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    1. Thanks for the reply. I checked out the NextDesk, and it looks like a good commercial standing desk. My friends tell me that their co-workers use stools when they need to sit down. When I have the spare cash, I'd be more than willing to use an adjustable height desk.

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  2. Nice desk, but I think there must be a sitting accessory in the deal. According to my observation/experiences in the furniture industry, a user of these type of items would have been dealing with a professional class of music, engineering or computer sciences. Professional means "Expert" and an expert will never accept a deal which do not come up with solution of every aspect of their job & being a human no-one has capability to work for long hours while standing, there should be an option of sitting also.My suggestion, for this specific product is, to add up a Ergonomic desk along with this table which can be offered against a customized order. Overall, it's a great offer.Keep it up

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  3. Standing on a mat may also make work more comfortable. ... standingdeskmat.blogspot.com

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  4. Building a piece of furniture from Ikea is about as stressful as taking the ACT.

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  5. Is there a way I could improve my posture by taking adjusting desk?
    adjustable height desk

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  6. My DIY Standing Desk with IKEA parts. The Standing Desk: I moved into a new apartment in August and found myself without a desk for the first ... istandingdesk.blogspot.com

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