Materials: Expedit Workstation (598.613.42, $119.99), 1 * Ledberg 3-piece light strip (501.920.73, $14.99), 1 * Capita leg (200.495.38, $14.00), 1 * Ekby Hemnes Shelf (501.787.79, $14.99)
Description: A great small form standing desk for about $150 using a (slightly modified) Expedit workstation.
Additional equipment:
Drill.
1. Construct the shelving unit. I left out the the bottom shelf and divider as that's where the computer will sit.
Raise the bottom of the unit 5cm (2") off the floor or you'll end up with a slanted desk! You could use the spare pieces from the bottom shelf you didn't put in, I had a piece of an old Expedit 2x2 unit knocking around that I used instead.
2. Construct the desk unit. Crucially you need to swap round the positions of the clasp and adjustable feet. i.e. put the feet at the end of the long section and the clasps at the end of the short section. You'll need the drill to do this.
3. Attach the desk unit to the shelving unit.
4. Put the Capita legs and the Ledberg lights on the Ekby shelf. I used double sided tape for the lights, it makes it easier if you want to re-position them.
5. Put the shelf on the desk. Et voila, a small form standing desk.
~ John Threlfall
Does using the DVD player will cause any trouble?
ReplyDeleteHi Marlin, I'd not even thought about that as I never use the drive! I've just checked and there's plenty of room.
DeleteThose numerous standing desks here really irritate me. Here in Germany, nobody would come to the idea to have a computer place at home you couldn't sit in front of. Desks like that you only find in shops or offices.
ReplyDeleteSorry if this "irritates" you, Anon:
ReplyDeleteStanding desks (or alternately, "sit-stand workstation") are becoming more popular here in the US because it allows us to be more productive longer (and thereby more competitive in the labor market).
Statistically, we here in the US spend more time at work than most EU workers annually. (link) Ergonomically, sitting for long periods of time at a desk causes back and hip problems (both of which I have from 20+ years in high-tech R&D), and can cause deep vein thrombosis (blood clots, which can lead to death if they break loose and reach the heart, lungs or brain; how's that for "irritating"?).
Being able to stand changes the stresses placed on the body and provides better circulation thereby diminishing the risk of blood clots. For a casual home user who spends less than an hour or two per day at the computer it's not a necessity. But if you spend a lot of time in front of the computer, like those who work at home, a sit-stand or standing workstation can help avoid repetitive stress injury and reduce the threat of blood clots.
Unfortunately, commercial sit-stands are hugely expensive for at-home use. $$$$ (The one I had at work was $1500US when my employer bought it for me back in 1997 and it also had to be hacked to get it to work; I can't even imagine how much it would be now.) Tabletop height desks are ubiquitous, so there are alternatives available on the market for use as-is and hacks aren't necessary. I for one am happy to see people finding their own affordable options and hacking their way to a healthier setup. Keep 'em coming!
Great hack, John. When I first saw the Expedit workstation, I wondered how it would work being turned 90* like this. It was only a matter of time before someone posted their version. All that would be needed to turn this standing workstation into a sit-stand is the addition of a tall stool (with foot rest as dangling your feet isn't ergo) to allow the user to alternate between sitting and standing.
Thanks Ostracon. It's an easy hack but after a few days use I'm pleased with the result.
DeleteAnd yes I have a tall stool for when the old legs get tired :)
I also live in Europe and I also do not understand those standing desks. Over here, they are only used on trade shows and in shops.
ReplyDeleteAs far as back and hip problems caused by long hours sitting in front of computers (I also have a 20+ years in high-tech R&D job), the recommended solution is this kind of "ergonomic chair" (link: http://www.mon-siege-ergonomique.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/9/files/2011/07/siege-ergonomique-jobri.jpg) that companies are happy to provide their employees with.
As far as the number of hours spent in the office, I think the statistics you mention only point at annualized numbers. In Europe we tend to spend fewer weeks per year in the office, meaning IMHO longer days in terms of hours. Only my 2 cents.
Hmmm... it is true that people in the US are probably spending a lot more time sitting down than those readers in Europe-- both at work and at home. It's not good.
ReplyDeleteBut there are times when you DO get tired of standing all day and need to sit down-- matter of fact, this is better for your metabolism: to alternate between standing and sitting. I tried to make my own "standing desk" at home but I didn't like that there was only one height option.
Recently I got a NextDesk, which I love because it is adjustable so I can sit, stand, and even kind of perch in between on a stool. I also like it because it keeps my wrists at the right angle for typing, as the keyboard tray is a bit lower than the desktop. You can check it out on their website: http://www.nextdesks.com/models
Just thought you might like to see another option. Thanks for the post!
This is a great looking hack, JT! Do you have any more info on how the desk unit attaches to the shelf unit?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Daniel
That's a great looking hack, JT! I'm a little confused about steps 2 & 3...how exactly does the desk connect to the shelf?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Daniel
What does the height on the tabletop end up being?
ReplyDeleteI was just at IKEA... it's about 45.5", but that's measuring the display model with the long end laying horizontal as the tabletop (as it's intended) instead of vertical as the leg (as it's hacked). It may grow a bit depending on how the hack is carried out, but regardless, would be a desk for the taller crowd.
Delete