Standing Desk Build

• woodworking • completed
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Materials:
Black WalnutSteel pipeBrass hardware

A custom standing desk built from solid black walnut with an industrial pipe frame. Designed for both aesthetics and ergonomics.

Design Goals

  • Clean, minimalist aesthetic
  • Adjustable height without motors
  • Cable management built-in
  • Sturdy enough for multiple monitors
  • Natural wood finish to showcase grain

Materials

  • Top: 2" thick black walnut, 60" x 30"
  • Frame: 1.5" black steel pipe with brass fittings
  • Finish: Osmo PolyX hardwax oil
  • Hardware: Brass screws and brackets

Build Process

Wood Preparation

Started with rough-sawn black walnut boards. The process involved:

  1. Jointing and planing to achieve uniform thickness
  2. Glue-up with alternating grain for stability
  3. Final planing to 2" thickness
  4. Routing rounded edges for comfort
  5. Progressive sanding from 80 to 320 grit

Frame Construction

The pipe frame uses a modular design:

  • Threaded connections allow for disassembly
  • Three height positions (sitting, perching, standing)
  • Cross-bracing for lateral stability
  • Felt pads to protect floors

Finishing

Applied three coats of Osmo PolyX:

  1. First coat diluted with mineral spirits
  2. Light sanding between coats
  3. Final buffing with white pad

The result is a durable, natural finish that enhances the wood grain while providing protection.

Features

  • Height adjustment: 30", 36", and 42" positions
  • Cable tray: Hidden channel routed underneath
  • Monitor mount: Reinforced mounting points
  • Footrest bar: Adjustable brass pipe
  • Storage shelf: Lower rack for peripherals

Lessons Learned

  • Black walnut is gorgeous but requires careful handling to avoid tearout
  • Pipe fittings need precise alignment for stability
  • Cable management should be planned from the start
  • The weight (~80 lbs) makes it very stable but less portable

Usage

After 6 months of daily use:

  • No wobble or stability issues
  • Finish holding up well with minimal maintenance
  • Height adjustment takes about 30 seconds
  • The natural wood adds warmth to the workspace
  • Standing position has improved my posture and energy levels

Future Improvements

If I were to build version 2:

  • Add soft-close keyboard tray
  • Integrate wireless charging pads
  • Include built-in USB hub
  • Consider motorized height adjustment
  • Add LED strip for bias lighting