DIY Standing Desk Table Top: Pairing Your Tabletop to a Sit-Stand Desk Frame

So you’re thinking of getting an adjustable standing desk to switch between sitting to standing–fantastic! This is the first step to a comfortable, productive workday. Less back pain, muscle aches, and better overall ergonomics sounds much better than sitting all day at a desk that isn’t adjustable.

While there are so many great standing desk options out there, you might not find one you’re completely in love with. That’s totally normal! Picking out the right office furniture is essential to a productive work-from-home setup.

And that’s where a DIY mix-and-match electric standing desk might be the answer to your standing desk quest. You can purchase a tabletop and a frame from two different retailers to create a custom desk. Making your own standing desk allows you to select each piece to suit your needs.

DIY standing desks are perfect if…

• You’ve got your eye on a gorgeous wooden piece of furniture that isn’t adjustable.

• A standing desk frame adjusts perfectly to your height but the tabletop looks a bit too flimsy.

• You want a frame that “memorizes” height adjustment settings, but that store doesn’t carry the tabletop you’d like.

• You’d like to save money on a standing desk by using a tabletop of an existing desk

• You have some handyman skills you’d like to use on a DIY project.

Any of these sound familiar? Follow our guide and you’ll have all the info you need to DIY a unique electric standing desk for your home office! There’s real satisfaction in having created a one-of-a-kind standing desk, making it truly tailored to your preferences.

Where Do I Start DIY Standing Desk?

To begin your DIY standing desk project, you’ll have to pick a standing desk frame or a tabletop. Once you have one of these in mind, it’s easier to choose a counterpart for it.

1. Choosing a tabletop

Selecting a tabletop can be one of the most interesting parts of a DIY desk–but it can also be the most overwhelming! With so many sizes, colours, and materials, it’s hard to narrow it down.

The most important factor when it comes to choosing a tabletop is the size (yes, it matters!). Think about how big your office is, and consider how much surface area you’ll need for everyday work. Does it have room for your laptop, monitors, and monitor mounts? What about a keyboard or mouse?

Consider the material as well. Hardwood will be sturdier and more durable, but it may require more maintenance to preserve the look. Hardwood is typically found in temperate forests, and you can use Google to verify the origin of the wood you are considering. Particle board tabletops are more budget-friendly, but some might be too thin or flimsy. Here are some examples of tabletop materials: solid wood, MDF, and laminate, each offering different looks and price points.

Does it have a grommet? That’s the little plastic cable organizer that often looks like a hole on one end of the tabletop. Having a grommet is great if you have lots of wires you need to keep together. Most particle-board tabletops come with grommets, so keep that in mind when you’re on the market!

Finally, make sure it’s a colour that you love. This is the surface you’ll be doing most (if not all) of your work on–make sure you like it! Don’t forget that applying a wood stain or experimenting with different stains is also an option if it turns out to be a colour you’re not 100% set on.

2. Choosing a Frame

The most important thing to check for is the height range. Will it adjust to your ideal sitting and standing height? Electric standing desks can be easily adjusted to various heights for different users, providing convenience and reliability. You should be able to rest your forearms comfortably on the surface of the desk whether you’re sitting or standing. If others will be using the desk, make sure it works for them, too.

Sharing an adjustable desk is even easier if the desk comes with customizable memory settings! The motor will automatically adjust to presets so you don’t have to remember exactly what height you need your desk at.

Finally, check out the stability. Read reviews–is the frame stable at its highest setting? Wider feet help with desk wobble when in the raised position. Look for frames that are powered by dual motors, especially if you have a hardwood tabletop or a large monitor setup in your home office. The stability of the frame may vary depending on the weight and size of the tabletop.

3. Compatibility Check: Table Size vs. Frame Size

This is where the rubber meets the road–or where the table meets the frame, in our case! This is a crucial checkpoint when picking a frame for a table or vice-versa.

The ideal combination of tabletop and frame depends on the specific dimensions and weight distribution of your setup.

The table top should fit neatly on the frame, with little “overhang” (the part of the table top that isn’t supported by the frame). The table should be at least as wide as the feet of the desk to prevent tripping, but not too wide that weight is distributed unevenly on the surface!

When there’s too much overhang, any weight placed on the edge of the desk is no longer supported by the sturdy frame. Too much weight on the edge of the desk may bend thinner table tops. With heavier table tops, this uneven weight could damage the frame (as most aren’t designed to lift tables that are much heavier on one side than another).

Ideally, the table should have no more than 5 inches of overhang.

4. Compatibility Check: Table Thickness vs. Hardware

When you buy a frame separately from the table top, the retailer often sends hardware so you can attach the two together. Usually, this works out well when you buy a tabletop from the same seller. But if you purchased from two different companies, make sure the hardware that came with the frame is compatible with the tabletop!

Firstly, make sure the screws aren’t longer than the table’s thickness. If the screws are too long, it could go right through the surface of the table and damage it. If you need to cut the tabletop to fit the frame or hardware, take precise measurements before making any cuts to ensure a proper fit and avoid mistakes.

It’s important to check these dimensions before taking a drill to your tabletop! It’s hard to patch a hole once it’s there, and it could run the risk of splitting or water damage later on.

5. Putting it all together!

When you’ve received your desk and your frame, all you have to do is put it together! With some know-how and an electric drill, you’ll have your desk all set up in no time.

Here are our top tips for assembly:

• Assemble your desk upside down–it’s much easier!

• Measure twice before drilling. It’s hard to cover up holes, even if they’re under the desk.

• A ruler is your best friend! The distance from the frame to the edge of the desk should be the same on both sides.

• Use wood glue to secure joints and edge banding, and clamp the pieces firmly in place until the glue sets. Make sure all parts are properly glued before moving on to the next step.

• Do not leave any glue residue on the desktop after gluing and sanding, as this can affect the finished look and stain quality.

• When attaching the tabletop to the frame, apply even pressure to avoid damaging the surface.

• Check for visible seams at the edges and corners, and minimize them for a seamless, professional appearance.

• After assembly, apply a finish to the tabletop for a smooth, durable, and finished surface.

• The ergonomic design allows you to lean against the edge of the desk, reducing strain and improving comfort during long work sessions.

Take your time assembling the desk–make it a project afternoon! The result will be a sturdy, professional-looking standing desk you can be proud of.

Why Getting a Standing Desk is Better

Standing desks, sometimes called stand-up desks or sit-stand desks, have become a leading choice for anyone looking to improve their work environment and overall well-being. These ergonomic desks are designed to let you easily switch between sitting and standing positions, helping you maintain better posture and reduce the strain that comes from sitting for long periods.

Most standing desks feature a height-adjustable frame, which can be controlled manually or with electric motors, so you can set your desk top at the perfect height for your body. Whether you choose a desk top made from solid wood, plywood, or another material, it’s important to consider the durability of the frame, the stability of the legs, and the strength of the corners.

Switching to a standing desk can offer a range of health benefits that go beyond just improving your posture:

• Burn more calories compared to sitting, which may help with weight management and boost your energy levels.

• Reduce back pain, increase focus, and lower the risk of chronic conditions linked to a sedentary lifestyle.

Taking the step to incorporate a standing desk into your daily routine is a simple way to increase movement and improve your overall health.

Workspace Ergonomics

Designing an ergonomic workspace is key to staying comfortable and productive, whether you’re working from home or in an office. A standing desk is a great way to add flexibility to your setup, allowing you to alternate between sitting and standing as needed.

To get the most ergonomic benefits, make sure your standing desk is set at the right height so your monitor, keyboard, and mouse are positioned to support good posture and reduce strain. You can further improve your workspace by adding accessories like a document holder or a keyboard tray, which help keep everything within easy reach.

Adding Features and Accessories

Enhancing your standing desk with the right features and accessories can make your workspace more comfortable and efficient. Consider adding a cable management system to keep cords tidy, or a desk lamp to ensure you have plenty of light for your tasks. Ergonomic accessories like a footrest, document holder, or monitor arm can help you maintain good posture and reduce strain on your body.

When selecting accessories, think about the materials (wood and metal are both durable choices) and compare prices to find options that fit your needs and budget. Some standing desks come with built-in features, such as integrated cable management or an ergonomic keyboard tray, which can be a great way to add value to your setup.

Maintaining the Desk

Proper maintenance is important to keep your standing desk looking great and working smoothly for years to come.

Regularly clean your desk with a soft cloth to remove dust and debris, and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish or materials, especially if your desk top is made of wood. Applying a protective coating, like a wood sealant or laminate protector, can help guard against spills and scratches, preserving the desk’s appearance and durability.

It’s also important to periodically check the desk’s height and adjust it as needed to maintain ergonomic alignment and prevent strain on your body. Don’t forget to review the warranty and customer support options provided by the manufacturer, as these can add value and peace of mind to your purchase. By taking these simple steps, you can protect your investment and enjoy the benefits of your standing desk for a long time.

Conclusion

At EFFYDESK, we design, mould, and deliver the best Electric Standing Desks for professional or personal use.

Installing your standing desk is simple and quick, and can be done in 30 to 60 minutes with the help of our easy-to-follow installation guide and installation timelapse video.

Our signature collection of electric standing desks and ergonomic office chairs are well-equipped to improve your mood, posture and maximize efficiency in the workplace, wherever that may be for you.

Browse our signature Standing Desks, Office Chairs, and Monitor Mounts designed to boost workplace productivity, so you can get more done, more comfortably.

To learn more about EFFYDESK’s products and services, be sure to check out our FAQ page or browse the blog archive for other helpful articles on ergonomics in the workplace.