11 DIY Standing Desks You Can Build Today

A standing desk is a great way to tackle your work while staying active. These building plans will show you how you can build a DIY standing desk in just an afternoon. There are lots of different designs here that range from modifying an existing piece of furniture to building a whole new piece.

You can save a lot of money by building your own standing desk, but if you're not sure you're up to the challenge, check out this list of the best standing desks you can buy.

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Building a Standing Desk

A Beautiful Mess

This beautiful standing desk runs across two walls in a room, providing an elevated surface so you can work standing up or using a tall stool. Since there isn't a desk to place anywhere, this design really saves on space. There are plenty of tips included on how to make this desk to fit your space.

Building a Standing Desk from A Beautiful Mess, Free
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DIY Standing Desk with IKEA Hemnes Dresser

Simple Home. Simple Life

If your budget is tight or you simply don't want to spend a lot of time building a standing desk, this project is a nice alternative. Using an IKEA Hermes dresser with a board placed on top, your computer now has a sturdy place to sit. The drawers of the dresser will give you plenty of storage space for office supplies and whatever else you might need.

DIY Standing Desk with IKEA Hemnes Dresser from Simple Home. Simple Life, Free
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DIY Standing Desk or Kiosk

Woodshop Diaries

If you're looking for a large standing desk that can fit more than one person, this DIY standing desk may be just what you're looking for. This desk is so large it can be used as a counter in a store! Although this is large, if you'd like it to be smaller, it's easy to modify in the plans. On the other side of the desk are several shelves for notebooks, pens, and other supplies.

DIY Standing Desk or Kiosk from Woodshop Diaries, Free
04 of 11

Adjustable Standing Desk for Under $25

Code Over Easy

This DIY standing desk has you build a platform that's then set on top of an existing standard desk, turning it into a standing desk. The platform has room for a monitor and a laptop and there's a built-in shelf for a keyboard and mouse.

Adjustable Standing Desk for Under $25 from Code Over Easy, Free

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05 of 11

Standing Desk Modification

Field Treasure Designs

Take a standard desk and make some modifications to turn it into a standing desk. The legs are extended so that the top can be raised up so it's more comfortable for standing. While those changes are being made, a shelf was also added so that a printer and office supplies have a place to sit. A video is also included to help you modify a similar desk.

Standing Desk Modification from Field Treasure Designs, Free
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DIY Standing Desk

Sweet Living

This unique standing desk takes up so little room that you could put it anywhere in your home. This ladder desk can be customized when you build it so it's the perfect height for you. Put a laptop or monitor on the top and the second shelf can hold your keyboard and mouse.

DIY Standing Desk from Sweet Living, Free
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Bookcase Turned Into Standing Desk

Offbeat Home & Life

This clever tutorial takes a bookcase and turns it into a standing desk. This is a great idea if you want to make a standing desk without having to actually build anything. The upper shelves are removed so there's room for a laptop and enough space to work.

Bookcase Turned Into Standing Desk from Offbeat Home & Life, Free
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Cardboard Standing Desk

OpenStanding

Here are some instructions to build the cardboard standing desk that you see here. It's an easy and affordable standing desk that can be folded flat and stored whenever you're not using it.

Cardboard Standing Desk from OpenStanding, $6.10

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DIY Electric Standing Desk

Everyday Knosticism

If you're looking to sharpen your building skills, this plan will have you do just that when you build this DIY electric standing desk. Being electric, the desk can be raised up when you want to stand and lowered back down when you want to sit.

DIY Electric Standing Desk from Everyday Knosticism, Free
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2X4 Standing Desk Plan

PeterPlanDIY

This DIY standing desk plan builds a tall desk that you can modify to make however tall you like. There's an optional riser included, giving you a place to sit your monitor out of the way. The plan for a matching chair is also included.

2X4 Standing Desk Plan, from PeterPlanDIY, $9.98
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How to Build a Standing Desk for $50

Joshua Berman Design

Build a standing desk for just $50 with this free building plan. This project builds a tiered stand that can be placed on an existing desk. The upper part of the stand is perfect for monitors or laptops while the lower part is a great place for a keyboard and mouse.

How to Build a Standing Desk for $50 from Joshua Berman Design

11 DIY Standing Desks

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