Note: I am not a professional and do not claim to be an expert. Please be sure to always read instructions for all tools and products. Safety is very important and should be your top priority. Wear necessary protection when using tools (eye wear, hearing protection, gloves, etc.) and dust masks when sanding or cutting. Sarah Flips It is not responsible for any injury or damage. All of my designs are not professionally designed and are for private use only.

Create a beautiful oak DIY stand up desk using IKEA Alex drawers and a pre-made standing desk. This budget-friendly IKEA hack is perfect for a home office or creative workspace. Learn how to build yours step by step!

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If you need a custom desk that’s stylish, functional, and budget-friendly, this DIY Standing Desk hack is the perfect solution! By combining IKEA Alex drawers with an Amazon standing desk, you can create a spacious and sturdy workspace that suits your needs. This project requires just a little DIY knowledge/practice, and the result is a high-quality desk that can hold up to daily use.

When designing our home office, we needed a standing desk option for my husband, but I also wanted something that looked cute and fit my aesthetic. Why are stand-up desks so ugly???

After searching for a while, we realized that most store-bought desks either lacked the storage we needed or were way out of our price range. That’s when we decided to DIY our own custom desk!

By using affordable IKEA Alex drawers as the base and a high-quality standing desktop from Amazon, we were able to create a desk that’s both practical and visually appealing. Whether you need a workspace for work, crafting, or gaming, this setup is an easy way to get a personalized desk without the hefty price tag.

Supplies for DIY Standing Desk

Tools:

Lumber:

  • 3/4″ plywood sheet

Materials:

How to Create a DIY Standing Desk

1. Assemble the IKEA Alex Drawers and Standing Desk Frame

Follow the IKEA instructions to assemble the Alex drawers and the manufacturer’s instructions for the standing desk. This step may take some time, so set aside at least an hour to complete it.

2. Measure Your Desk for Trim

Once your drawer units and standing desk frame are assembled, measure the desk’s width and height to determine how much wood you’ll need to trim it out for a polished look.

3. Cut Red Oak Plywood for Drawer Fronts

Using your measurements, cut pieces of red oak plywood to fit on the fronts of all the drawers. These will give the drawers a custom, high-end wood finish.

4. Attach wood to the front of the drawers

This can be done using liquid nails and/or brad nails. I decided to do both, but that might have been overkill.

5. Attach Drawer Pulls

Drill holes and attach your chosen drawer pulls to each drawer front for a finished and functional look. I use this [link] pull measuring/spacing tool & it makes this step so easy!

6. Build a Base for the IKEA Drawers

To ensure the desk’s stability and allow the standing desk to adjust properly, create a base for the IKEA drawer units using 2x4s. Be sure that the standing desk can reach its lowest setting without hitting the drawers.

7. Add Plywood Side Panels to the Drawers

Cut and attach sheets of plywood to the sides of the IKEA drawers to help them match the rest of the wood and create a cohesive design. I fluted this part by lowering my table saw blade and ripping a line every ½ inch. That’s totally optional!

8. Cover exposed sides of the IKEA drawers with red oak veneer

Red oak veneer can be purchased on Amazon and is so easy to use. It acts almost like a thick wallpaper and is applied using pressure and liquid cement. I used this on the one exposed side of the desk to save on wood.  

DIY Standing Desk plywood addition

9. Add a Plywood Desk Top

Measure and cut a piece of plywood to fit across the top of the desk, spanning from side to side of the IKEA drawers. I left about a ¼ inch overhang so the top rested on the desk like a hat. This will give the desk a solid, continuous surface. If you want the top piece to have a thicker look without spending additional money, you can attach a “trim” piece to the front by cutting a 2 inch piece of red oak at a 45 degree angle and attaching it to the front. This will also help hide the stand up desk underneath. 

10. Apply Edge Banding

To make the plywood edges look more like solid wood, apply edge banding around all exposed edges of the plywood. I used this primarily for the bottom faux baseboards I added, but it can be used anywhere the plywood edge is exposed. Edge banding is super easy to use & is applied using a clothing iron. For this step, I also use the edge banding trimmer for any overhang.

11. Secure Everything with a Brad Nailer

Attach the plywood pieces securely using a brad nailer. Fill any holes with wood filler for a seamless finish.

12. Paint and Seal

If you’d like, paint the desk to match your decor. Once dry, apply two layers of polyacrylic to seal and protect the wood surface. For my desk, I opted out of any paint or stain and just sealed the red oak with two coats of polycrylic. 

Tips and Tricks

  • Test the standing desk’s full range of motion before securing everything to make sure nothing interferes with its adjustability.
  • Use high-quality plywood for the best look and durability.
  • Apply wood conditioner before staining to get an even finish on the plywood surfaces.
  • Paint or stain before assembling for a smoother process and fewer touch-ups.
  • Use heavy-duty drawer slides if you plan on storing a lot of weight in the drawers.
  • Install a cable management system underneath the desk to keep cords organized and out of sight.
  • Add LED strip lighting under the desk for a modern touch and better workspace illumination.
  • Attach felt pads or furniture sliders to the drawer bases to protect floors and make adjustments easier.

Customization Ideas

  • Add LED lighting: Strip lighting under the desk can give a modern, ambient glow to your workspace.
  • Install a pegboard: Mounting a pegboard above your desk can provide extra organization for supplies and tools.
  • Personalize with wallpaper or decals: Adding peel-and-stick wallpaper or decals to the drawer fronts can give your desk a unique touch.
  • Swap out the desktop material: If you prefer a different look, you can use a glass or live-edge wood top for a more customized aesthetic.
  • Create a two-tone look: Paint the drawers one color and stain the wood trim for a striking contrast.
Final image of DIY standing desk build with walls painted and desk set up

Final Thoughts

This DIY IKEA desk setup is a fantastic way to get a stylish, durable, and custom-sized workspace without spending a fortune. Whether you’re using it for work, gaming, crafting, or studying, this desk will serve you well for years to come. Happy building!