How to Make a DIY Standing Desk That’s Budget-Friendly Too

Before you spend the money, try one of these DIY methods to convert your current desk into a standing one. Bonus: You may already have what you need to make one.

Standing desks have become fixtures in offices and at home as more people realize their considerable benefits. As opposed to sitting all day, working while standing up improves posture, decreases back and neck pain, and boosts focus, mood, and productivity. And if you add a walking pad to your setup, you may even get your 10,000 steps in before lunch.

While it’s a great way for those who work a desk job to ditch their sedentary lifestyle, standing desks can get quite expensive. Fortunately, if it’s not in your (or your company’s) budget at the moment, there are ways you can hack a standing desk to reap the same rewards. Some methods call for a little creativity, while others run a small cost but will still save you from purchasing a whole new desk. Learn how to go from sitting to standing (and back again when your feet need a break) with one of the following DIY standing desk hacks.

Related: The 8 Best Standing Desks of 2024, According to Testing

How to Turn Any Regular Desk Into a Standing Desk

Here’s a step-by-step guide to converting your current desk into a standing one without needing to plug it in and push a button or manually crank a lever. Keep in mind that depending on your height and comfort level, you most likely will need to put the monitor and keyboard on separate levels. If you use two screens, be sure to consider that when measuring for and designing your DIY standing desk.

Related: The 25 Best Desks to Maximize Your Home Office Space

Step 1: Determine the Correct Height

One of the most significant benefits of standing at your desk is alleviating the strain on your back, neck, and shoulders from reaching for your keyboard and mouse. You must get the correct measurements for your monitor and keyboard height; otherwise, you might inadvertently cause more pain.

First, your screen should ideally be at eye level. If it sits slightly below, that’s OK, but it should never sit higher so that you need to tilt your head up. Stand at your current desk and measure vertically from the tabletop to your eye level. This measurement will give you the correct height for your monitor riser.

Unless your arms are comfortable at that same level, you’ll need to measure for a second, lower riser for the keyboard and mouse. The best position for your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle so that your forearm and wrists are parallel to the floor. Again, take the tape measure and measure vertically from the top of your desk to where your elbows land comfortably while standing, giving you the height for your second riser.

Step 2: Choose Your Risers

This is where you get to be crafty and, potentially, very thrifty. You can use a multitude of items as your risers, but it’s important to remember that they should be sturdy. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.

Cardboard Boxes

Make sure that the cardboard boxes are the correct width, depth, and height for both of your risers, and reinforce them with extra tape. You can also go the extra step of gluing strips of cardboard inside the boxes to make them more stable, and we recommend using Mod Podge and a pretty wallpaper or wrapping paper to cover the outside of them. Check that your new risers sit flat on the desk so they don’t shift when you type. They’ll be light and easy to remove when you’re ready to return to sitting.

Two-Tier Step Stool

If the height of a small step stool, including the difference between the top and bottom steps, is on the mark with your needed measurements, you can try using one to create a standing desk! Ensure there’s enough surface space for the monitor on the top step and the keyboard on the bottom. Note that you may not have enough width for a mouse pad with this method, but using a computer or keyboard with a built-in touchpad should work. Also, be mindful of steps with traction on them—although they’re good for your feet, they’ll prevent your computer and keyboard from laying flat.

Shoe Racks

To make your screen the correct height, you may need a two-tier shoe rack. However, you can use the bottom shelf to organize office supplies on your desk. A single shoe rack (at the right height) can be placed directly in front of it for your keyboard and mouse to sit on. If you try this method, avoid shoe racks made with mesh or ones that have open slots.

Lap Desk and a Monitor Riser

If you have a lap desk that is the right height for a keyboard (or one that you can adjust), simply add a slim monitor riser to the rear for your screen, making sure it meets your line of sight when standing.

Side Table and Shelf

This route requires a bit more handiwork, but we believe in you! As many DIY pros know, there are plenty of ways to hack IKEA furniture. Surprisingly, IKEA’s Lack side table serves as a proper height for monitors when on top of your current desk. If it works for your eye level, the next step is to secure one of their Lack shelves to the front table legs using a pair of brackets. This should provide enough room for your keyboard and mouse to sit at a comfortable height.

Related: How to Use IKEA Furniture for Built-In Storage

Step 3: Place Risers at the Right Distance

Once you’ve decided which method works best for you, adjust the risers to the best distance for standing and working. Your screen should be roughly an arm’s length away from your eyes to prevent unnecessary strain on them. Place the keyboard and mouse below and in front of the monitor so that your arms are relaxed and your elbows can stay close to your body.

The second most important factor is the sturdiness of the risers. Tighten any legs so they aren’t wobbly, and be mindful of how hard you’re typing so everything stays in place. You can even secure your homemade risers to the top of your desk so they stay put. But if you want to sit and work, we highly suggest skipping this step so you can easily remove the risers when needed.

Related: 13 Under-Desk Storage Ideas to Tidy Up Your Office

More Ways to Create a Makeshift Standing Desk

If you’re not the DIY type or the above hacks don’t appeal to you, don’t stress. There are more ways you can stand while you work that don’t require as much inventiveness. 

• Purchase a Standing Desk Converter: This may be the easiest option and is significantly cheaper than buying a standing desk. It’s essentially a mini desk with adjustable risers built-in. It can be easily removed when it’s time to sit.
• Install a Wall-Mounted Shelf: If your office has empty wall space, mount a shelf at the best height for standing and working. You can tack on a riser for your screen if you find it more comfortable.
• Repurpose a Piece of Furniture: A bookcase, a dresser, a leaning ladder, or whatever furniture you find that is an ideal height for you to work at can be turned into a standing desk. 
• Introduce a Desk on Wheels: Popular amongst teachers and those in the medical field, a mobile desk with an adjustable base is another inexpensive alternative to a standing desk. These are generally small and only have one level, but they’re convenient if you have a small office space and want to stand for short periods.

Related: 9 Small-Space Desk Ideas

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