Standing Desk
How to Choose the Right Standing Desk
This article explores the different types of standing desks and the considerations for choosing the right one. A standing desk is any desk, or workstation, where someone can work while standing. The label “standing desk” distinguishes the many different types of desks designed to accommodate working from a standing position from desk designs that only accommodate working from a sitting position.
Just as there are several different types of standing desks, there are many names for these desks. While the various names all apply to desks where someone can stand and work, there are some differences among the types of standing desks discussed here – although people often use the names of these different desks synonymously.
Height-Adjustable Desk
As the name suggests, this desk’s height can be changed, offering both sitting and standing work options. It’s uncommon, but some height-adjustable desks may not be tall enough to use standing. Some height-adjustable desks only have two positions—sit and stand—while others can be set at a wide range of heights.
Sit/Stand Desk
In most cases, the descriptors sit/stand and height-adjustable are synonymous and describe the same set of products. Products that are labeled sit/stand can be slightly differentiated from those that are just called height-adjustable and that may not reach heights suitable for standing.
Standing Desk
This label implies that these desks can be used in the standing position, but not necessarily from the sitting position. Standing-only desks exist, but they are far less common than desks that also work in the sitting position.
Pros and Cons of Standing Desks
There are several pros and cons to standing desks, but this article assumes that you’re past the cons and have decided that you want a standing desk. (The pros and cons of height-adjustable desks are covered well on this page!)
Types of Standing Desks
There are many different types/styles of height-adjustable standing desks. While not all of them can be covered in this article, the types that make up the majority of standing desks in professional offices are described below.
Standing height-adjustable desk
These are complete desks, not something that sits on top of a regular desk. They move up and down using electricity, a pneumatic system, or a manual crank. This desk style is the most common standing desk in offices. Since a height-adjustable desk is a separate and significantly sized piece of furniture, these desks tend to be the most expensive standing-desk product. Most people who need a freestanding desk opt for this desk type if it fits the budget.
Electric
Most height-adjustable desks are plugged in and powered by electricity. As a commercial office furniture dealer, JCI rarely sells standing desks that aren’t electric-powered. Electric-powered is the most straightforward style, because these desks move up or down smoothly at the touch of a button. Two drawbacks: there might be a visible power cord and the desk cannot be adjusted if there is no power available. These drawbacks are not usually issues in an office setting, which makes this the go-to style of standing desk for businesses. Here are a few of JCI’s most popular electric standing-desk products:
Corner-Cut vs L-shaped
Height-adjustable desks can be found in a few common shapes: standard rectangle, corner-cut, and L-shaped. The available space helps determine which shape is best. Corner-cut standing desks should go in an open corner, but won’t fit well in many other places. Height adjustable L-shaped desks can also go in corners, but aren’t limited to corners. For the most flexibility, but less desk space, choose a rectangular-shaped standing desk.
Pneumatic
Some height-adjustable desks utilize compressed air to raise and lower the desktop. Air pressure acts as a counterbalance to keep the platform in the desired position. Pneumatic standing desks are smooth and don’t typically require electricity, but they’re often more expensive than options with an electric motor.
Springs
Spring-counterbalance standing desks are a more traditional approach to height adjustment compared to pneumatic systems. They utilize springs to counteract the weight of the desk, providing a smooth and controlled transition between sitting and standing positions. A quick motion helps lift the table once enough force is applied to overcome the spring tension. The downside to a spring-powered desk is that some effort is needed to move it, which may not be a great fit for every user. These desks also have a lower weight limit of what can do on the top, due to limitations of the springs.
Crank
A more basic and affordable type of height-adjustable desk is one powered by a manual crank. The user turns the lever to adjust the desk height up or down. This adjustment takes a little extra time and effort compared to electric or pneumatic options, but who doesn’t love a quick workout?
Converters or Risers
A standing-desk converter is a popular and convenient option for someone who wants to incorporate standing into their workday without replacing the existing desk. These devices fit on top of an existing desk, elevating the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to a standing height. A converter or riser is a more affordable option compared to a full-sized standing desk that would replace an existing desk.
Converters and risers can be electric or manual and typically have a single-tier or double-tier layout. Standing-desk risers were more popular several years ago and are more common in home offices than in commercial offices.
What makes a standing-desk riser quite practical, especially in a home office, is that even in the sitting position it props up the monitor to eye level, helping to improve the user’s posture.
Less Common Standing-Desk Types
Fixed Standing
A less practical option is a fixed standing desk, where sitting is not an option. A typical office worker isn’t likely to stand all day at a desk, so you don’t see many of these in office buildings. There are commercial uses for fixed-standing desks when the job requires standing. Another use-case is when the job requires a lot of moving around; in that case, it’s quicker and easier to remain standing and return to the desk. Fixed-standing desks are more affordable than mechanical/adjustable standing desks.
Portable Cart
Portable-cart standing desks combine the mobility of a cart with the features and benefits of a standing desk. Essentially, wheels are added to a regular fixed-standing or height-adjustable desk. Portable-cart desks can be used in offices; they are sometimes popular within IT departments and in commercial kitchens, medical clinics, and classrooms.
Arm or Monitor Raiser
Similar to standing-desk converters, there are products that are simply arms that clamp onto a regular desk. The arm attached to the monitor to raise it up to a standing position. There will often be a small keyboard platform as well.
Exercise Desk
Finally, exercise desks can loosely fit into the standing desk category. There are several options for exercise desks:
- Exercise bikes with a built-in desk platform
- Treadmills with a built-in desk platform
Portable platforms that rest on existing exercise equipment
There are also products that can be placed underneath an existing standard or height-adjustable desk, such as portable pedal machines or treadmills.
There are many types of standing desks, and several considerations in selecting the right one! When someone wants to stand to accomplish work, or have the option to stand or sit, there are a range of options that accommodate that preference. While it can be confusing to distinguish among the various standing desks out there, the staff at JCI can help explain the terminology and the options, making it easier to select the standing-desk type that best suits a person or an office. Contact us today!
