Are you perplexed about what to look for in a standing desk? Let’s go over the standing desk buying guide with FittingChairs now.
There are numerous desks and features to consider when determining whether or not a desk will meet your needs. When shopping for a standing desk, look for the following features:
- The standing desk’s height range
- How much weight can it support?
- The desktop surface’s width and depth
- How simple is the lift mechanism to adjust?
- The number of lift cycles expected
- Whether it can be programmed
- What layout and configuration do you require?
- the construction materials’ quality
- How simple is it to put together?
- How will it look in your space?
Let’s talk about each of those things!
The Height Range Of The Standing Desk
The most important thing is that you must ensure that the desk can function as a true sit-stand desk, which means that the height can be adjusted.
However, not all desks are created equal.
Some standing desks are specifically designed for taller people, so if you’re one of them, make sure the desk you’re considering is suitable for your height.
In terms of standing desk buying guide, the standard desk height for a desktop surface is 29.5 inches, according to standard desk manufacturers. However, when sitting, this is too high for many people.
That means the desktop surface should be able to lower below 29.5 inches (75cm) to a sitting height that is comfortable for you.
How Much Weight Can The Desk Lift?
How to choose a standing desk? When selecting a standing desk, make sure it can withstand the amount of weight you typically use it for. Of course, you should be generous with your weight estimates and get a desk that can withstand a lot of use.
Many people make the mistake of believing that the larger the adjustable desk, the more weight it can support. This is not always the case.
Your standing desk must be able to lift the entire weight of your desktop surface repeatedly over the course of years, which necessitates the use of a very strong and powerful motor.
How to choose a standing desk? You should also consider how much weight you will actually use.
On average, you will be lifting 100 pounds (45kg) or more with all of the various items on your desk and don’t forget that your desktop surface is one of the items that the motor must lift!.
When it comes to lifting capacity, you should be able to lift 25-50% more weight than you think you’ll need to lift.
Many of the high-quality standing desks on the market today can easily lift 300 pounds or more, so finding one with a large lifting capacity shouldn’t be difficult.
Determine Your Ideal Work Surface Size
When considering what to look for in a standing desk, one of the most important considerations is the size of the desk itself.
The ideal size for your desk is determined by a variety of factors, including the amount of available space, whether you want to sit at your desk all day or only part of the day, and the type of work you do.
When determining the size of your work surface, you should consider the following two factors.
Desk Depth
A deep desk allows you to sit further away from your computer screen, reducing strain on your neck and shoulders. It is critical to find one that is appropriate for your body type and works well for you.
How to choose a standing desk? It also determines the amount of desk space directly in front of you for your keyboard and mouse.
The deeper your desktop surface, the more space you’ll have and the farther away your computer monitor can be placed or monitors.
If you don’t like the feel of a deep desktop surface, you can choose one with a shallower depth. A shallower depth for your standing desk is preferable, especially if you intend to use a keyboard tray to conceal your computer controls when not in use.
Desk Width
The width of the desk is determined by the space in which it will be placed. Your choice should also take into account whether or not you require additional office storage at your desk.
Many people buy a large slab of wood to use as a surface, along with a couple filing cabinets from IKEA, and use that to create a massive desktop surface.
Standing desks that are narrower than 64 inches (162cm) will feel very small and compact.
If that’s what you’re after, a 48-inch (122cm) desk surface will suffice.
The Uplift V2 desk, for example, is 60 inches x 20 inches, but it is also available in widths of 42, 48, 72, and even 80 inches, with a fairly standard depth of 30 inches.
The Lift Mechanism
How do you intend to raise and lower your desk?
Most people are assumed to prefer an electric standing desk, but this is not always the case.
Some people prefer a standing desk with a manual crank while others prefer a fixed-height standing desk and a tall chair to get to their work surface when they’re ready to sit.
Some people even prefer hydraulic desks. The point is that whether you want an electric desk or something else, you must consider how you intend to raise and lower your desk.
Keep in mind that electric motors will wear out over time. Because your arms will last much longer, a manual crank adjustable standing desk may be the best option.
The Estimated Number Of Lift Cycles
Many people overlook this when deciding what features to look for in a standing desk.
They simply assume that the desk will always function properly. Electric motors die.
It’s simply a matter of time. And, the quality of your desk and the estimated number of cycles your desk will go through are inextricably linked.
A lift cycle consists of a single instance of raising and lowering it once, with a distance of approximately 20 inches traveled.
If you use a conservative estimate of four full cycles per day to allow for two morning intervals of sitting and standing and two afternoon intervals, that’s 20 cycles per week and 1040 per year. These accumulate over time.
The good thing is that the best standing desks come with strong warranties. But, as previously mentioned, you don’t want to buy your desk twice or have to replace expensive parts because it wears out too quickly.
Many high-quality desks can withstand more than 20,000 full cycles which can degrade over time as the desk ages.
Some manufacturers may not be aware of this number, so you must ensure that you fully understand the warranty they provide and its requirements.
Adjustment Speed
So, now that we’ve discussed the various ways to power your standing desk, we’ll concentrate on electric standing desks because they’re the most common.
The speed with which the desk adjusts its height is important because you don’t want to be waiting for the desktop surface to raise or lower for several minutes.
This would be especially inconvenient if you were in the middle of something important and needed to lift your desk, only to have to wait for the desktop surface to slowly rise to the position you require.
This can be distracting and cause you to lose track of your train of thought.
As a result, you require a height-adjustable standing desk that moves quickly between positions.
Most adjustable height desks move quickly these days, but if you anticipate a situation where speed of movement is a concern for you, make sure your standing desk will move quickly enough for your preferences.
Do You Need A Programmable Standing Desk?
One of the most useful tips on how to choose a standing desk is the ability to program presets that allow you to adjust the height of your desk with the press of a single button.
The ability to program preset heights for various positions is extremely useful when transitioning from one position to another!
The number of preset options varies by manufacturer, but most will have a maximum and minimum height preset option. For example, the Uplift standing desk’s keypad can store up to four different positions and has a digital display that shows the desk height.
What Kind Of Desktop Surface Do You Want?
These days, there is no limit to the type of surface you can get on a stand-up desk.
A laminate or veneer surface will suffice for the majority of people. However, there are numerous surfaces available these days.
Bamboo, mahogany, cherry, and other beautiful and unique woods are available. Whít, walnut is a popular choice right now, and it has a lovely surface.
You can also go with something simpler, such as a laminate surface, which will look great as well. But, make sure that whatever surface you choose will be appropriate for your work.
You want something that will last and not fade or degrade over time which is why real wood surfaces have become so popular.
While a dark surface will conceal accidents and spills that may stain better than lighter colors, lighter surfaces hide scratches better than darker surfaces.
Do I Need A Desk Shelf Or Adjustable Monitor Arm?
Another thing to consider when looking at standing desks is whether or not you want to add extra features such as a desk shelf on top of which you can elevate your monitor (s).
Desk shelves are useful not only for elevating your monitors, but also for storing papers and other small items that tend to clutter up your desktop space.
This helps to clear your workspace and de-clutter it so you can concentrate on producing your best work.
An adjustable monitor arm mounted on your desktop surface is another popular item used in conjunction with a standing desk.
In some cases, these are included as part of the desk you purchase, which is a nice perk if you’re purchasing one with them. Other times, the desk is designed to work with third-party mounting systems, allowing you to easily attach a monitor arm.
One thing to keep in mind about monitor arms if you’re using a standing desk:
Instead of the wall, mount the monitor arm to the desk.
If you mount it to the wall, your monitor will not move with your desk; instead, it will remain in one position. That negates any health benefits and completely defeats the purpose of using a standing desk!
If you need to mount your monitors, make sure that a monitor arm is compatible with your desk.
Quality & Workmanship
In most cases, a decent standing desk will cost you a few hundred dollars.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why are standing desks so pricey?” The reason is due to the craftsmanship and the quality of materials used to manufacture the desk.
The quality of the design materials used in their construction, the quality and type of desktop surface chosen, the research and implementation of ergonomic design principles used by desk manufacturers, the electric motor that powers your desk, and the massive increase in demand all contribute to the cost of the desk.
Going cheap almost guarantees that you will be replacing your desk frame, electric motor, or other desk component in the not-too-distant future.
There are fantastic options available in most price ranges; spend as much as you can afford, but keep in mind that there are good options available at most price points.
It is critical to invest in a high-quality desk that is within your budget.
And in most cases, reading the reviews will tell you.
Reading what other users have learned about their experiences with various brands and models can help you find real gems in all price ranges.
It’s worthwhile to read the comments sections of Amazon reviews, Reddit posts, YouTube videos, blog articles, and so on.
What Kind Of Layout & Configuration You Need?
When determining what features to look for in a standing desk, consider the type of desk layout you require. That is, the shape of the desk you use and where you place it must be appropriate for your space.
Your desktop layout is crucial.
Do you require a large L-shaped desk? What about a desk in the corner? Is the standard desk shape and size appropriate for your situation?
The layout of your office, the layout of the desk’s features, and the shape all make a difference when deciding what to look for in a standing desk, and you want to make sure that the manufacturer you’re considering has a desk available that will fit your space and layout needs.
How Easy Is It To Put Together?
Your desk will arrive in a box, whether you purchase it from a showroom or order it online. It’s a good idea to get a sense of what’s involved in actually assembling your desk because it can vary greatly depending on the brand and model you choose.
Some businesses will have instructional tutorial videos on YouTube, while others may only include a set of printed instructions with your shipment.
You should also get an estimate of how long it will take.
Most standing desks should take about 30 minutes to an hour to fully assemble, so learn everything you can about the process before diving in.
How Is It Going To Look In Your Home Office?
Finally, the last major consideration in choosing a standing desk is how it will look in your office.
This is critical because you will be using it every day for many years. You want it to coordinate with other elements in your office that you already have. You definitely don’t want it to clash with the other things in your office.
When you sit down to work, you should be inspired, and having a sharp looking standing desk in a clean and organized office that’s decorated with some cool stuff should be really inspiring!
You want to be able to walk into your home office and feel at ease and confident that it will look great.
Do You Need A Floor Mat?
Standing takes some getting used to and adjusting. Using an anti-fatigue mat while standing will make a significant difference in how comfortable you are.
A good anti-fatigue mat will provide excellent support for your feet and ankles, as well as reduce aches and pains caused by standing while working.
It can also help improve your circulation, encourage good posture, and increase your overall energy level, allowing you to be more productive at work and allowing you to stand while working longer, allowing you to enjoy all of the health benefits while avoiding the pitfalls of sitting too much.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a stand-up desk, make sure you also get a good anti-fatigue mat.
Do I Still Need a Chair?
When considering a standing desk, one common question is whether or not they will still need their chair. Yes, a chair is still required. Because you are not going to spend your entire workday standing!
A good ergonomic chair should always accompany your standing desk because you need a good chair that takes care of your body and keeps you healthy during your seated times.
Above is a list of fundamental standing desk buying guide you may look for. Don’t forget to comment your ideas below to share with FittingChairs.
