OP here. I've been a developer for 10 years and have used a standing desk for the last 2. When I started, I just used whatever materials I could to prop my computer up higher. Once I was sold on the idea and benefits of standing, I started looking for a more permanent solution.
I wasn't really happy with the options. I wanted something very high quality and unique. So I decided to start building my own using reclaimed and salvaged materials.
Here's what I have so far. What do you think? What's important to you in a standing desk?
I do not know much about the market for the low-end of high-end furniture, but that is definitely the market you are targeting.
This isn't a $4000 table, but it is priced above standing desks with hydraulics that allow you to sit and stand at the same desk. ~$1,200.
Lots of people will tell you that this is priced way, way, way too high and it is for functional stuff. The question is whether the quality of the craftsmanship and the design are worth a $1,000+ premium on the furniture.
One way to find out is to take it to high-end furniture stores and ask them. Another way is to market them on the web and see if you get sales.
Don't take advise from people on pricing who are practical buyers in their mid 20s. Talk to some women in their 30s about what would be nice to have in their house. Talk to some older men who value style as well as functionality.
The idea of a custom height standing desk with excellent style is likely appealing to some customers. The question is whether your's is stylish enough to justify the price.
I built my own standing desk with a piece of pine from home depot, and some white paint, and 4 sturdy 6" brackets. Wall mounted it and now I have a $100 standing desk.
I think making a standing desk is great, but you haven't solved the problem people have. They are all pretty expensive, but don't have to be.
Additionally if I am being honest, the craftsmanship simply isn't there for a $1,500 desk. The welds look awful.
I paid $1,500 shipped for a driftwood dresser, made to order, and to spec. It was about 10x more material and labor, at the same cost, and it was made by an amazing craftsman.
The problem you should be solving isn't 'making another standing desk' it's making an affordable, quality standing desk that is accessible to people.
Excellent ergonomics first, affordable price second. Table height, monitor stand height, and distance from keyboard to monitor all needs to be adjustable.
Keyboard and monitor stands that sit on an existing desk could be an affordable option. A monitor stand that has a drawer for keyboard and mouse would be nice as well. Push in the keyboard drawer and you have more available desk surface. An extra shelf in the monitor stand could hold books, chargers, and other items.
I don't completely get the concept of it has to be dirt cheap no matter what. People are paying $500+ for a TV which is next to worthless after a couple of years, but don't want to pay more than a couple of bucks for a solid table which will most probably outlife them.
> a TV which is next to worthless after a couple of years
Oh, wait, you won't get it, you expect to throw away perfectly working devices frequently.
The desk looks like there is maybe $50 worth of materials and maybe 2 hours worth of work there (I'm taking for granted they know what they're doing and can do a lot of it pretty efficiently). So that's what, between $100-$200 material and labor. Where is the other $1300 of value coming from?
Please restrain from hyperboles and strawman arguments.
There is a significant gap between dirt cheap and $ 1495. Somewhere in between there is a zone which makes it affordable for many customers and is still a good deal for the producer.
I am asking because I am considering building one myself, I don't have money to buy one, but I have time to build one (also I cannot buy yours anyway, the shipping alone would cost more than the desk), so I am wondering if I DO manage to build one, if it will end costing a lot too.
We've been using sit/stand desks at our office since the start now. At first I was the only one using them, but now every developer seems to be using it more and more. To me, the most important feature is to be able to alter the height of the desk as I want to sit or stand during the day. I find myself switching positions 2-3 times a day. Couldn't work without it anymore. Awesome product!
I wasn't really happy with the options. I wanted something very high quality and unique. So I decided to start building my own using reclaimed and salvaged materials.
Here's what I have so far. What do you think? What's important to you in a standing desk?