How to Make a Cardboard Standing Desk

I made this standing desk as an extension of my work desk. Since school's moved online, my legs have fell asleep plenty of times for me to know how boring sitting is. I'm trying out using a standing desk for the first time, and I must say, I'm surprised how good I feel. I don't feel as sore, and it seems like my posture and blood circulation are getting better. I'm making this instructable with hopes that you guys can also keep yourselves healthy during quarantine.

Let's do it!

For this project, you'll just need some cardboard, a utility knife, and a hot glue gun.

The first thing we have to do is figure out how tall the standing desk is going to be. I found this website that will help you calculate the height of your standing desk. Pick your height from the boxes, and the program does the rest. Next, measure the height of your working table. Mine was about 30 3/4 inches. Subtract the keyboard height of the standing desk in the program by your desk height. I ended up with a difference of 8 1/4 inches. This means that my desk is going to be 8 1/4 inches tall.

I like to draw what I want my final product to be before I start building. At this stage, I insert the measurements of the pieces, which all matters on your computer size. I also added space for my charger so my desk wouldn't be too messy. The measurements of your standing desk will most likely differ from mine, since the measurements are based on your computer size and model.

This is when you begin transitioning your draft onto cardboard. I am using double-ply cardboard for this project, but two layers of single-ply cardboard will do.

This is when your desk starts to take shape. Take pieces A and B. You will build the foundation around these two pieces. Glue piece D in between pieces A and B. Make sure the hole lines up on the side where your computer's charger hole is. Next, glue parts C and E around parts A and B. Glue part H on the bottom, covering all the sides. Glue part I on top.

This next step is important if you want a charger compartment. Fit the "puzzle" ends of parts F and G into their respective holes. Do NOT glue the pieces down. Peel the upper layer of a strip of cardboard to make the two hinges. Glue one hinge between parts F and G. Glue the other hinge between parts F and I.

Position the standing desk in your working area. Set your computer on top of the standing desk. Place the charger in the compartment we made. Now guide the charger end through the holes. It should be able to connect to the computer. Guide the outlet end of the wire through the hole opposite of the charger hole. Your charger should be able to extend and reach the outlet.

That's it. You've made your very own cardboard standing desk!

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