How to Raise a Desk Height: Very Simple Tips

You may have seen how some people keep trying to raise their desks. Others may invest in standing or sit-stand desks. There is a reason why they’re doing that – many, in fact! Raising the desk that you’re working on regularly can lower stress and muscle tension. However, there are specific ways that will help you in raising a desk height so that you get the desk to the right height.

Only then you can be sure that you are in a comfortable or ergonomic position to work in. The dangers of working on a desk where you can’t increase desk height are plenty. You could suffer from repetitive stress injuries that could damage your muscles permanently. If you have switched your non-fitting desk to a standing or a sit-stand one, then we’ve got some tips on raising a desk height.

These tips can help you get extra height on your desk to feel good and more productive.

Tips for Raising a Desk Height

The question that might have crossed your mind is – ‘what’s the ideal desk height?’ The standing desk height is very different for everyone. There are many things that come into play here.

To begin with, you have to take into consideration your height and the tasks before raising a desk height that you usually do. Once you have determined that, you have to focus on the tools you use and any health condition.

After understanding what these four factors are, it's time to get started on positioning yourself at the desk. The correct way is to keep your elbows at a natural bent form, usually about 70 of 130 degrees, depending on how high your standing office desk is.

This prevents stress from building up in your hands while using the PC or laptop. If you occasionally use pens for handwriting, then increase desk height when required. We can think of the simplest solution using an old book or desk extensions – more on this later.

If you find that your elbows aren’t at this natural bend, then more adjustments are needed. Take your keyboard and put it in a position that is slightly lower than your hands. Proficient types prefer using a sweeping curve that is around 130 degrees to keep their desk height much lower.

If you're unlucky enough to get a desk where you can't raise table height, invest in some ergonomic chairs. Look for an adjustable depth office chair that suits your height or an under-desk bike for promoting circulation.

When possible, move to a sit-stand desk that is perfect for reducing injuries, cramped muscles while working. If you are unable to get one quickly or can't find the time to shop around for one, keep reading to see how to make a desk taller.

How to Make a DIY Standing Desk

There are clever ways to make your desk a little higher using some easy solutions. They're known as risers, and they come in plastic, wood, or rubber. So, the choice you make depends on whether your desk is wobbly, made of wood. You can use these ideas to include new legs on your desk.

Desk risers

A riser is the faster, and a more affordable way to add a few extra inches to your DIY standing desk or table. You can easily find them online, and they come in different sizes for different desks. So, if you feel like your desk needs to be increased by three inches, simply attach a 3-inch riser to it. Risers even come in 4 to 8 inches sizes and in adjustable sets for more customization.

How to use a riser

Let’s learn how to use a riser when raising a desk height. First, sit down comfortably at your desk in the position that you normally work in. Now begin testing out how much extra height you need to add in order to be comfortable.

Then look for a desk riser online that fits this size requirement. Typically, a desk riser set has four pieces and is made with materials that won't leave scratches on the floor. If you're uncertain about this, then throw a rug under the desk risers when installing them.

This way, your floor is spotless, and you gain a few centimeters in height for the desk. Always ensure that the edges of the risers are rounded so as to prevent damages.

The big benefit of using risers is that they're temporary and let you build a standing desk. They may work if you wish to add height to the desk temporarily or if you wish to add height immediately. Risers are strong, and come in matching colors, and can be concealed.

How to use bun feet

How to raise a desk height? The other way is with bun feet. They are round objects that add about 3 to 4 extra inches and are even available in 10 inches height as well. Bun feet can even be removed and added on as many times as you like.

You may have to make holes under the table legs before installing bun feet on them. The holes should ideally be about 1.25 inches across and are made under the table feet. Then take the bun and attach them to these holes.

How to use wooden extensions

After adding extra height using either bun feet or risers, the desk might feel wobbly. This might happen if the extension isn't applied correctly. If you don’t have the time to settle this, then add extensions to them. 

Extensions come in felt, and wood – although the wooden ones are more popular when it comes to leveling furniture. If you feel that your desk needs to be sturdy, follow these steps when installing wood extensions.

Find or buy wood pieces in the same width and color as the motorized standing desk legs. Next, drill in some holes in the bottom of the table legs, right in the center. Using the electric drill, make a 1.25-inch diameter hole and insert a tee-nut in each hole.

You may have to secure the tee-nuts with a hammer. Then use hanger bolts to place the wood pieces in the holes you made. Tighten the bolts down with a screwdriver to set the pieces in place.