How to Assemble an Electric Standing Desk: DM22F-04D Step-by-Step Guide
This guide walks you through assembling the DM22F-04D dual motor electric desk frame, from an unopened carton to a working desk. It follows the user manual supplied in the box, rewritten in plain language with a few tips from our warehouse. Keep the printed manual next to you as you work, as its diagrams show where each part goes.
The diagrams in this guide are taken from the DM22F-04D user manual.
Before you start: safety
- Use the desk in a dry indoor area only, away from heat and humidity.
- Do not open the motors, the control box or the hand controller. There is a risk of electric shock.
- Do not sit or stand on the frame, and keep children supervised around the desk.
- Place the desk away from window frames, shelves and other fixed furniture, so nobody can be caught as it moves.
- Do not store anything taller than 50 cm under the desk.
- Make sure cables to monitors and computers are long enough for the desk's full height.
Tools you need
- A tape measure
- A Phillips (cross-head) screwdriver or an electric drill (not included)
- The M5 Allen key (included)
You also need a desktop, which is sold separately. Our DT-120 (1200 × 600 mm) and DT-140 (1400 × 700 mm) desktops fit this frame.
Check the parts
Lay everything out and check it against this list before you begin. For photos of what arrives, see our DM22F-04D unboxing.
| Part | What it is | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | Leg (with motor) | 2 |
| B2 | Telescopic crossbar | 2 |
| B3 | Foot | 2 |
| B4 | Side bracket | 2 |
| B5 | Hand controller | 1 |
| B6 | Power adapter (Australian plug) | 1 |
| B7 | Motor extension cable | 1 |
| B8 | Headphone hook | 1 |
| B9, B10 | Cup holder base and ring | 1 each |
| A | M6 × 10 bolts | 12 |
| B | M8 bolts | 8 |
| C | ST4.2 × 15 screws | 14 |
| D | ST4.2 × 16 screws | 2 |
| E | M5 Allen key | 1 |
| F | Adhesive cable clips | 5 |
Step-by-step assembly
The frame is built upside down, then fixed to the desktop and turned upright at the end.
Step 1: Extend the crossbar
The frame has two telescopic crossbars (B2). Each one is held by pre-assembled screws. Loosen these screws anticlockwise with the Allen key, then pull each crossbar out so it is long enough to reach both legs. You only need to loosen the screws, not remove them; you will tighten them again in step 6.
Step 2: Attach the crossbar to the legs
Lay the two legs (B1) down and fix both crossbars across the tops of the legs, using 2 A bolts at each end of each crossbar (8 in total) and the M5 Allen key.
Step 3: Fit the feet
Attach a foot (B3) to the end of each leg with 4 B bolts per foot (8 in total), and tighten them clockwise with the Allen key.
Tip: if the last bolts won't go in, the others are probably too tight. Loosen them slightly so the holes line up, fit every bolt, then tighten them all.
Step 4: Fit the side brackets
Line up the holes on each leg with a side bracket (B4) and fix it with 2 A bolts per side (4 in total). Check the diagram below for which way round B4 goes before you tighten.
Step 5: Place the frame on the desktop
Lay the desktop face down on a clean carpet or blanket so the top doesn't get scratched. If it has pre-drilled holes or threaded inserts, those should face up. Lift the frame onto the desktop rather than sliding it.
Slide the crossbar out until the frame fits the desktop. Leave at least 5 cm on each side between the frame and the edge of the desktop, so the frame doesn't line up with the edge.
Step 6: Screw the frame to the desktop
Fix the crossbar and side brackets to the desktop with 12 C screws, using a Phillips screwdriver or drill. Then tighten the 8 pre-assembled crossbar screws from step 1 clockwise with the Allen key to lock the frame width.
Using your own desktop? The C screws are 15 mm long. Make sure your desktop is thick enough that they won't come through the top.
Step 7: Mount the hand controller
Fix the hand controller (B5) under the front edge of the desktop with the 2 D screws, with its front lined up with the desk edge. It can go anywhere along the front, but near one side keeps it clear of your knees when you sit.
Step 8: Connect the cables
- Plug the power adapter (B6) into the hand controller.
- Connect one leg's motor cable to the motor extension cable (B7), and plug the other end of B7 into the controller.
- Plug the other leg's motor cable straight into the controller.
- Tidy the motor and power cables under the desktop with the adhesive clips (F): peel off the backing, stick the clip down and press the cable in.
Step 9: Fit the cup holder and headphone hook
Fit the cup holder ring (B10) onto its base (B9), then screw the cup holder and the headphone hook (B8) to the underside of the desktop with one C screw each.
Step 10: Turn the desk upright
This needs two people. Lift the desk by the frame, not by the desktop, turn it over and stand it on its feet. Take care not to knock the controller. Plug the power adapter into a power point and check nothing is in the desk's way, above or below.
First use: reset the desk
The desk must be reset before you use it for the first time:
- Press and hold the down button until the desk reaches its lowest height, then release.
- Press and hold the down button again for more than 3 seconds, until the display shows rSt, then release.
- Press and hold the down button again. The desk lowers a little further, rises slightly and stops. Release the button.
The display then shows the current height and the desk is ready to use. If the reset is interrupted, start again from step 1, as the desk will not run until a reset has finished.
Shortcut: you can also hold the down button the whole time without letting go. The desk reaches its lowest height, about 5 seconds later the display shows rSt, then the desk lowers a little further and rebounds slightly. Release the button and the reset is done.
Using the controller
- Raise or lower: press and hold the up or down button.
- Save a height: with the desk still, press M (the display shows S-), then press 1, 2 or 3. Saved heights are kept even after a power cut.
- Go to a saved height: press 1, 2 or 3. The desk moves on its own. Press any button to stop it.
- Child lock: hold the up and down buttons together for 5 seconds. The display shows LoC and the desk won't move. Do the same again to unlock.
For more detail on each button, the settings menu and error codes, see our standing desk controller guide.
Settings menu
To change a setting, press and hold M for 5 seconds until the menu flashes. Short-press M to move between settings and use up or down to change a value. Press and hold M until a progress bar appears to save: the display shows SUS if it worked or FAL if it didn't. The menu closes on its own after 10 seconds without a press.
| Setting | Range |
|---|---|
| Minimum height | 73–108 cm (at least 10 cm below the maximum) |
| Maximum height | 83–118 cm (at least 10 cm above the minimum) |
| Desktop thickness | Set to match your desktop |
| Obstacle sensitivity, up (PC) and down (DC) | 0 (off) to 5; higher triggers more easily |
| Tilt sensor sensitivity (SS) | 0 (off) to 5; higher triggers more easily |
| Display unit (U) | 0 = cm, 1 = inches |
The obstacle settings help the desk stop if it meets something, but they are not a substitute for keeping the area around the desk clear.
Troubleshooting: error codes
| Code | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| rSt | Reset not finished | Do the reset above |
| hot | Motor overheat protection | Wait about 18 minutes; it resumes on its own |
| E11 | Overload | Remove weight and check nothing is blocking the desk. Don't use the desk until both are checked. |
| E14 | Obstruction detected; the desk has moved back about 5 cm | Clear the obstruction. Don't use the desk until the way is clear. |
| E12, E13, E16 | Motor cable or motor signal problem | Check and reconnect the motor cables, then reset the desk |
| E10, sc0, sc1, sc4 | Electrical fault (self-test or drive circuit) | Unplug from the wall, wait, then plug back in |
| r-6 | Mains voltage abnormal | Clears when the voltage returns to normal |
| E17 | Mechanical fault | Check the desk is assembled as described in the manual. Don't use it until this is checked. |
If a code keeps coming back after these checks, stop using the desk and contact us with your order number and a photo of the display.
Moving the desk later
Never lift the desk by the desktop, as this strains the screws holding the frame to it. Lower the desk fully and lift it by the frame, or remove the desktop first.
Frequently asked questions
What tools do I need to assemble the DM22F-04D?
A tape measure and a Phillips screwdriver or electric drill. The M5 Allen key is included.
Can one person assemble it?
Most of the steps, yes. Turning the finished desk upright needs two people, lifting by the frame.
Why doesn't my desk move after assembly?
It probably needs the first-time reset. Hold the down button to the lowest point, hold it again until the display shows rSt, then hold it once more until the desk dips, rises slightly and stops.
Are memory heights lost if the power goes off?
No. Saved heights are kept after a power cut.
What does E14 mean?
The desk detected an obstruction and moved back about 5 cm. Clear the way before using it again.
Is the desktop included?
No. The DM22F-04D is a frame only. See the DT-120 and DT-140 desktops.
Still choosing a desk? Read why choose an electric standing desk, and why dual motors matter, or see the DM22F-04D product page.