Standing desks are popular, but choosing a good one is no easy task. You could go with a motorized, whole desk replacement, or DIY a simple solution. You could even buy an adjustable attachment to go on top of your existing desk. Let’s talk about what you may need in a standing desk, what you can get for your budget, and how to choose what’s best for your needs.


A recent series of studies, looking at nearly half a million people in over 10 countries, is mostly clear about one thing: inactivity is worse for you than many other health factors, including obesity. That shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. We’ve known for a while that sitting all day is terrible for you. We’ve looked at the best standing desks as alternatives, and while they can help, they’re certainly not a panacea. In short, regular activity is really the key to healthier living.


So before you plunge headlong into the world of standing desks, keep that in mind. When we say “the perfect standing desk for you,” we’re going to talk about desks that give you the freedom to stand when you like and sit when you choose, comfortably in both cases.

Before You Begin: Think About Your Needs and Take Measurements

You may already have an idea what you’re looking for in a standing desk, but before you spend money or go to the hardware store, there are a few accessories you’ll need regardless of the desk you get, and a little prep work now will make sure you’re comfortable and productive when you get your desk set up.

First, take some measurements. Some standing desks are quite large, while others just add some bulk to the desk you already have. We’ll get to the pros and cons of each option later, but right now grab a tape measure and measure out how large you want your desk work surface to be, and how large a floor footprint you can accommodate in your space. Doing this now makes sure you buy what will fit, but it also helps you if you decide to DIY or buy a whole-desk replacement with variable surface sizes.


Next, measure yourself. Specifically, measure your height, and where you like to keep a keyboard in front of you. Some people are comfortable with just enough room for a keyboard (essentially just a shelf) but if you want room for space between your eyes and the screen, you should account for it. Similarly, you’ll want to measure how high you want your setup to be. Measure once for your monitors, and then again for your desk surface, just so you can account for the height difference between your displays and where your hands will be. Once you have all of these measurements, you’ll roughly have an idea of how tall your desk should be, and how high your displays should be mounted compared to where your keyboard will be.


Now you’ll need the accessories to make an adjustable desk work. An anti-fatigue mat is a must for any standing desk, even if you plan to sit sometimes—and you should. When Lifehacker’s founding editor Gina Trapani looked back at a year working at a standing desk, she explained that sometimes you just have to—and really should—sit down. When you do stand though, a soft mat under your feet makes all the difference both in your comfort and your posture. You can find one like this one at Amazon for less than $20, or grab one of these kitchen-quality super-squishy floor mats for $84. Even The Wirecutter has a suggestion. There’s something for every budget, and every space.

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Finally, many people overlook cables and cable management when they buy or build a standing desk. If you plan to stand and sit, make sure you get cables long enough to reach everything when your desk is in a standing position, but aren’t annoying when you sit. Long or retractable cables will keep your workspace organized without sacrificing its adjustability. Similarly, whether you buy or DIY, make sure your desk has some cable management system built-in to it, whether you add a little PVC to your desk, grab an IKEA $10 cable basket, or buy a desk with channels in it, you’ll be happier in the long run if you think about it now, rather than when you’re trying to set it all up.


Decide If You Want to Buy or DIY


Your next big decision is whether you want to buy a standing desk or build one yourself. The answer to this depends heavily on the amount of time and effort you’re willing to put into your workspace, obviously, but also on whether you have access to and the skills required to put something nice together you’ll enjoy using. Budget is obviously a consideration as well. DIY options can be super cheap (a few books to elevate your keyboard and monitors, or Marco Arment’s infamous coke can desk), but they can also be extremely expensive and custom (your own motors, tons of plywood, etc.)

However, buying a standing desk comes with its own issues. On-desk attachments can be affordable and adjustable, but sacrifice space and freedom of movement. Whole-desk replacements, like motorized standing desks, offer the most working space and freedom to spread out, but they’re also the most expensive.


Either way, keep time and budget in mind when you go shopping for standing desks. If you’re just getting into the idea, the DIY approach may be best for you, just so you can test the waters and decide whether you really want to stand while you work at all. Then you can move into more specific—and often expensive—standing desk builds.

Option One: Choose an On-Desk Attachment for Affordable and Adjustable Comfort


If you want a standing desk on a budget, and you already have a desk you don’t necessarily want to toss out with the bulk trash, an on-desk attachment is your logical choice. You can make use of the workspace you already have, but give up some of the desk surface to a mount that will elevate your monitors—and ideally, your keyboard. On the upside, these on-desk attachments are usually some of the most customizable (next to the DIY option, of course) and the most adjustable. A few options to consider:


Option Two: Consider a Whole-Desk Replacement for a Comfortable, Full Sit/Stand Experience


If a whole-desk replacement is more your speed, you should probably have some cash set aside. The best options in this category can get to be pretty expensive, and many of them are custom built to order. That means you get complete control over the size of the desk surface, the color, add-on features like whiteboard surfaces or cable management, built-in power, and so on, which is pretty nice. Here are some options to consider:


Again, these are just a few options, and there’s another standing desk on Kickstarter or IndieGoGo just about every week, so if you don’t see anything you like, keep looking or wait a little while. You’re essentially buying an appliance though, which is important to keep in mind. If the motor dies, you’ll need warranty support or someone to call to buy a new one. You also get tons of customization options and the power to build a desk that’s perfect for you. Even so, that luxury costs money. If you spend more than 8 hours a day working behind a desk though, it may be worth it.

Option Three: Take the DIY Approach for a Desk Tailored Specifically to You


When we looked at the five best standing desks, many of you preferred the DIY option. You explained that it was easier to grab a stack of books and lift up your keyboard and monitor than spend hundreds on something new. It may not the most adjustable options, but it’s fast and ideal if you’re just getting into standing desks. On that point, we completely agree and recommend that approach—even to people who already know they want a full desk or a desk mount.

The DIY approach is great because it can run the gamut from super cheap (and kinda janky) to really well done. Many of our favorite DIY standing desks start with a couple of dollars at IKEA. Here are a few options to consider:


If you’re willing to get more hands-on, spend a little more money, and build something really special, you have tons of options here too. We have a a guide full of $200-ish full-sized standing desks to check out, complete with their parts lists, to give you some inspiration. Here are a few more specific builds to think about:


All in all, the DIY approach doesn’t have to be an upturned tupperware container with a keyboard and some monitors on it, or some unfinished, plywood shelves you nailed together in an afternoon. If that’s enough for you, go for it—but it doesn’t have to be, if you’re willing to put in the time, or at least a trip to IKEA.

If you try out a DIY standing desk and like your experience, you can get the perks of sitting sometimes and standing other times without opting for an expensive setup. My desk, for example, is an old workstation that can be cranked up or down manually that I picked up affordably at my alma mater’s campus surplus store—a tip I’ve mentioned before. Some people swear by using a simple drafting table, which are generally adjustable height (and adjustable angle, although they can be locked in place) as perfect, affordable sit/stand workspaces as well.


Of course, those sit/stand desk attachments and motorized desks have their places too—especially if you have the money for them, appreciate the minimalism they offer, or want something that’s truly adjustable with little effort. Do some digging, and you’ll find a great option for you, whether you’ve never had a standing desk before, or you’re looking for something really unique that adjusts to the way you want to work, instead of vice versa.

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