I really wanted to be able to use my laptop on my treadmill. I searched online for treadmill desks but was not impressed. They were also expensive. So I told Roy that I’d love to have some sort of platform made so I could sit my laptop on it while I walked. Unbeknownst to me he took measurements and headed over to my dad’s workshop. I had no idea he would bring me back a desk. I was so excited! It’s lightweight and sits perfectly on the treadmill. Its large enough to hold my 17″ laptop with plenty of room for the mouse.
It was unfinished so I could make it look how I wanted. I did a quick light sand and spray paint job on it then covered the top with some contact paper I had. This made it nice and smooth for my optical mouse. Below are the basic instructions for how he measured and put it together. (As each treadmill will be different these are just general instructions with no exact measurements.) Also take a pee
Supplies
- Thin Plywood
- Saw
- Tape Measure
- Sandpaper
- Paint
- Hammer/Nails
- Contact paper for top if desired.
Measurement Steps
You need to decide how your desk will sit on your treadmill. Most have a natural place to put them. Then you need to take 3 measurements, again making sure it fits on correctly.
1. The width of your desk.
2. The depth of your desk.
3. The height of your desk allowing for the legs to sit down on the bar.
(Assuming your treadmill is similar to mine.)
Cutting & Assembly
Cut plywood pieces as shown. Your measurements will be decided by your personal treadmill. Make sure the legs have a cut out circular area to set well on your cross bar. The two small pieces are for bracing. Nail the pieces together.
Finished Treadmill Desk
Once it’s assembled you need to sand, paint and cover top if desired with contact paper. I sanded mine lightly as I liked the texture. The desk sits on the top ledge and the legs fit over the bottom bar. No attaching anything anywhere. It comes off and on quick and easy. Bear in mind it can make it difficult to get to the settings and buttons. But if your just walking at a steady pace it should not be a huge issue.
15 responses
This is my exact treadmill! I’ve also hunted for a solution. Thank you so much for providing not just the images, but the instructions!!! Woo hoo!
Such a great idea!!
Thank you Diana!
This is a fabulous idea – and plan. Just need to find someone to make me one! I rigged up a book stand so I can read while doing the treadmill (see but this is much better!
Thanks Diane! Yeah we tend to get creative when we have a need don’t we?
Thanks for linking up at Whatever Goes Wednesday. I LOVE this idea – and I really wish I had room for a treadmill in our apartment so I could do this. Unfortunately, all the baby stuff takes priority. We’ll be featuring your cute desk over at Someday Crafts tomorrow!
Thanks so much Miranda! I know about having very little room! Did you see my post on my treadmill nook I made in my last small house? http://ourpeacefulplanet.com/2014/04/08/treadmill-nook/
Thank you for visiting!
Genius! Love this idea! When we move, I want to make one room a gym room, and this little tutorial will come in very handy! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jenn for the comment. I’m so glad you found it helpful!
This is awesome! Looks pretty doable. I agree, the ones you find online are SO expensive. I have a standing desk I created by putting a chair on our table… complicated, I know 🙂 I don’t have a treadmill yet, but once we get a new house I’d really like one! Do you find that your arms/hands get numb or tingly if you use it too much? Thanks so much for sharing!
In all honesty I usually use mine to watch stuff and not really type on much. Ü
I am visiting from “Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop”. This is a great DIY project. I have been also thinking about doing a reader, but my equipment is Gazelle with moving handles (as in elliptical) and no big dashboard to lean on. But your project gave me some ideas. Thank you.
I bet you could figure out something for sure. I didn’t realize how easy this desk ended up being. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
This is an awesome idea! Great to be able to use laptop and not become a couch potato…. (like me)!
Love your “Peaceful Planet” posts … Jut wish it was….
John Rivers (really)
Lowell, Arkansas
Thank you John! I know you from Facebook! Ü