Can I cut desk legs to make it lower?

Yes, if the desk is solid wood or metal you can cut legs. For metal, use a hacksaw or pipe cutter. For wood, a saw. Sand edges and add rubber feet. This is permanent, so measure carefully. For a metal desk, mark all four legs at the same height using a level, then cut slowly to avoid bending. For wood, use a miter saw for a clean cut. After cutting, attach adhesive rubber feet to prevent scratching and provide grip. If the desk has adjustable leveling glides, you can remove them to gain an extra half inch. If the desk is laminate or particleboard, cutting may damage the finish; consider other fixes instead.

What is the ideal desk height for typing?

Standard desk height is 29-30 inches, but for typing, your elbows should be at 90 degrees with forearms parallel to the floor. If the desk is too high, use a keyboard tray or raise your chair with a footrest. For most people, the ideal height is 25-27 inches for typing. To find your perfect height, sit in your chair with your arms relaxed at your sides, then bend your elbows to 90 degrees. Measure from the floor to your forearm. That is your ideal desk height. If your desk is higher, you need a keyboard tray. If it is lower, you may need to raise your chair and use a footrest.

Do keyboard trays work for standing desks?

Yes, but standing desks are usually adjustable. If your standing desk is fixed too high, a keyboard tray can help. Look for a tray with height and tilt adjustment. For standing desks, choose a tray that clamps to the desk surface and can be tilted negative (front edge lower) to keep wrists straight. Some trays are designed specifically for standing desks with a wider range of motion. However, if your standing desk is adjustable, simply lower the desk to the correct height instead of adding a tray.

Can I use furniture risers to lower my desk?

No, furniture risers are designed to raise furniture, not lower it. They go under the legs to increase height. To lower a desk, you would need to cut the legs or remove casters. If your desk has casters, removing them can lower the desk by 2-3 inches. Alternatively, you can replace the casters with shorter ones or with glides. If the desk is on a platform or rug, removing that can also lower the effective height.

How do I measure my ideal desk height?

Sit in your chair with your feet flat on the floor and your thighs parallel to the ground. Your knees should be at 90 degrees. Then, measure from the floor to the top of your thighs. That measurement plus 1-2 inches is the minimum desk height to allow leg clearance. For typing, measure from the floor to your elbows when your arms are at your sides and bent 90 degrees. That is the ideal height for the keyboard surface. If the desk is higher, you need a keyboard tray. If it is lower, you may need to raise your chair and use a footrest.

Desk Too High? Quick Ergonomic Fixes | Unbiased Advice & Insights

Published July 30, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score

Quick answer

If your desk is too high, try a footrest, adjust your chair, add a keyboard tray, or modify the desk legs. These fixes improve ergonomics and prevent strain.

Why Your Desk Is Too High

Standard desks are 29 to 30 inches tall, designed for people around 5'10" to 6'0". If you are shorter, the desk may hit your thighs or force you to raise your shoulders. This leads to wrist, neck, and back pain. The problem is common with budget desks and older furniture. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to find the best solutions. For example, many inexpensive desks from big box stores are built to a one-size-fits-all standard that ignores the needs of shorter users. Additionally, desks with thick desktops or added monitor risers can exacerbate the height issue. If you use a laptop without a separate keyboard, the screen and keyboard are at the same level, forcing you to hunch or raise your arms. This is a common cause of discomfort that can be solved by separating the keyboard and monitor.

How to Fix a Desk That Is Too High

Use a footrest. A footrest raises your feet so your knees are at 90 degrees. This helps when you raise your chair to match the desk. Look for a footrest with adjustable height and tilt. The Mind Reader Adjustable Foot Rest is a popular choice. It has a non-slip surface and multiple angles. Check the current price on Amazon. Another good option is the Humanscale FR300, which has a rocking motion to keep your legs active. For a budget pick, a simple wooden footrest like the Mount-It! Foot Rest works well. When using a footrest, ensure it is positioned so your knees are at a 90 degree angle and your feet are flat. If the footrest is too low, your thighs will angle upward; if too high, your knees will be higher than your hips.
Adjust your chair height. Raise your chair so your elbows are at 90 degrees when typing. Your feet may not touch the floor, so combine with a footrest. Most office chairs have a pneumatic lever. If your chair does not adjust, consider a new chair like the Hbada Ergonomic Office Chair which has adjustable height and lumbar support. Check the current price on Amazon. When raising your chair, also adjust the armrests so they support your forearms without lifting your shoulders. If your chair lacks armrests, you may need to rest your arms on the desk, which can cause shoulder strain. In that case, a keyboard tray becomes even more important.
Add a keyboard tray. A keyboard tray mounts under the desk and brings the keyboard to a comfortable height. It is the most effective fix. Look for a tray with a mouse platform and tilt adjustment. The VIVO Height Adjustable Keyboard Tray is easy to install and supports up to 15 pounds. Check the current price on Amazon. One drawback: it may reduce legroom slightly. For a more premium option, the Fellowes Professional Series Keyboard Tray offers gas lift adjustment and a large mouse pad. When installing a keyboard tray, position it so the keyboard is at or slightly below elbow height. The tray should tilt negative (front edge lower) to keep your wrists straight. If you use a mouse, ensure the mouse platform is at the same height as the keyboard to avoid reaching.
Modify the desk legs. If the desk is not adjustable, you can cut the legs. For metal desks, use a hacksaw or pipe cutter. For wood desks, use a circular saw. Measure twice and cut evenly. Add rubber feet to protect floors. This is permanent, so only do this if you are sure. Alternatively, use furniture risers to lower the desk by placing them under the legs? Actually risers raise the desk, so avoid that. Instead, you can remove casters or use shorter legs if the desk allows. For a desk with adjustable leveling glides, you can remove the glides to gain up to an inch. If the desk has a modesty panel, you may need to remove it to allow leg clearance after lowering. Always check for stability after modifying legs.

When to Replace Your Desk

If none of the above work, or if the desk is badly built, consider a new desk. Look for an adjustable height desk like the FlexiSpot EC1 which goes from 28 to 47 inches. It is electric and has memory settings. Check the current price on Amazon. Another option is a smaller desk that naturally sits lower. Avoid desks with fixed heights over 30 inches unless you are tall. Always measure your ideal desk height before buying. For a budget option, the IKEA BEKANT desk is manually adjustable from 26 to 42 inches. If you prefer a fixed height desk, look for one that is 25-27 inches tall, such as many drafting desks or children's desks. Remember that a desk that is too low can also cause problems, so aim for the correct height.

DIY Hacks for a Lower Desk

If you want a quick fix without buying anything, try these DIY hacks. Place a thick cushion on your chair to raise your sitting height, but this may not be stable. Use a box or stack of books as a footrest. For a temporary keyboard tray, use a lap desk on your chair arms. These are not ideal long-term but can help in a pinch. For a more permanent DIY, you can build a platform under your desk to raise your chair? Actually that would make the desk feel even higher. Instead, focus on lowering your hands. Another hack is to use a monitor arm to raise your screen, which allows you to lower your chair and use a footrest. For the keyboard, you can place it on a pillow on your lap to bring it to the correct height. This is not stable but works temporarily. If you have a desk with a fixed shelf for the keyboard, you can remove the shelf and mount it lower using brackets.

Product Recommendations

Here are some products that can help. For footrests, the Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest has a memory foam top and is adjustable. Check the current price on Amazon. For keyboard trays, the Amazon Basics Height Adjustable Keyboard Tray is budget-friendly and easy to install. Check the current price on Amazon. For chairs, the Sihoo Ergonomic Office Chair has adjustable armrests and seat height. Check the current price on Amazon. Always read reviews and check dimensions before buying. For a complete solution, consider the Vari Electric Standing Desk which is height adjustable and comes in a 30 inch depth. If you need a fixed height desk, the Bush Furniture Cabot L Shaped Desk has a 29.5 inch height but can be modified with leg cuts. For a temporary fix, the LapGear Lap Desk can be used on your lap to bring the keyboard to the right height.

Final Thoughts

A desk that is too high can cause discomfort, but you have many options. Start with a footrest and chair adjustment. If that is not enough, add a keyboard tray. Only modify legs as a last resort. If you are shopping for a new desk, choose an adjustable height model. Your body will thank you. Remember that ergonomics is about finding a neutral posture: your elbows at 90 degrees, wrists straight, and feet flat. With the right adjustments, you can work comfortably for hours. If you experience persistent pain, consult a healthcare professional or an ergonomic specialist.

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Desk Too High? Quick Ergonomic Fixes