Beatrice Lang
Building your own electric standing desk is a great way to save money and customize your workspace. Electric standing desks can be expensive, but with a DIY approach, you can create a desk that suits your exact specifications and preferences. This project requires some planning and the right materials, such as a sturdy frame, a desktop, and linear actuators to enable height adjustment. You'll also need to consider the placement of the frame, the height range, and the overall design of the desk. The process involves assembling the frame, adding height adjustability, and finishing the desk with your choice of paint or stain. With careful measurements and attention to detail, you can create a functional and personalized electric standing desk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $200 (excluding the tabletop) |
| Time taken to change position | 60 seconds |
| Materials | Linear actuators, premium pine, 12v power supply, wire, screws, electrical tape, wood conditioner, tabletop |
| Tools | Miter saw, drill, clamps, wire cutters, stapler, large woodworking pipe clamps |
| Design | Motorized base with separate desks for sitting and standing |
| Features | Adjustable height, ergonomic design, movement variability |
| Finishing touches | Stable and level surface, cable management, wireless charging station |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right lumber
When building an electric standing desk, choosing the right lumber is crucial to ensure durability, stability, and aesthetics. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the type of wood for your project:
Type of Wood
The three overarching types of wood available on the market are hardwood, softwood, and manufactured wood. Hardwoods, such as oak, walnut, mahogany, and maple, are denser, stronger, and more durable than softwoods. They are less likely to rot or decay and have superior fire resistance. Hardwoods are also more expensive due to their higher density and the slower growth rate of the trees they come from. Softwoods, including pine and spruce, are more affordable and flexible but may not be as sturdy or long-lasting as hardwoods.
Durability and Stability
If you intend to place heavy equipment on your desk, consider choosing a denser hardwood like oak or walnut, which can withstand considerable weight without leaving pressure marks. Softer woods like pine may indent under the pressure of monitor mounts or camera clamps. Additionally, the weight distribution of the desk top matters. A well-distributed weight can actually stabilize the desk when in a standing position.
Aesthetics and Decor
Consider the colour, grain pattern, and finish of the wood to complement your room's decor. For example, oak has a warm-coloured grain that can be stained darker or tinted lighter with oils. Pine is a versatile choice that accepts coloured stains well and looks great with a standard wax finish. Walnut, with its beautiful grain, is the darkest wood option available and is generally left in its natural state.
Sustainability
With growing concerns about deforestation and global warming, you may want to choose a manufacturer that sources wood from sustainably managed forests or has strategies in place to offset their environmental impact, such as planting a tree for each piece of furniture built.
Cost
Finally, consider your budget. Hardwoods tend to be more expensive than softwoods due to their higher density and the slower growth rate of the trees they come from. However, softwoods like pine are more prone to warping and may require careful selection to ensure straight edges for your desk build.
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Designing the frame
First, decide on the placement of your electric standing desk. This could be in your office or home, depending on your preference and available space.
Next, carefully measure the width and length of your tabletop. This is an important step as it will impact the dimensions of your frame. The measurements will depend on your specific needs and space constraints.
When it comes to the materials for your frame, you have several options. If you're on a budget, pine is a cost-effective choice and can be found at hardware stores like Home Depot. Just be sure to select straight lumber, avoiding any warped or twisted pieces. You can use a wood conditioner to prepare the pine for staining, which will be the next step in the finishing process.
If you want to paint your frame, consider using poplar wood, which is well-suited for this purpose. For a more premium look and feel, walnut and oak are excellent choices, but they come at a higher price point.
When constructing the frame, you can start by mounting the linear actuator to a small wooden base, as mentioned in one source. Then, build the inner column around the actuator, followed by the outer column. This will form the adjustable leg of your electric standing desk. Repeat this process for each leg, ensuring they are sturdy and secure.
Finally, test the frame's functionality by attaching the tabletop and attempting to raise and lower it. Ensure that the tabletop is squarely aligned and perfectly centred on the frame. Secure it with clamps to prevent movement when driving in screws. Choose screws that are the appropriate length for the thickness of your tabletop, and use extra washers if needed.
Remember to refer to your design plans or instructions throughout the building process to ensure a successful electric standing desk frame assembly.
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Installing the control units
Prepare the Control Box and Wiring:
Start by sourcing a suitable control box for your electric standing desk. If your desk came with a faulty or missing control box, you can purchase a replacement from specific vendors or opt for a compatible model from a different brand, as mentioned in the example with the Jarvis desk and Uplift control box. Ensure that the control box you choose is compatible with your desk's specifications and that it has the necessary ports and connections for each adjustable leg.
Mount the Control Box:
Determine a suitable location for your control box. Ideally, it should be placed in an easily accessible area, either on the underside of the desk or within close proximity. Secure the control box in place using appropriate fasteners, such as screws or brackets. Ensure that it is mounted firmly to prevent accidental damage or dislodging.
Connect the Wiring:
Carefully connect the wires from each adjustable leg to the corresponding ports on the control box. Ensure that the wiring is secure and properly seated to avoid connection issues. If your desk has multiple legs, verify that each leg is connected to the correct port on the control box, as some boxes have separate ports for each leg.
Test the Functionality:
Once the wiring is complete, test the functionality of your electric standing desk. Plug in the power source and slowly adjust the height of the desk using the control box or provided controls. Ensure that all legs are extending and retracting smoothly and synchronously. If there are issues with specific legs, check the wiring for that particular leg and ensure it is connected correctly.
Fine-Tune and Program:
Depending on your control box and desk setup, you may have the option to fine-tune the height adjustment speed and sensitivity. This can often be done through the control box's settings or via a remote control or mobile app if your desk has those features. Additionally, consider programming preset height positions so that you can adjust the desk to your desired heights with a single button press, rather than holding down the button each time.
Remember to consult the instruction manuals or guides provided by the manufacturers of your desk and control box for specific installation and troubleshooting steps.
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Staining and sealing
Firstly, you need to strip the desk of its old finish. Use a chemical stripper to remove varnish, stain, or paint. Apply the stripper in sections, avoiding stripping the whole desk at once. Allow the stripper to sit as per the product's instructions, and remember to work in a well-ventilated area. Once the stripper has done its job, wash it away with water, or mineral spirits if the stain is oil-based. If there is an old finish coat, it will need to be removed as the new stain will not penetrate it, resulting in an uneven finish.
The next step is to sand the wood. Start with 120-grit sandpaper and rub down the entire surface until it is smooth and the previous colour is gone. Pay attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas. After this, use a 220-grit piece of sandpaper to sand the wood again, removing any protruding wood fibres and creating a smooth finish.
Now you are ready to apply the stain. Use a clean rag and apply enough stain so that it can soak into the wood. The amount of stain you use will determine the darkness of the wood. After application, wipe off any remaining stain with a cloth and allow it to sit. If you want a darker finish, apply more stain.
Finally, seal the wood with a finish coat. You can use polyurethane, lacquer, or oil to seal and protect the finish. Stir or shake the product well, then apply it with a brush or clean cloth.
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Cable management
Untangle and Declutter:
Start by untangling all the cables on your desk and removing any cords that are no longer needed. This includes cables from lights, mice, speakers, telephones, webcams, and old monitors. By decluttering, you prevent the accumulation of cords and make it easier to identify and manage the remaining cables.
Bundle Similar Cables:
Instead of bundling all cables into one large bundle, group similar cables together. For example, keep power cords with power cords and monitor display cords with monitor cords. This makes it easier to identify and replace a specific cable if it malfunctions.
Utilize Cable Management Accessories:
Invest in cable management accessories such as a cable management box, tray, or spine. These accessories help to organize and conceal your cables, giving your workspace a neat and elegant look. The cable management box allows you to route cables through designated openings, ensuring they reach their respective docking locations. The box also provides ample room to store your power strip, simplifying cable management.
Alternatively, a cable management tray attached to the underside of your desk can hold a power strip, allowing you to plug in your desktop, monitor, speakers, and other devices. This setup minimizes the number of wires running from your desk to the outlet, providing a cleaner appearance.
Another option is the cable management spine, which guides power cords, electrical cables, and other connections from the floor to your devices. Its snap-together segments offer flexibility and height adjustment, making it compatible with standing desks.
Secure with Straps, Ties, or Clamps:
Once you've bundled similar cables together, use commercial-grade velcro straps, zip ties, cable clamps, screws, or troughs to secure them in place. If you're comfortable using tools, cable clamps and screws, or installing troughs are effective options. For a tool-free approach, velcro straps or zip ties are suitable alternatives.
Go Wireless or Bluetooth:
Consider switching to wireless devices or Bluetooth versions of peripherals like mice, keyboards, and chargers. This helps to reduce the overall number of cables, making cable management easier and contributing to a tidier workspace.
Mount Monitors and Accessories:
If possible, mount your monitors on the wall above your desk to save space and simplify cable management. Additionally, attach accessories like headphones, SD card readers, or surge protectors to the underside of your desk using command strips. This keeps them handy while keeping cables out of sight.
By following these cable management tips, you can create a functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing workspace for your electric standing desk.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric standing desks can be expensive, so building your own can save you money. You can also customize your desk to your exact specifications, allowing you to personalize your workspace.
The materials you need will depend on the design of your desk. However, some common materials include wood (such as pine, poplar, walnut, or oak), a wood conditioner, a wiring harness, linear actuators, and a power supply.
First, you need to decide on the placement of your desk and measure the width and length of the tabletop. You can then use these measurements to select the right lumber for your frame. If you're using wood, you'll need to stain and seal it, so be sure to choose a stain and sealant that complement each other and your room's aesthetic. Finally, you'll need to install the control units that allow your desk to raise and lower.
