How to Build an Easy Stand-Up Desk

Turn any table in your home into a stand-up desk in less than 30 minutes.

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Introduction

If you're stuck working from home, a comfortable workstation is a necessity to be productive. This fast and easy stand-up workstation will turn any table into your very own stand-up desk.

Tools Required

  • 18-Gauge Brad Nail Gun
  • Drill
  • Table saw or Circular saw

Materials Required

  • 1 - 1x3 x 8 ft.
  • 1 - 3/4-in. plywood scrap (cut to 24" x 14")
  • 1 - Bottle of wood glue
  • 1-1/2-in. 18-gauge brad nails
  • 4 - table legs
  • 4 - table legs hardware

Note: I spent $25 on hardware and legs and used some scraps for the desktop. It is a perfect project for a new DIYer and it took me less than 15 minutes to build.

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Cut Plywood to Size

  • Cut a piece 24-in. x 14-in. (This will be your desktop).
  • Use a table saw to make the cut (a circular saw will work if you don’t have a table saw).

Mike Berner

Step 2

Mark and Cut the Apron Sides

  • Cut the 1 x 3-ft. piece to 14 inches to match the depth of the plywood top.
    • Pro tip: You don’t need a tape measure here. Just hold the 1 x 3-ft. board flush with one end of the plywood and mark the 1×3 at the other end. 
  • Cut both sides and glue and nail them flush with the top and edges of the plywood.

Mike Berner

Step 3

Fasten the Back and Front Aprons

  • Mark and cut the front and back apron parts the same way you did the sides (see step 2).
  • Hold the 1 x 3-ft. flush to the corner and mark the other end.
  • Glue and nail the front and back pieces so they overlap the sides.

Step 4

Attach the Leg Hardware

  • Place the leg hardware in the corners, drill pilot holes and screw them into place.
    • Pro tip: No precision necessary here just push the brackets into the corner and fasten them with the screws that come in the package.

Step 5

Screw on the Legs

  • Screw the legs into the leg brackets then flip it over.
  • Sand every inch of the top surface to avoid splinters.
  • Paint to match your decor or finish with polyurethane for a natural look.