In the neverending quest for the perfect studio, I am again working on room organization. One thing that really bothers my arthritis is the constant leaning over at my tables. From the neck, hunched over shoulders and shortened hip muscles, I'm having a tough time. So I started the search for a tall table. Custom building something is so not in the budget right now. Next step - check out drafting tables. Buying those new is expensive and I was not 100% sure that was what I want to do anyway. Then I thought maybe a tabletop podium. But the simplest solution is the one I went with........I raised up my table. Here's a picture of the raised table.
I went to Home Depot and picked up black PVC piping. The 10ft piece cost me $3 and change so this is a really affordable option. I could have had them cut it there but my father in law is a retired carpenter and no one would be as careful with measuring as he so I had him do it.
How long were the pieces you ask? That really depends on you. First measure from the top of your table up to where you want the table to be (mine is exactly at elbow height for me but I'm short so it's going to be different for everyone). Then measure how much up your original table length the pipe will go. Add those two together and that's the length of piping you what. For me, the top of the table to my elbow was 12". The pipe would cover approximately 6" of my original table leg so I needed 4 pieces of piping 18" long.
Be very exact in your measuring so the table will be secure.
The fatter arrow shows the black piping in the table. Mo decided I needed casters underneath the piping so that's what the small arrow is pointing too. Do I need those? I don't know but we had them in the garage and he was trying to help me figure this whole thing out so I went with it.
I was able to pick up two bar stools on Craigslist for a great price so I can sit when I feel the need. I also have a second table that I kept at regular height for others to use or for things like my paper cutter or for times when I want the table to be lower to the ground.
I'm really excited at being able to solve my problem without a huge dent in my budget. Now off to do some stamping!
Oh My Gosh, you are a genius! I am bookmarking this so I can show my husband. I know he can do this for me :o) Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Sandy O | January 04, 2010 at 11:21 PM
awesome idea
Posted by: Nicole | January 01, 2010 at 10:11 PM
What a clever idea.... Very impressed. And it doesn't look bad either!!!
Posted by: Teresa | December 31, 2009 at 07:54 AM
What a great inexpensive idea! TFS
Posted by: Thanh | December 31, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Wow, that is such a great idea! I will definitely keep that one in mind - I'd love to raise my table, too, but the way I have things set up I'm not sure it's possible. You are too clever!
Posted by: Jackie | December 30, 2009 at 11:54 PM
what a great idea and I would love to have a standing table too. Enjoy yours :)
Posted by: Cassie K | December 30, 2009 at 09:00 PM