DIY project: Monitor riser for the ergonomic home office
Since the outbreak of SARS Covid 19, many of us have been familiar with the concept of working from home. Suddenly we had to set up a workspace in our own four walls. Living spaces were quickly converted and the dining table in the living room became the new workspace. The morning routine changed suddenly when we only had to walk a few steps to our desk instead of commuting to work. The advantages of working from home , such as flexibility and time savings , quickly became apparent. But at the same time, we realized that it also brought with it challenges, such as separating work and private life.
The usual desk was replaced by a laptop and monitors on the dining table. It was challenging to adapt to the new working environment. But there was and is a solution: simply build yourself a monitor riser, a monitor stand, a screen riser or whatever you want to call it! As a skilled DIYer, you can create an ergonomic work surface inexpensively and flexibly . This way you can work effectively at home without having to buy expensive furniture. With a little DIY, you can adapt your work environment to your individual needs and make it ergonomic.
What should you consider when building your desk's monitor riser from aluminum profiles?
When building a monitor riser from aluminum profiles, there are a few important aspects you should consider in order to create a stable, functional and ergonomically sensible solution. Here are the most important points:
1. Material selection and profile types
- Aluminum profiles : Make sure you use sturdy aluminum profiles that can support the monitor sufficiently. T-slot profiles (also known as Bosch or Item profiles) are often used because they are stable and easy to install. However, you can also use square tubes, as in our example.
2. Connections and fastenings
- Connectors : Use suitable angle connectors or corner connectors to connect the aluminum profiles securely and stably. These ensure a stable frame and prevent the construction from loosening over time.
- Screws and nuts : Use corrosion-resistant screws and nuts to securely fix the profiles. T-slot nuts are helpful for attaching the profiles to each other.
- Load testing : Before final assembly, you should test the stability and load-bearing capacity of the structure to ensure that it can withstand the weight of the monitor.
3. Ergonomics
- Height : The monitor height should be chosen so that the top edge of the monitor is approximately at eye level to ensure good ergonomics. Measure your sitting height and determine the optimal height of the monitor riser before cutting the profiles to size.
- Tilt and position : Consider whether you want to design the monitor riser so that the monitor can be tilted slightly forward or the position can be changed to allow flexible use.
4. Stability of the construction for the monitor elevation
- Stability : Make sure the monitor riser has a wide base so that it doesn't tip over. A good base is especially important if you move or rotate the monitor.
- Additional Bracing : If necessary, add additional bracing or cross beams to increase stability, especially for larger monitors or taller structures.
5. Surface and aesthetics
- Clean edges : Make sure to smooth the edges of aluminum profiles to avoid injuries.
- Appearance : You can leave the aluminum profiles in their natural finish. You can also have them anodized or powder coated to better match their appearance to your workplace.
- Covers : Use end caps or covers for the open ends of the profiles to achieve a professional look and avoid sharp edges.
6. Additional elements and functionality
- Cable management : Consider how you want to route and organize cables on the monitor riser. You can integrate cable holders or clips into the profiles to keep the cables neatly stored.
- Storage areas : If desired, you can plan additional storage areas for office supplies or a keyboard under the monitor riser.
7. Tools
- Drill : A drill may be required for drilling holes or additional fixings.
- Screwdriver and Allen key : These are necessary to assemble it with the respective accessories.
8. Load capacity
- Maximum load capacity: Consider the weight of the monitor and any accessories to be placed on the monitor riser to ensure that the profiles provide the necessary load capacity.
9. Time required
Allow enough time for planning, measuring, cutting and assembly to create a stable and ergonomic solution.
What are the benefits of a monitor stand?
A monitor riser offers several ergonomic and practical benefits that promote both health and productivity. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Improved ergonomics
- Optimal eye level : A monitor at eye level reduces the risk of neck and back pain because you don't have to constantly look down or up.
- Posture correction : The correct monitor height helps maintain a healthier posture, which in the long term prevents muscle tension and poor posture.
2. Reduced neck and back pain
- Raising the monitor takes the strain off your neck and shoulders because you don't have to sit in an unnatural position all the time. This is especially important if you spend many hours a day at the computer.
3. Better ventilation of the monitor
- A raised monitor has more space around it, which improves air circulation and can help prevent the monitor from overheating.
4. More space on the desk
- You can create additional storage space for your keyboard, mouse or other office supplies under a monitor riser. This helps to make your workspace tidier and more efficient.
5. Reducing eye strain
- The correct monitor height and distance help reduce eye strain. A monitor at eye level reduces pressure on your eyes because you don't have to look at the screen from an awkward angle.
6. Individually customizable
- Many monitor risers are height-adjustable and allow the height to be adapted to the specific needs of the user. This ensures optimal adaptation to different body sizes and sitting positions.
7. Aesthetic benefits
- A tidy, elevated screen position can make the workplace appear more visually appealing and professional.
What materials are needed for the monitor riser?
Let's get started! Build your own monitor riser for your desk.
If you have the right dimensions, visit our online shop and discover our selection of square profiles or system profiles. We keep them in stock in various sizes and up to a length of 6000 mm . With our practical product configurator you can specify the desired lengths and we will cut them to your specifications. You can also find panels and accessories for your projects in our shop.
As soon as we receive your order, we will send you a confirmation. The delivery time is usually 2-3 days. If you would prefer to pick up the goods in person and Hildesheim is not too far away, you are welcome to do so at our location . You will receive a separate email from us about this.
Next, it is important to connect the system profiles or square profiles to the corner connectors to ensure the stability of the frame . After that, the end caps are put on to complete the construction. The frame can then be raised up on the desk to achieve the optimal height for the screen. Once the frame is stable, the aluminum plate can be placed on the stand to serve as a base for the screen. Once everything is assembled, you have completed your screen riser and can now adjust your monitor to the perfect height to create an ergonomic working environment.