The health benefits of sit-stand desks are no longer disputable. But, is there a benefit to choosing an electric standing desk? And how do electric standing desks work?
In a world where convenience and efficiency are considered priorities, an automated sit-stand desk is an asset.
Research has shown that alternating between sitting and standing during a workday, not only improves health, it enhances cognitive function and productivity.
An electric standing desk is not a cheap investment and making an informed decision about whether an automated desk is suitable for you is a wise move.
In this article, I take a deep dive into what an electric desk is, how it works and important considerations when looking to invest in one.
An electric standing desk is a height-adjustable sit-stand desk that is operated by motors and gears.
Motorised standing desks are usually powered by a small direct current motor, activated by a digital control that raises, lowers or stops the desk.
Electric motors potentially raise and lower loads of up to 150kgs and the weight capacity and speed at which a load can be raised are what determines the number of motors used on a desk.
The legs contain a gear and glide system that raises the desk when the motor is activated.
Essentially the glides serve two purposes and play an essential role in the function of the desk. Firstly to combine two or three columns of different sizes that hold the gear and raise the desk.
The second function is to act as a natural lubricant which allows the inner components to move without friction.
Battery operated desks are available but have some serious limitations.
Batteries need to be recharged often and although allowing for more mobility, weight capacity is limited.
Standing desk converters are adjustable units manufactured to stand on an existing work desk. This may be a cost-effective solution for those who already have a good desk but want the benefits of a sit-stand desk. Desk converters do have limitations and might not reach adequate height for tall people.
Fixed width adjustable desks come in standard sizes ranging between 120cm and 180cm. The desktop is not adjustable in width or depth.
Adjustable frame only - for those who are looking for more flexibility in the width they require, adjustable frame width ranges on average from 105cm to 240cm. It is ideal for people who have an existing worktop they wish to use or the DIY guy who has a custom colour in mind.
Mobile - electric sit-stand desks are available on wheels for those who need to move their workstations from room to room.
Electronic appliances are often about speed and convenience and it is no different when it comes to standing desks.
Having a desk that raises and lowers with the press of a button is an advantage for those who change position frequently.
It is also ideal for people with injuries or pre-existing conditions that restrict their movement making manual operation of a desk challenging.
The big advantage electric stand up desks hold over pneumatic or manual stand up desks is arguably strength.
In higher-end models, memory settings allow for a user to have to set their preferred height only once.
A sedentary lifestyle has numerous adverse effects on health including a higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Lengthy sitting weakens back and abdominal muscles resulting in poor posture and back pain.
By alternating between sitting and standing we not only burn more calories, but our core muscles also work and there is an increase in blood circulation leading to better heart and brain function.
What's more, research has shown a significant increase in productivity in those who use variable standing desks.
Taking advantage of the increasing popularity of adjustable sit-stand desks, some manufacturers are producing cheap models to meet market demand.
But when it comes to electric standing desks, the quality you pay for is the quality you get.
You want this to be a long term investment and inferior quality components or buying the incorrect desk for your needs will rapidly decrease the desks lifespan.
When considering strength three features in particular need to be taken into account.
The frame structure, the strength of the component and the work surface material. All should be made from heavy-duty materials.
Cheap components carry the risk of easy breakdown and rapid wear and tear.
Weight rating is important. Do not underestimate how much weight your desk needs to carry. Take into account too that the weight of the worktop is included in the weight rating.
Instability on your desk is going to create distractions. By instability, I mean either left to right wobble or a front to back rocking motion.
Stability starts from the bottom up and rigid materials are a must for the foot design. Solid and long steel feet are crucial for longitudinal stability.
Likewise, frame weight is an important factor. The heavier the frame the more stable the desk.
Too many moving parts contribute to instability and add to rapid wear and tear.
Cheap plastic components wear down quickly, a problem particularly apparent in the gears and glides. Poor-fitting glides allow for play in the leg columns creating unwanted movement.
Exceeding the recommended weight will create instability, particularly as the desk is raised. Again, be sure to have a clear idea of the load you are going to put on the desk before you buy.
Weight limit or lift capacity is a big determinator in how efficiently your desk functions.
The DC motors that are used in automatic stand up desks provide high power density. The number of motors used on a desk is determined by the weight capacity.
Weight capacity determines how much you can place on your desk. Most models have adequate capacity for desktop items typical of an office.
It is essential not to underestimate the load of your items resulting in owning a desk inadequate to support your needs.
Budget-focused desks usually only have one motor. Adding extra monitors, printers or a full desktop machine will result in the motor straining and burning out.
Reputable or high end automated sit-stand desk manufacturers use electric board systems specifically made for sit to stand desks. These are single boards and the quality is consistent throughout with components held solidly on secure stands.
Conversely, it is common for cheaper models to have two board systems comprising mass-produced power supply attached to the functionality board with cheap loose connections.
Vibrations from the desk cycles loosen the cheaply held connections over time resulting in a breakdown.
Dimension refers not only to the size desktop you require to work on but what the space you work in can accommodate.
Desks can vary between 105 cm to 180cm and as large as 240cm in adjustable frames. As exciting as a large workspace may seem, it’s not going to be a happy experience to find your desk does not fit into your office or home space.
A good tip is to mark out your desk space on the floor with masking tape.
The depth of the desk is also important. Most desks offer a depth of at least 60cm but some are narrower. Be sure that screens can be placed far enough back for the correct eye to screen distance which is on average at arm's length.
Range of adjustment is a major factor. One of the primary roles of a sit-stand desk is to provide good ergonomics, enhancing posture and preventing or reducing back pain and the other health hazards related to poor posture.
The adjustable-range needs to suit the person who will be using the desk.
Not every manufacturer accommodates the particularly shorter or taller user.
Some desks may be too high for a short person at sitting height, affecting the arm position. This may be overcome by using a dropped keyboard but be aware of this limitation before you buy.
For tall people, some desks do not have the reach required and are not high enough for the correct eye to monitor contact resulting in a slouched posture.
What about memory settings?
While memory settings are becoming increasingly standard in sit-stand desks, it is still not a feature on some.
This may seem like a convenient extra but it makes a significant difference when raising or lowering your desk frequently during the day.
A memory setting ensures that you are ergonomically set up every time you adjust your desk up or down.
Speed is about efficiency and convenience. In a busy workspace, nobody wants to waste time waiting for their desk to shift up or down.
Load capacity must be taken into consideration here too. Overloading the desk may not only cause slower lift time but put a strain on the motor and reduce the lifespan of your desk.
As technology in standing desks advances, so does engineering on noise reduction.
In an office environment where the usual conversation takes place, the whirring noise of the motor of an electric desk will go unnoticed.
To give you an idea, normal office conversation measures around 60 decibels and the noise of a sit to stand desk between 45-60 decibels.
Do your research though as there are still desks that make enough noise to be a disturbance in a quiet office.
Something else to be aware of is that a straining motor will make more noise as will cheap loose parts.
Reputable companies put their products through rigorous testing. This includes a cycle test in which the desk is raised and lowered ten to twenty thousand times simulating a desk raised and lowered up to ten times a day over a period of five years.
Weight testing involves working the desk under four times the manufactured load capacity.
Materials used are a further determining factor in the durability of the desk.
Work surfaces and frames of electric rising desks can be made from several materials.
Good quality work surfaces are made of high-density MDF covered with either thermally fused laminate or high-pressure laminate producing a strong and lasting product.
Natural wood is considered to be the best material for desk work surfaces, including standing desks. But, surface choice will be determined by the purpose of the desk.
The frame and legs should be made with heavy-duty materials like steel and aluminium. Metal components are usually powder-coated for durability.
Focus on environmentally friendly furniture is increasing and ethical manufacturers of sit to stand desks are taking this into consideration.
For the eco-conscious, there are several manufacturers who not only use leading technology to minimize waste products but also use high grade recyclable and sustainable materials.
An aspect of buying a height-adjustable desk that many people overlook is the ease at which it can be assembled.
Many of the less expensive desks come with dozens of bolts and screws and a lengthy assembly instruction guide.
Not only is there the annoyance of needing multiple additional tools to get your desk up, but there is a high rate of failure at installation due to user error or missing parts.
Many good quality desks can be assembled in under half an hour by a single person.
Expense
Noise
Electronic failures
Requires electricity
A high-quality adjustable desk does not come cheap but skimping on quality may end up costing you more in the end with limited warranties and low-grade parts
For most homes and offices the noise of a desk motor is negligible.
An electronic failure can be inconvenient with the desk stuck at sitting or standing height or somewhere in between.
When overloaded it can slow down and burn out. This can be avoided by adhering to the manufacturer's load recommendations.
In countries where power outages are common, repeated outages may prevent the desk from being adjusted.
That being said, a high-quality desk will mitigate most of these potential problems. At UpDown Desk, we only offer the best electric desks. Our quality combined with our comprehensive warranty will ensure that you don’t face any of these problems.
We would say so.
While they are an investment, the automation means that you can adjust the desk to your height specifications without any hassle.
Different standing desks come with different specific benefits and limitations. A cheaper standing desk modification can be done with a more budget-friendly standing desk converter.
But for those who spend the majority of the day at a desk and require multiple monitors or numerous accessories, the benefit of an automated lift justifies the investment.
Related Reads:
Everything to Know About Standing Desks
This is a guide and an introduction to standing desks. Why have they grown in popularity, what are the benefits of an adjustable desk, what stand up desk options are out there, and what do you need to know before buying and using a sit and stand desk??
Why do people use standing desks?
Once an office novelty, standing desks are taking over our workplaces and home offices. For some people, an adjustable desk is the best way to add movement to a long work day. For others, they reduce discomfort of sitting all day, or allow flexibility to perform different types of work. Particularly for people who suffer from lower back or neck pain, having the ability to adjust positions can help alleviate the discomfort.
That said, there are plenty of people who do not want to stand at work, or certainly not all the time. Standing all the time can result in stress injuries or vascular issues. The sweet spot is generally somewhere in the middle – standing occasionally, with opportunities to sit and vary posture as well.
What types of standing desks are there?
Standing desks have likely been around almost as long as any other kind, with famous historical thinkers like Thomas Jefferson known to prefer them. Currently there are a few main stand up desk options.
Fixed height standing desks
Fixed standing desks don’t move, so people who want to do all of their desk work while standing often choose this style. Fixed height desks are generally wallet friendly, and can be attractive in their minimalist design. If you don’t use your desk that often during the day because you’re moving around a lot, you may always want it in the standing position. However, fixed height desks lack one of the key advantages of height adjustable desk – to the flexibility to change postures at will.
Sit to stand desks
Straddling the category of traditional sitting desk and fixed standing desk, we have the sit-stand variety. In order to look at sit stand desk pros and cons, we have to keep in mind that sit-stand desks come in a few different styles, each with its own strengths.
provide controlled, powered assistance to raise and lower the work surface. An electric adjustable desk can have high lifting capacity, if you have a place to plug it in and actually need to lift 200+ lbs of computers and accessories.
come at a lower price point than other types. Their adjustment mechanism may negate some standing desk ergonomics benefits and usage if the manual cranking mechanism is cumbersome and slow.
raise and lower the work surface smoothly with cylinders powered by air. Pneumatic desk adjustment tends to be smooth, quiet, and speedy.
use fluid to achieve mechanical power. A hydraulic standing desk generally requires electricity and has the potential to leak oil, but this type can lift some of the heaviest loads.
can be attached to a traditional desk to allow it to function as a stand up computer desk as well. For people who already have a traditional desk and don’t want to swap it out, the standing desk converter is a way to adapt to a sit-and-stand work day. Some converters can be a more portable standing desk. However, it can be harder to make these adapters ideal in terms of appearance and useful space. And for shorter users, converters severely limit the ability to achieve an ideal ergonomic position.
For people who are on the fence about adopting a standing desk vs sitting, one of these sit and stand desk models can provide a middle ground.
Desks for exercise equipment
Although standing itself is no substitute for actual exercise, a sit stand workstation can be used with other accessories to burn more calories or ramp up fitness while working. Some types of fitness equipment that can boost your fitness include balance boards that you use while standing to increase core muscle strength, or balance balls to do the same while sitting.
: Treadmill desks are available as an all-in-one option, or as a regular height adjustable desk paired with an office treadmill. Either option can help burn calories, but integrated options often include ergonomic features that make it easier to work while walking, like adjustable keyboard trays to assist with stability.
: Some standing desks are designed especially for use with exercise bikes, with features like a crossbar for balance. These can be used with a bike-and-chair combination. There are also fully integrated bike desks that combine bike, chair, and desk.
What materials are standing desks made from?
Materials define the overall style of the standing desk as well as its durability. The materials of construction have a lot to do with whether the desk will last a year or hold up to daily use for decades to come.
Standing desk leg materials range from steel to wood to polymer plastic. Work surfaces can be made from solid hardwoods like walnut, soft sustainable woods like bamboo, plastics, or laminated substrates. For production workshops or for a completely industrial look, some manufacturers offer a stainless steel standing desk. In most cases, the strength of stainless steel is reserved for the desk legs, which may be powder coated to achieve different colors and textures, but specialized desks that are constructed entirely of metal are used in production workshops.
Due to offshoring in the furniture industry in recent decades, standing desks made in the USA are harder to find than those made elsewhere. Some American made standing desks source materials from different countries of origin for an even higher quality end product.