3 Affordable Ways to Create a DIY Standing Desk

Sitting all day isn’t just uncomfortable—and it’s not that great for your back and posture. Standing desks are a great solution for the modern lifestyle. But the price tag on some of these fancy standing desks can make you think twice. Don’t worry—you don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars to reap the benefits of a standing workspace. Let’s see into three simple, affordable ways to transform your regular desk into a standing desk.

1. DIY Standing Desk Converters Using Household Items

If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, start with what you have around the house. You’d be surprised how everyday items can become the perfect desk converter in a pinch.

diy standing computer desk

What You Can Use:

  • Sturdy boxes
  • A stack of thick books
  • Unused crates or storage bins

How to Set It Up:

  1. Find a box or stack of books sturdy enough to support your monitor or laptop.
  2. Place another stack or smaller box for your keyboard and mouse, making sure both are at an ergonomic height. Your monitor should be at eye level, and your elbows should rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle when typing.
  3. Adjust the arrangement as needed to ensure it’s stable and won’t tip over.

Pros & Cons:

  • Pros: This option is essentially free and easily adjustable.
  • Cons: Not very design friendly, and stability can sometimes be an issue.

2. Adjustable Desk Risers from Budget-Friendly Retailers

For those who want a slightly more polished and functional standing desk setup, look into adjustable desk risers. These are essentially platforms that lift your workspace to standing height and are widely available at affordable prices.

Adjustable Desk Risers for a diy standing desk

Where to Find Them:

  • Amazon: You can find options ranging from $10-$700.
  • Walmart: Offers budget-friendly risers that are both practical and easy to use.
  • IKEA: Known for its affordability, IKEA has a selection of adjustable desk products perfect for home offices.

Benefits:

  • Adjustability: You can change the height throughout the day, which is great for ergonomics.
  • Sturdiness: More stable than makeshift setups using books or boxes.

This option is fantastic if you’re willing to invest a small amount for a huge improvement in comfort and productivity.

3. Wall-Mounted Folding Desk for a Standing Option

If you’re working with limited space, a wall-mounted folding desk is a game-changer. It gives you the freedom to work standing up and folds away when not in use, making it a great choice for small apartments or home offices.

How It Works:

  • You mount the desk to the wall at standing height. Most models can be folded up when not in use, freeing up space.
  • They are relatively inexpensive, usually ranging from $40 to $70, depending on the material and design.

Ideal For:

  • Small Spaces: If you’re short on room, this is a lifesaver.
  • Multi-Purpose Areas: Great for kitchens, living rooms, or shared home office spaces.

Things to Consider:

  • You’ll need to be okay with drilling into your wall.
  • Some models may not hold heavy monitors, so this is best for laptop setups or lighter screens.

Ready to Set Up Your DIY Standing Desk?

So now that you knew it could be this easy (and affordable) to transform your desk setup are you ready to set up yours? If you prefer to go with a professional standing desk we wrote an entire post about it you can read here==>