The standing desk revolution has been rapidly spreading over the past few years, and it's no surprise why. Switching to a standing desk can improve circulation, alleviate back pain, reduce stress, and strengthen muscles. But the switch can be expensive. Thankfully, the folks at Priceonomics braved the IKEA crowds to create a guide of the store's most affordable workstations.
Standing Desk with Utby Legs
Image via Ikea Hackers.
If you're pressed for space and just want a simple desk for yourself, try this hack. This design offers you just enough space for a monitor, laptop, keyboard, and everyday storage. Given the price, it's a wonderful piece of furniture, but pay attention to the final height since this desk won't be adjustable once built.
Materials: 1 Vika Amon top ($20); 1 Utby underframe ($90); 1 Ekby Jarpen shelf ($15); 1 set of Capita legs ($14)
Total: $139
Relative Difficulty: Easy. Only requires assembly of main desk and platform with a screwdriver.
Wide Standing Desk
Image via Ikea Hackers.
As the name suggests, this hack is the best option for those who prefer a wider workspace. Although this setup isn't necessarily completely adjustable, it contains two tiers that allows you sit and stand at your leisure. Also, the base legs extend up to 42 inches giving it more range than our first hack.
Materials: 5 Vika Byske Legs ($150); 2 packs of Capita Brackets ($30); 1 Lack Shelf ($20); 1 Vika Amon Table Top ($45)
Total: $245
Relative Difficulty: Medium: Assembly of main desk should be simple. Attached shelf could prove difficult because it requires drilling into desk top. Power drill required.
Expedit Standing Desk
Image via Peter Marks.
If you need a more robust desk to suit your storage needs, check out this contraption. Fashioned almost entirely out of Expedit shelves, this unit allows you to stand around all sorts of drawers and shelves. At less than $250, it's a great value for the size. Although this is our favorite design, it doesn't necessarily have any sitting area.
Materials: 2 5x1 Expedit shelving units ($120); 2 2x2 Expedit shelving units ($80); 1 Lack Shelf ($20)
Total: $220
Relative Difficulty: Medium. Assembly requires bolting separate shelves together. Power drill and 8 metal braces also needed.
Conclusion
If you want to change your work habits but don't necessarily want to pay top dollar, definitely consider these IKEA standing desk solutions. Although manufactured standing desks might provide more flexibility and require fewer construction skills, these hacks offer an affordable yet functional alternative.
Hack a Standing Desk from IKEA | Priceonomics
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Title photo by Justin Jackson.
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