How to Set Up An Affordable Ergonomic Computer Desk

If you work from home, or if you just spend lots of time on your home computer, it's important to set it up ergonomically. An ergonomic desk doesn't have to be expensive. These instructions are designed to keep costs under control.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Height adjustable chair
• Height adjustable laptop desk
• Peripheral Keyboard
• Peripheral Mouse

1. The Chair.
   If you have multiple people using the computer, get one that's at least height adjustable. Be wary of arm rests unless they are padded, and height adjustable. If you are short, make sure you can sit with your back against the back rest. The best place to get good deals on quality adjustable office chairs is office liquidators. Higher end used office chairs often are still under a 5-15 year warranty. You can check for a sticker with an order number and date under the seat, and call the local dealer to find out if it's still covered. Herman Miller, Knoll, and Steelcase will come to you to fix most non-fabric problems for no charge if the warranty is still active.

2. Get a Height Adjustable Laptop Desk.
   You can get these at most office supply stores. It needs to be height adjustable, and be big enough for the keyboard and mouse. I'm recommending this because it will function as an adjustable keyboard tray, but cost less, and not require you to alter your existing table or desk. If you happen to be lucky enough to have a table that's exactly at elbow height when you're sitting with your arms at your sides, or just below, you can skip this step. The purpose of the laptop desk is to get your keyboard at exactly the right height.

3. Put it Together.
   Put your monitor or laptop on a regular height table, or desk. Put your laptop desk slid half way under the table. Put the separate keyboard and mouse on the laptop desk. Plug both into the computer.

4. Adjust the chair.
   Adjust the chair so your feet are flat on the ground and your thighs are parallel to the floor, or angled slightly down toward your knees. Arm rests should be just under your forearms while you type with your elbows at your sides. If there's a front back adjustment to the seat pan, set it so your back goes against the back of the chair without the front edge cutting into the back of your knees. If you have trouble with circulation being cut off by the front of the chair, some chairs will tilt slightly forward. The forward tilt will help with circulation, and sometimes with the curve of your lower spine. Adjust the back so it feels good. If you need more lumbar support, you can buy lumbar pillows that strap onto the back of a chair.

5. Adjust the Screen for You.
   The top of the screen should be at about the same height as your eyes. If your laptop or monitor is too low, prop it on a phone book, or something similar. Be careful not to get it too high. To high or too low can cause neck problems. This is why you don't want to put your laptop directly on the laptop desk. Adjust it so the screen is 18-24 inches from your face. On most people this is between finger tip and wrist distance.

6. Adjust the Laptop Desk.
   Adjust the height of the desk so when you're typing, your forearms are parallel to the floor,or sloped slightly toward your hands. The top of the desk should be just below your elbows when you sit in the chair. Don't tip the laptop desk. Keep it flat.

7. Make sure the mouse stays to the side of the keyboard. Don't put the mouse up on the desk, or your shoulder will start having problems.

8. For more detailed adjustment, look at OSHA's ergonomic checklist. I've included a link in the resources section.

Resources

• Osha Computer Ergonomic Checklist

[jaredjb]

on 4/5/2009 Great idea - thanks for sharing!