If your monitor sits directly on your desk, your eyes are pointing downward all day. That means your neck tilts forward, your shoulders round, and by 3pm you're wondering why your upper back feels like concrete. A monitor riser fixes this by lifting your screen to eye level.
But most monitor risers are plastic, wobbly, or look like they belong in a hospital supply closet. We built ours from Baltic birch plywood because your desk deserves better.
Why a Monitor Riser Matters
Ergonomics. Your screen should sit at or slightly below eye level, about an arm's length away. Most desks put your monitor 4-6 inches too low. A riser corrects that instantly, reducing neck strain and the slouching that comes from compensating for a low screen.
Desk space. A riser creates storage underneath. Slide your keyboard under it when you're done for the day, or keep notebooks, a charging cable, or a hard drive tucked away. The desk surface you get back is real.
Cable management. Lifting the monitor creates a natural channel behind and beneath the riser for routing cables out of sight.
What to Look for in a Monitor Riser
Not all risers are equal. Here's what actually matters:
- Height. 4-6 inches of lift covers most people. Our Monitor Stand adds 4 inches, which hits the sweet spot for standard desk heights of 28-30 inches.
- Width. Match your monitor size. A 30-inch riser works for single monitors up to 27 inches. For dual monitors or ultrawide setups, go with a 42-inch version.
- Weight capacity. Monitors range from 8 to 25 pounds. Cheap plastic risers flex under heavy displays. Plywood doesn't.
- Material. Plastic looks cheap fast. Particleboard chips. Solid plywood holds up and looks better over time as the grain develops character.
The UNFNSHED Monitor Stand
Made from Baltic birch plywood with tool-free assembly. Slide the pieces together and you're done in under a minute.
- Two shapes: clean rectangle or a softer oval profile
- Two lengths: 30 inches for single monitors, 42 inches for dual setups
- Unfinished surface: paint it, stain it, or leave it natural. It pairs well with the Modern Desk if you want a matching set
- Optional shelf: an added tier underneath for extra storage within arm's reach
Unlike plastic risers that look dated the moment you unbox them, real wood adds warmth to a workspace. It's a small piece that changes the feel of an entire desk. For a deeper look at what separates quality wood monitor stands from the rest, read our guide to wood monitor stands.
Who Uses a Monitor Riser
- Home offices. Pair it with the Modern Desk and A-Stool for a full home office setup that looks intentional, not thrown together.
- Dual monitor setups. Two 30-inch risers side by side, or one 42-inch riser for both screens at the same height.
- Airbnb workspaces. Hosts adding a co-working area need furniture that looks good in photos and survives guest turnover. A plywood riser does both.
- Standing desk users. Even with an adjustable desk, a riser fine-tunes the screen height without changing the whole desk position.
Common Questions
What size monitor riser do I need?
For a single monitor up to 27 inches, the 30-inch riser has plenty of room. For dual monitors or an ultrawide, the 42-inch version keeps both screens centered and stable.
Will a monitor riser help with neck pain?
If your neck pain comes from looking down at a low screen, yes. Raising your monitor to eye level keeps your head in a neutral position and takes strain off your neck and upper back. It's one of the simplest ergonomic fixes you can make.
Can I customize it?
The riser ships unfinished. You can paint, stain, or seal it however you like. Many people leave it natural and let the birch plywood grain show. Check out our favorite finishes for ideas.
Fix your desk setup
Baltic birch plywood. Tool-free assembly. Ships flat, sets up in under a minute.
Shop the Monitor Stand
