Build a Standing Desk
Shaker-inspired design is comfortable and practical.
Synopsis: Chris Becksvoort’s not a sit-down type of guy, so it was inevitable he’d design himself a standing desk. This one has a slanted surface for drawing, a flat surface for a laptop, books, coffee mug, and other materials, a foot rail for comfort, and storage inside for office materials. The base is simple mortise-and-tenon construction and the desk box is dovetailed, with an interior gallery and drawer.
The office corner of my shop wasn’t really an office. It had the file cabinet, the phone, a sound system, and a stool, but what it really needed was a desk. I’m not a sit-down kind of guy, and I’ve had my share of back issues. So I started exploring stand-up desks, since I’ve heard they can do wonders for your posture and productivity. Most of the ones made today have a flat surface of the appropriate height, but lacked what I consider essential, a foot rail. Also, I wanted a slanted surface to draw on, much like an architect’s drawing board, or a sloped desk box or schoolmaster’s desk.
I also had several other requirements. It had to be built to my height, so you may need to tweak the dimensions to suit your own height. Next, it required the aforementioned foot rail to improve comfort and posture. In addition to the slanted surface for drawing, I wanted a flat area for a coffee mug, books, or laptop, as well as a few drawers for paper, pencils, invoices, and the usual office accoutrements. With a few sketches, I settled on a design that looks and functions very well. But I’ve since built a few (all in cherry) with slightly different layouts, drawers, and dimensions. When I decide I want to have a seat at this desk, I just pull up my stool (“Sturdy Stool for Home or Shop,” FWW #245).
Slanted Desk Adds A Classic Touch
I built the base first using mostly mortise-and-tenon joinery, and added the drawer. With that done, I started the desk box with the slanted lid. First I milled the front, back, and angled sides. Next I dovetailed the corners. Then I cut grooves for the bottom, and one stopped groove on the right side for the interior shelf. Once the box was glued and sanded, I attached the flat top, and then I glued up the lid. When the glue was dry, I cut the lid to size, sanded it, and added two cleats below to keep it flat. A small lip on the front edge keeps papers from sliding off.
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Comments
Hi Chris,
Thanks for all the excellent instruction over the years.
When I first saw the stand-up desk I figured the horizontal surface would lift off, (I thought the pencil groove was a finger grab hole), for more storage space beneath. Is there some reason you didn't make that space usable?
Thanks Trent.
Chris,
I enjoyed the article and want to try my hand at building the desk for myself. I have unfortunately spent the last 40 minutes trying to purchase the plan and keep getting "can't locate this page". I am just going to give up and use the drawings in the magazine article. Thanks for a great article and good drawings.
Chas.
Sorry about that Chas. The Taunton store is being ported over to a new website as we speak. Don't know where it went but I'll let you know when it's straightened out and we can send you a link.
I ordered the paper version of these plans quite a while ago and haven't seen any thing and I can't find anywhere on your site where I can check my orders.
Thanks
Joe
JPTroy,
Please contact our customer service line. They're on it with issues like this. Apologies.
I have a similar issue. I ordered the paper plans for this project on 10/16/16 and have not received them. I used the Taunton store live chat on 11/29/16 and they were unable to give me any information on when I might see my order. Can you provide any information on when these plans will be delivered?
Did anyone ever resolve the issue with the plan? I called customer support, but they couldn't find the plan in their database. Has anyone that ordered the plan actually received it?
There is a button labeled "Buy The Plan" right above the Comments button. It leads to this page: https://www.tauntonstore.com/shaker-inspired-standing-desk-6096.html and you can order either the Digital or Printed version of the plan.
your email featuring this project shows a video. Clicking on the video brings us to a trial subscription. Nice, except I am already a member. So, where is the video? Yes, I know, under the videos, but, where in the video section?
A poster, above, makes a good point about the wasted space on the right-hand side of the desk where the pencil groove is cut. Certainly doesn't seem congruent with the Shaker ethic. An easy enough design change to make for subsequent craftsmen, but a little disappointing nevertheless.
One of CB's design requirements was that the desk had to be built to his height and he suggests the need to "tweak" the dimensions to suit whoever else might build the desk.
Well how tall is he? I am 5' 4" and am guessing that he is not !
It would be helpful to know CB's height so I can make the tweak...please advise. Looie Ontario Canada
The link to buy the plans is still broken.
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