DIY Standing Desk From Galvanized Pipes

This Standing Desk is made from 2x12s wood board and plumbers pipe. The height of the desk can be adjusted by switching out different sections of pipe. All of the materials for this standing desk can be purchased at Home Depot.

DIY Standing Desk Tutorial
DIY Standing Desk Project
DIY Standing Desk from Plumbers

Supplies you’ll need for standing desk:

  • 1 – 2″x12″x12′ board
  • 6 – 10″ mending plates
  • 3/4″ black iron pipes
    • 4 @ 18″
    • 6 @ 12″
    • 4 @ 10″
    • 8 @ 4″
    • **These measurements are for a 42″ high desk**
  • 3/4″ black iron couplings
    • 8 – flanges
    • 8 – t’s
    • 4 – 90° elbows
    • 4 – end caps
  • 1/4″ black drywall screws
  • Danish oil (or stain/protective coat of choice)

Tools you’ll need for this project:

How to build a standing desk from pipes and wood: Step by Step process

Step 1: Measure & Cut the Boards

Cut the boards to the finish length of 5’6″, using a speed square to make sure to get a perfect right angle cut.

DIY Standing Desk - Measure
DIY Standing Desk - Cut Board

Step 2: Sand the Boards

Sand the boards down, first using a coarser grit like 100, then finishing at 22o using the orbital sander. We made sure to take special care to round all the edges and corners to get a smooth look.

Related: How To Build DIY Pipe Shelves For Your Home From Scratch

DIY Standing Desk - Sand the Boards
DIY Standing Desk Sand Board

Step 3: Wipe and Stain the Boards

Wipe all the dust from the boards before using a rag to apply a coat of natural Danish oil. The natural Danish oil gives a coat of protection for the boards while keeping the integrity and clarity of the natural wood color.

DIY Standing Desk Wipe and Stain
DIY Standing Desk Wipe and Stain Tutorial

Step 4: Attach the Boards Together

Using the 10″ mending plates, attach the 2 2″x12″ boards together. We centered the plates 4″ in from the ends of the boards, then roughly 12″ apart leaving about 6″ of space between the middle two. To ensure that the boards stay together, clamp one board to the worktable and ask for help to pull the second board into the first as you screw in the plates.

Related: 20 DIY Desks That Really Work For Your Home Office

DIY Standing Desk Attach the Boards
DIY Standing Desk Attach the Boards together

Step 5: Assemble the Legs

Assemble the legs using all the pipes and connectors. Putting them together is easy and fun, but make sure that the end result is straight and screwed together tightly.

DIY Standing Desk - Prepare the Legs

Step 6: Attach Legs to Boards

Place the legs on the inside of the outermost plate, or about 6″ in from the ends and 3″ in from the sides. It can be a bit difficult to maneuver the drill while it’s so close to the pipes, but be sure to drill the screws straight into the wood.

DIY Standing Desk - Attach the Legs

Step 7: Adjust Legs as Needed

If the floor of your space is uneven, you can adjust the end caps to level the tables.

DIY Standing Desk - Adjust The Legs

There are many different options for the height of your desk. We listed the three that we found most useful for our needs. The exact height of the desk will fluctuate depending on how tightly you’re able to screw the pipes to the couplings, as well as the thickness of the boards if you choose a different type of table top.

DIY Standing Desk - Legs options
DIY Standing Desk Ben Working

Good luck making your own Standing Desk!