Adding grommets and pass-throughs is the cleanest way to tame cords on a height adjustable desk. Done right, you get tidy cable management, protected edges, and a single, organized path into a rear tray and down a vertical cable chain. Done wrong, a hole saw meets a crossbar, a lifting column, or a knee. This guide shows where to place grommets on a standing desk, which sizes to choose, and how to drill safely on laminate and solid wood tops—while keeping anti-collision and ergonomics intact.

Why grommets help on a moving workstation

A standing desk travels dozens of times a day. Pass-throughs matter because they:

• Shorten runs from devices to the rear cable tray, protecting connectors during motion.

• Reduce surface clutter and snag points near the desk controller.

• Allow clean separation of AC and data—key to reducing hum and flicker under load.

• Align cable exits with the vertical cable chain so one power drop serves everything.

Common grommet types (and where to use them)

• Brush grommets: Nylon bristles close around cables, hiding the opening while allowing movement. Best for monitor, USB-C, and headset lines near the rear corners.

• Standard plastic caps: Budget-friendly and neat for occasional cables. Less forgiving for frequent changes.

• Power grommets: Integrate AC, USB-A, and USB-C PD outlets in the desktop. Handy for laptops and phones; choose UL-listed units with overcurrent protection.

• AV grommets: Larger portals for HDMI/DisplayPort or bulkier connectors, often with removable inserts.

Recommended sizes (metric and imperial)

• 60 mm (2.36 in) round: The workhorse. Ideal for a monitor arm setup with a few signal cables.

• 80 mm (3.15 in) round: Extra room for thicker HDMI bundles, USB-C hubs, or a small power grommet.

• Rectangular brush grommet (100 × 50 mm / 4 × 2 in): Good for multi-cable drops behind dual monitors.

Placement that works with motion and structure

• Rear corners (most common): Center the hole 70–100 mm (≈3–4 in) in from the back and side edges. This feeds cables straight into a rear tray and keeps the desk edge clear for elbows and the desk controller.

• Center rear (for single ultrawide): One 60–80 mm pass-through on the rear centerline suits large displays. Keep at least 70 mm from the back edge to preserve material strength.

• L-shaped tops: Mirror grommets on each span near the inside corner, then link trays with a short jumper so one floor drop powers the whole station.

Structural and clearance rules (do not skip)

• Avoid frame rails and crossbars: Before drilling, flip the top or measure from the underside to mark rail and crossbar zones. Maintain at least 40–50 mm (≈1.6–2 in) from any metal structure.

• Lift column offsets: Keep holes at least 100 mm (≈4 in) away from lifting columns. Columns may sit farther forward than you expect.

• Knee zone: Do not place grommets or under-desk power where knees and chair arms travel. A clean underside prevents pinches and knocks during height changes.

Drilling on laminate vs. solid wood

Laminate (HPL over MDF/particleboard)

• Tape and score: Apply painter’s tape on the face and score the circle with a knife to reduce chipping.

• Backer board: Clamp a sacrificial board beneath to support fibers as the hole saw exits.

• Hole saw choice: Use a sharp, fine-tooth hole saw; run slow speed with firm control.

• Seal the edge: For raw MDF edges, apply a thin coat of clear sealant in the cut to resist moisture before installing the grommet.

Solid wood

• Mark with a center punch: Keeps the pilot bit true on grain transitions.

• Climb slowly: Lower speed, steady pressure; let the saw do the work.

• Avoid tear-out: Backer board and tape help. Lightly sand inside the cut; seal with finish to reduce seasonal fiber lift.

Power grommets (safety and standards)

• Listing and ratings: Choose UL/ETL-listed units with integrated overload protection and tamper-resistant receptacles. For USB-C PD, target 65–100 W for laptop charging.

• Clearance: Leave 60–80 mm depth beneath the cutout for housing and strain relief. Confirm the body clears the standing desk frame rails.

• Wiring: Power the grommet from the surge-protected strip mounted inside your rear cable tray. Never daisy-chain strips; keep all AC in the tray, not under knees.

Integrating with a vertical cable chain

• Align the drop: Position grommets so their cable paths descend cleanly into the rear tray on the same side as your vertical cable chain. Shorter surface-to-tray runs preserve bend radius and reduce tugging during lift.

• Service loops: Leave small slack loops at monitor arm pivots and the control box. Nothing should go taut at full extension or bunch at low height.

• Separation: Keep AC bricks and mains on one side of the tray; route DisplayPort, HDMI, USB, and LAN on the other. This reduces interference and anti-collision false trips.

Grommets and monitor arms

• Clamp vs. grommet mount: If you use a grommet-mounted monitor arm, confirm the hole diameter the arm requires (often 10–12 mm bolt or a 40–60 mm pass-through). Ensure the hole and reinforcement plate do not collide with frame rails.

• Reinforcement plate: On tops thinner than 25 mm (≈1 in), add a steel plate under the clamp zone to spread load and reduce local flex.

ESD and electronics zones

• ESD mats: If you handle boards, route the mat’s ground cord through a nearby grommet and bond to a ground point in the tray (not to random metal). Keep ESD cords away from lifting columns and moving joints.

• Signal integrity: Use certified DP 1.4/HDMI 2.0/2.1 cables sized for short runs through grommets. For longer runs, prefer active or optical cables and keep tight bends out of arm joints.

Mistakes to avoid (and how to fix them)

• Hole over a rail: If a cut lands partially over a rail, do not force a grommet. Patch with a tight plug and wood glue in solid wood; for laminate, use a neat cap, then relocate the hole. Recheck underside measurements before the second cut.

• Too close to the edge: Holes under 50 mm from the back edge risk cracks. If you must be close, use a smaller grommet or a slotted under-edge pass-through instead.

• Raw MDF edge exposed: Seal with a thin coat of polyurethane or CA glue before installing a cap to prevent swell from humidity.

• Tangled exits: If multiple cables fight for a single opening, upgrade to an 80 mm brush grommet or add a second 60 mm portal at the opposite rear corner to split AC and data paths.

Workflow tips for a clean install

1. Dry layout: Place devices, mock cable paths with string, and mark likely grommet spots with painter’s tape.

2. Underside scan: Measure frame rails, crossbar, and control box location. Mark “no-drill” zones.

3. Drill pilot and test fit: Cut a small pilot hole and confirm clearance beneath. Then commit to the final size with a sharp hole saw and backer board.

4. Install tray and power first: Mount the rear cable tray and surge strip before running cables through grommets. This keeps routing short and organized.

5. Label and finish: Tag both ends of key runs (Left DP, Dock PD, LAN). Snap brush inserts or caps, and confirm smooth travel from sitting to standing heights.

Quick spec to paste into your plan

• Grommets: Two 60 mm round brush grommets at rear corners (or one 80 mm center rear for ultrawide); UL-listed power grommet optional

• Placement: 70–100 mm from back and side edges; ≥100 mm clear from lifting columns; ≥40–50 mm from frame rails and crossbar

• Tools and prep: Fine-tooth hole saw; painter’s tape; backer board; sealant for raw cuts in MDF/solid wood

• Cable management: Rear metal cable tray; surge-protected strip; vertical cable chain aligned to grommet side; AC/data separation; service loops at pivots

• Safety: One power drop; no daisy chains; anti-collision tested after routing; knee zone kept clear

Grommets and cutouts turn a standing desk into a tidy, professional workstation—if you place and drill with the frame in mind. Keep holes clear of rails and lifting columns, use the right sizes for your bundle, and route cables into a rear tray that feeds a single vertical cable chain. Separate AC and data, leave service loops at pivots, and seal raw cuts. With careful planning, your height adjustable desk will move quietly and predictably, protect ports, and stay ergonomic and clean for years.

• Explore height adjustable desks, brush and power grommets, rear cable trays, vertical cable chains, and reinforcement plates at Venace: https://www.vvenace.com

• Contact us: tech@venace.com