How to Make Desk Taller

Are you tired of using a desk that is too short for your liking? Maybe you’ve recently purchased a new chair or found yourself growing taller, and now your current desk just isn’t cutting it anymore. Whatever the reason may be, having a desk at the right height is essential for comfortable and efficient work.

How to make desk taller is a practical solution for improving ergonomics and creating a more comfortable workspace. Whether you are looking to convert your desk into a standing desk, accommodate taller chairs, or simply achieve a more suitable height for your work needs, there are several methods you can employ.

In this guide, we will explore various techniques and tools for elevating your desk, ensuring that you can maintain good posture and reduce strain during long hours of work.

What Will You Need?

Before we discuss the different methods of raising your desk, let’s review some essential tools. You may not require all of these items depending on which method you choose.

• Measuring Tape: This will help you determine the current height of your desk and how much you need to raise it.
• Wooden Blocks or Risers: These can be used to provide extra height for your desk legs.
• Adjustable Desk Legs: If your current desk legs are not adjustable, you may consider purchasing adjustable ones for easier customization.
• Desk Extensions: These are additional sections that can be attached to your existing desk to increase its height.
• Power Drill and Screws: These will come in handy if you plan on attaching desk extensions or risers to your desk.
• Anti-fatigue Mat: If you plan to convert your desk into a standing one, an anti-fatigue mat can help reduce strain on your feet and legs.

Now that you have the necessary tools, it’s time to start!

10 Easy Steps on How to Make Desk Taller

Step 1. Measure Your Desk

Use the measuring tape to determine the current height of your desk. Note down this measurement so you can accurately assess how much higher you need the desk to be. Ideal desk height can depend on personal preference and ergonomic guidelines, usually falling between 28 and 30 inches for a sitting desk and around 40 to 44 inches for a standing desk.

Step 2: Determine the Desired Height

Decide on how much additional height you need for your desk. This could be based on personal comfort or ergonomic recommendations. Consider your chair height and body proportions to find the most comfortable setting. For instance, your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle when typing, and your eyes should be level with the top of your monitor screen to maintain good posture.

Step 3: Choose Your Method

Select the method you prefer for raising your desk based on the tools available and your level of DIY comfort. Options include using wooden blocks or risers, installing adjustable desk legs, or adding desk extensions. Assess the pros and cons of each method to determine which one best suits your needs.

Step 4: Prepare Your Workspace

Clear the area around your desk to give yourself ample space to work. Remove any items from the desk surface and unplug electronic devices to ensure safety during modification. Having a clean and organized workspace will make the task easier and prevent any potential damage to your belongings.

Step 5: Elevate with Wooden Blocks or Risers

If you’ve chosen to use wooden blocks or risers, place them under each leg of the desk. Ensure they are evenly positioned and stable to prevent wobbling. You may need to use a power drill and screws to secure the blocks to the desk legs for additional stability.

Step 6: Install Adjustable Desk Legs

If adjustable desk legs are your chosen method, begin by removing the existing legs of your desk. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your adjustable legs to ensure proper installation. Generally, this will involve attaching a bracket to the underside of the desk and then securing the adjustable legs to the bracket. Make sure each leg is set to the desired height before fully tightening the screws or bolts. This method provides the flexibility to fine-tune the desk height easily and can be particularly useful if you frequently change your workspace setup.

Step 7: Add Desk Extensions

To add desk extensions, gather your power drill, screws, and the extension pieces. Depending on the design, attach the extensions to the top or bottom of the desk. If the extensions are top-mounted, align them carefully with the existing edges of the desk to maintain a smooth surface. For bottom-mounted extensions, make sure they are securely fastened to support the weight of your work items. Desk extensions can also provide additional surface area, which is helpful for those requiring more workspace.

Step 8: Reinforce for Stability

No matter which method you choose, ensuring the stability of your desk is critical. After elevating your desk to the desired height, perform stability checks by gently pushing or applying pressure on different desk parts. If you notice any wobbling or instability, consider reinforcing the joins with extra screws or using anti-slip pads under the desk legs. For added security, you can also use metal brackets or corner braces at the points where the desk legs meet the desktop.

Step 9: Test and Adjust

Once the desk modifications are complete, test the setup by sitting at or standing by the desk. Check to see if the height feels comfortable and if the ergonomic criteria are met. When typing, your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle, and your eyes should level with the top third of your monitor screen. Make any necessary adjustments to fine-tune the height or reposition your equipment for optimal comfort.

Step 10: Organize Your Workspace

After completing all modifications and ensuring your desk is stable and at the right height, reorganize your workspace. Replace the items you had removed in Step 4, plug in electronic devices, and arrange your work essentials for easy access. If you are using your desk as a standing workspace, place an anti-fatigue mat on the floor to reduce any stress on your feet and legs during prolonged standing periods. Enjoy your newly elevated desk, designed to enhance your comfort and productivity.

By following these 10 simple steps, you can easily make your desk taller and create a more ergonomic and comfortable workspace.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Use Furniture Leg Extenders: Consider using furniture leg extenders specifically designed to increase the height of tables and desks. These extenders are available in various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood, and can be easily attached to the existing legs for a seamless height increase.
2. Opt for Adjustable Desk Converters: An adjustable desk converter can be placed on top of your current desk to elevate your work surface. These converters often come with adjustable settings, allowing you to switch between sitting and standing positions effortlessly without permanently altering your desk.
3. Employ Screw-On Desk Leg Risers: Screw-on desk leg risers are another effective option for increasing desk height. These risers screw directly into the bottom of each leg and provide a stable, height-adjustable option. Ensure that the risers have rubberized bottoms to prevent slipping and to protect your floor.
4. Consider Treadmill Desk Accessories: If you want to integrate movement into your work routine, explore treadmill desk accessories. Many treadmill desks come with height extenders that can be added to your existing desk, allowing you to walk while you work without compromising your workspace layout.
5. Customize with PVC Pipe Inserts: Consider using PVC pipe inserts for a DIY solution. Measure and cut PVC pipes to the desired height and fit them over or inside the existing desk legs. This method provides a customizable and cost-effective way to raise your desk while ensuring stability and durability.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Using Unstable Materials: Avoid using materials that can compromise the stability of your desk, such as stacks of books, loose wooden planks, or other makeshift solutions. Non-sturdy materials can cause your desk to wobble or even collapse, potentially damaging your work equipment.
2. Overloading the Desk: When elevating your desk, ensure that the new height setup can support the weight of your desk and all items on it. Overloading the desk can lead to instability and increase the risk of it tipping over or collapsing, which can be both dangerous and costly.
3. Ignoring Ergonomic Principles: When making your desk taller, avoid neglecting ergonomic principles. Ensure that the new setup promotes proper posture and minimizes strain on your body. Ignoring ergonomic guidelines can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and potential long-term health issues.
4. Skipping Stability Checks: After completing the modifications, perform stability checks before using the desk. Skipping this step can result in an unstable workspace, potentially causing accidents or damage to your work items.
5. Forgetting About Aesthetics: While functionality is crucial, consider the aesthetics of your elevated desk as well. Neglecting aesthetics may make your workspace seem cluttered or unappealing, leading to reduced.

Conclusion

How to make desk taller can significantly enhance both comfort and productivity.

Following the detailed steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can effectively customize your desk setup to meet your needs.

Whether you opt for furniture leg extenders, adjustable desk converters, screw-on risers, or DIY solutions like PVC pipe inserts, ensuring the stability and safety of your modifications is paramount. Avoid quick fixes or unstable materials that could pose a risk to your workspace. Remember to maintain ergonomic principles to prevent strain and discomfort.

With a well-considered approach, you can transform your desk into a functional and aesthetically pleasing workstation that supports your work routines and promotes a healthier posture.