Save Your Back with a DIY Standing Desk

Save Your Back with a DIY Standing Desk WebWorkerDaily writer Mark Hinton decided he wanted a standing desk as a workplace back-up, so he could move between sitting and standing throughout his day when his back needed a break. He opted to build his own for several reasons: he could build it the exact size and height he wanted, it was cheaper to build it himself, and he wanted a desk he could take apart easily when he was inspired to rearrange his office. The construction required only a simple 2x4 frame with a plywood top.

A standing desk is a great alternative to spending all day hunched in your chair . Today's featured workspace is a standing desk with ample space. For the past few months I have had incredible back pain that has led to many trips to the chiropractor. A growing body of research shows just how rough sitting all day is on our bodies . Where can I get a simple, affordable, adjustable standing desk? includes some do -it-yourself stand-up desk ideas.

For the desktop, I chose a high-quality plywood sheet 4 feet by 8 feet, cut in half at the store. When I cut off one corner to create the front of the desk, my old saw mangled the edge of the wood. The rough edge of the wood led me to buy a couple of yards of soft vinyl at a fabric store to cover the wood. The result is a very nice work surface.

The vinyl probably has just enough give to make writing on it pleasant, which makes it a nice addition even if there's no rough edges. If you're not opposed to whipping up some 2x4 legs, but you're not too keen on a plywood desk, check out this standing desk made from an Ikea coffee table. For more standing desk ideas, make sure to check out some of the really great reader submissions we've received over the years, like the Treadputer, a treadmill/standing desk hybrid, and the adjustable height standing desk, which puts both desk elevations in the same space. If you have a standing desk, or just a few experiences with one, sounds off in the comments below.