Of course one sticking point in the hinge plan is the monitor arm I'm planning to attach at the back of the desk.....

Unless the monitor arm needs to be mounted to a horizontal surface. I was envisioning something with a fixed back panel/support leg/whatever, with the hinges attached to it to be able to tilt up the table. You could even have the very forward part of the table top (maybe 3 inches or so) be horizontal, and attach the hinges there for the table top. Part of the idea of the hinged table is that it would allow for walking on the treadmill without the table being in the way.

Or am I over-engineering this?

For Desk v1.0 probably. But for desk v2.0 or v3.0 definitely not. Keep them ideas rolling....

Looking at the space I have to put this in, there is a bookshelf I was planning to move out of the way. However I might just leave it there and use it as a somewhat oversized monitor stand. Which would make the hinge plan work fairly well....

Instead of building, I'd just buy a standing-height desk kit that would fit over the treadmill. That way, it can always be removed for use as a standing desk, or also if someone else wants to use the machine without the desk in the way.

I did look at that option but there are a few problems:

1. Space. I'm putting this in a fairly tight spot and I don't have much room to each side. The custom desk takes the same amount of space as the treadmill itself.

2. Location, I'm putting this in my work office. I don't want anyone else using it. Having the desk in the way is a good thing.

3. It's just more fun to build things. Especially if I get to purchase new power tools to get the job done!

Building stuff rocks.

Plus, you can cut safety handles (hand-size holes) into the front of the desk to make up for decreased grab bar space. But only if it's affixed to the treadmill will they do any good.

Safety? I spit in the face of safety *Puuhht* *Puuuhht* :D

I really should stop reading the LOT right before bed. I dreamt of a clear lucite treadmill desk with a hydrolic lift