I hope this is okay to post here. If not, let me know where I should go.
I built a standard table using mostly scrap wood. The top is a very nice piece of half-inch plywood, attached to 2x4 apron surrounding the sides. Legs are screwed into the apron (not mortise and tenoned because I was lazy). I'm typing on it now with a laptop and seems sturdy now but when I put my monitor setup, it becomes very top heavy. Since I tend to "pull" on my desk to move my chair, it would likely topple, which would be very bad™.
I've been frantically searching online of ways to counter-act this and methods don't seem clear as to how they work. For example, some woodworking websites suggest adding cross braces across the legs. The page doesn't explain why this works. I am guessing it spreads the force of weight across the braces towards the back legs?
I also found some plans that show a rising standing desk. Ignoring the moving parts, I saw that the legs were parallel to the desk, joined by what I'll assume is mortise and tenon. This plan seems a bit more doable with the tools I have, and has a similar shape.
My monitor stand also functions as a rising desk and MUST sit on the front of the desk. So the apron is set back roughly 5 inches in the front so that it can clamp in. I estimate it's roughly 20 pounds with the monitors on it. I know I could just buy 20 pounds of weight and put it on the back but given that tables should be tables, I figured I would ask here for suggestions.
I've got family stuff today and I'll try to reply as I am able. Thanks in advanced.
Edit: THANK YOU for all of the suggestions.
I added a cross brace across the back as well as a cross brace on either side of the desk, with a 6" extension. The desk immediately became sturdy with just one brace but I added the second. It held my 200lbs ass on the front without issue.
You can add a horizontal span where the legs meet the floor to help make it a bit more stable thanks to a wider base. Think something similar to the upside down Ts on some standing desks, but instead of one vertical riser you would have two.
It could be as easy as screwing some scrap wood at the base of your existing legs that produces out the front 5-6". Depending on where the desk is and if they would be a hazard you could go even longer.
Actually this is my exact plan. It occurred to me that the tipping over could be fixed by extending the base out to move the center of gravity back. I'll post an update once I make the change. It won't be until tomorrow due to life.
If you want to try to counterbalance the desk you're going to want to add the weight as high as you can. Extending the legs out further in front of the desk with a stringer on the floor will likely help more.
Think leaning forward over your toes. You'll tip over when your center of mass passes your toes. If you could somehow grow longer toes you could lean forward even further. On the other hand, extending your heels isn't going to help much.
I added a cross brace across the back as well as a cross brace on either side of the desk, with a 6" extension. The desk immediately became sturdy with just one brace but I added the second. It held my 200lbs ass on the front without issue.
I think I could have done just 3" and it would have been fine. But now I'm confident that I can have sex on it which is a side benefit to just the standing desk mount.
Glad to hear it!