Keyboard tray install in Exeter
Professional keyboard tray install services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Keyboard tray fitted under your desk at proper ergonomic height. Your shoulders will relax, you'll get loads of desk space back, and typing all day won't hurt anymore.
Stop Typing With Your Shoulders Up Around Your Ears
If you're typing on the desk surface, your keyboard is way too high. Your shoulders are hunched, wrists are bent up, and you wonder why your neck and shoulders ache after a day at the desk.
Proper ergonomic position has your elbows at 90 degrees, shoulders relaxed, keyboard at lap height. A keyboard tray does this instantly.
💡 Pro tip: Desk height is designed for writing with pen and paper, not typing. That's why keyboards always feel too high when on the desk surface.
Why DIY Keyboard Tray Fitting Goes Wrong
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Perfectly level, slides smoothly | Wonky, catches when sliding |
| Mounted securely, won't sag | Droops down after a week of use |
| Right height for proper ergonomics | Too low or too high, still uncomfortable |
| Centered under desk | Off to one side, looks rubbish |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Measure | Check desk dimensions, work out perfect mounting position |
| Mount | Drill precisely, fit rails securely to underside of desk |
| Attach | Connect tray, adjust height, ensure smooth sliding |
| Test | Check it's level, comfortable height, no wobble |
📦 You're Left With
- Keyboard at perfect ergonomic height
- Loads of desk space freed up
- Tray slides in and out smoothly
- More comfortable typing posture
Pricing Guide
| Job Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard keyboard tray | 1 hr | £60 |
| Large keyboard/mouse combo tray | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Shoulders ache after typing all day - keyboard too high
✅ Running out of desk space - keyboard taking up half the desk
✅ Working from home full-time - proper ergonomics matter
✅ Bought a tray but can't face fitting it - it's fiddlier than it looks
Why Choose Us for Keyboard tray install in Exeter?
Keyboard at proper ergonomic height
Securely mounted, slides smoothly
Tons of desk space freed up
Better posture, less shoulder strain
What to Expect
Step 1: Measure & Plan
I check your desk thickness, measure width available, work out the perfect mounting position (centered, right height for your chair).
Step 2: Drill & Mount
Drill pilot holes precisely into underside of desk, mount the rails securely, make sure everything is level.
Step 3: Attach & Adjust
Connect the keyboard tray to rails, adjust height to proper ergonomic position for you, test that it slides smoothly and doesn't wobble.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy fitting a keyboard tray yourself? Here's what to know:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill and drill bits (size depends on screws included)
- Pencil and ruler for marking
- Spirit level (important - needs to be level)
- Screwdriver or drill driver
- Someone to help hold the rails while you screw them in
📐 Getting the position right
- Sit in your chair at normal desk position
- Let arms hang naturally, bend elbows 90 degrees
- That's where keyboard height should be (usually 65-70cm from floor)
- Keyboard tray should be centered under you, not off to one side
- Make sure there's clearance for your legs and chair
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not checking for crossbars under desk before drilling
- Rails not level - tray slides to one side
- Mounting too far forward - hits your knees
- Mounting too far back - can't reach keyboard comfortably
- Not using pilot holes - splits the desk material
💡 Pro trick: Sit at your desk and hold the keyboard tray in position before drilling anything. Check height feels right, you can reach comfortably, your knees don't hit it. Much easier to adjust before there are holes in your desk!
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Full home office setup? If you need help with desk assembly, monitor arms, cable management as well, let's do it all together - more efficient than multiple visits.
Keyboard tray recommendations - Humanscale 6G (£90-120, brilliant quality), Fellowes Office Suites (£40-60, budget option). Get one with mouse platform if you use a mouse.
Desk material matters - Solid wood and thick MDF are fine. Very thin chipboard might not hold the screws well. I'll advise honestly if your desk isn't suitable.
Alternative: sit/stand desk - If your desk is rubbish for a tray, sometimes a sit/stand desk is the better solution. Lets you adjust keyboard height without a tray.
In older Exeter houses - Wonky floors mean wonky desks sometimes. I level the keyboard tray itself, not just follow your potentially wonky desk surface.
Mouse position - If you use a mouse a lot, get a combo tray with mouse platform. Having your mouse up on the desk and keyboard down low is terrible for your shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need a keyboard tray?
If you're typing on a desk surface, your shoulders are probably hunched up higher than they should be. A keyboard tray drops the keyboard down to proper elbow height - your shoulders relax, wrists stay neutral. Makes a massive difference if you type all day.
Will a keyboard tray work with my desk?
Most desks work fine - you need at least 50cm width, and enough clearance underneath (check for drawers or crossbars). I'll measure and advise if your desk is suitable. Some very shallow desks won't work, but most standard office desks are fine.
Can you fit a tray that holds keyboard AND mouse?
Yes - combination keyboard/mouse trays are actually better (keeps your mouse at same height as keyboard). Just needs a bit more width. I can fit whatever type suits your desk and how you work.
Do you provide the keyboard tray or do I buy it?
Either way. If you've already bought one, I'll fit it. If not, I can advise what to get - basic trays are £30-50, good ergonomic ones with mouse platform are £60-120. Worth getting a decent one if you're at the desk all day.
How long does keyboard tray fitting take?
Usually 1-1.5 hours. Measuring and marking the position, drilling the mounting holes precisely, fitting the rails, attaching the tray, and adjusting it to perfect height. Bit longer if your desk is particularly thick or awkward.
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