Do standing desks make much noise? Plus clever tips included!


Noise can be a source of irritation and interference in your day-to-day life and to people nearby. In this article, I ask, do standing desks make much noise? In addition, I answer your common queries and concerns surrounding how loud standing desks are.

Keep reading to uncover the truth about the noise levels of standing desks, including what can increase the noise levels of a standing desk and some tips and tricks on how to find out what the manufacturers won’t disclose!

In addition to all of the above, I’ve also included helpful tips and fun facts throughout the blog that only the pros know. To see what those important nuggets of information are and answers to must-know questions, start scrolling!

Do standing desks make much noise? - Please keep noise to a minimum

Do standing desks make much noise?

Standing desks have an average noise reading of 45 – 60 dB. The noise levels of a standing desk vary depending on whether it is an electric, gas lift or manual standing desk.

As desks age, the level of noise they generate can increase and this is attributable to factors including how the desk is used and the type of desk.

Do standing desks make much noise? - Person signalling keep quiet with finger

What are the loudest standing desks?

Some of the loudest electric standing desk operates at a >60dB while the majority of standing desks operate below 50dB.

Based on the below table, the average noise level of an electric standing desk is 50dB.


Name

Type of standing desk

Noise

Fully Jarvis Electric Adjustable Standing Desk

Electric

57dB

Flytta 2 standing desk

Electric

46 dB raising

51 dB lowering

Seiffen Laminated Standing Desk

(single motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Willow Solid Wood EC1 Standing Desk (single motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Willow Solid Wood EN1 Standing Desk (single motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Vici Quick Assembling Standing Desk

Electric

<50 dB

Comhar All-in-One Standing Desk Glass Top – 48″ W

Electric

<50 dB

Kana Bamboo EC1 Standing Desk

(single motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Kana Bamboo EN1 Standing Desk

(single motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Kana Bamboo EC3 Standing Desk

(dual motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Seiffen Laminated Standing Desk

(dual motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Willow Solid Wood EC3 Standing Desk (dual motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Willow Solid Wood E2AL Standing Desk (dual motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk E2AL

Electric

<50 dB

Adjustable Standing Desk Pro Series

Electric

<50 dB

Seiffen Laminated Standing Desk

(dual motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Kana Bamboo EC4 Standing Desk

(dual motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Willow Solid Wood EC4 Standing Desk (dual motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Crank Standing Desk H1

Manual

<50 dB

Jarvis Crank-Powered Standing Desk

Manual

<20 dB

*50dB according to manufacturer

To put the noise levels into perspective, below you’ll find a table describing the noise levels
of activities so you can compare how loud a standing desk would be compared to your environment.

Noise source

Sound level dB

Quiet whisper

30

Quiet office

40

Electric standing desk

45 – 60

Conversation

60

Open plan office

60 – 65

Computer print room

80


Did you know? The noise a standing desk generates can vary depending on whether it’s being raised or lowered. The Flytta 2 standing desk is an example of this.

What affects the noise levels of standing desks?

Type of standing desk

Are electric standing desks louder than crank or pneumatic standing desks?

Electric standing desks can produce more noise compared to gas lift desks, especially if they are old or are degrading. However, most modern electric sit-stand desks tend to create a similar level of noise compared to pneumatic standing desks. These modern standing desks can operate at near-silent levels. Some desks are even designed with silent operation in mind. Manual crank standing desks may start out quiet but can become progressively louder the more you use them.

For manual crank desks, the more hand rotations that are required, the longer the noise source will be present.

Electric standing desks generate a humming noise, pneumatic desks can create a hissing noise from the gas cylinder, manual crank desks can generate a squeaking sound as the handle is rotated.

Tip: The manufacturer usually includes the decibel ratings for the motor and the standing desk. If it’s not provided, ask them for it.

Size of motor

The size of the motor dictates the strength of it and ultimately influences the speed at which it can lower and raise the standing desk. Obviously, the longer the desk takes to lift or lower, the longer the sound will last. There are some single motors available which can offer as much power as 2 motors, so researching the spec on a motor is key. So buying a fast standing desk could help alleviate the length of the disruption.

Did you know? The motor is the most common source of noise from an electric standing desk.

Number of motors

The greater the number of motors, the greater the decibel ratings are likely to be. The majority of standing desks feature a single motor, however, some electric sit-to-stand desk also come with dual motors. There are even some standing desks equipped with as many as 3 motors!

You’ll notice from the table of standing desks above that the noise level of sit-stand desks are recorded as having the same level of noise regardless of the fact that there are extra motors involved, below is an example of that.

Name

Type of standing desk

Noise

Seiffen Laminated Standing Desk

(single motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Seiffen Laminated Standing Desk

(dual motor)

Electric

<50 dB

Did you know? Older motors greater than 5 – 10 years plus tend to have a greater likelihood of making more noise compared to a newer motor.

Excess weight on desk

The weight limit is indicative of how much weight can be applied to a standing desk. The more weight that is applied to a desk, the more pressure the lifting mechanism can tolerate.

Consequently, if the weight capacity is exceeded, the surplus weight being applied to a standing desk can increase the level of noise as the motor works under too much strain. This can ultimately cause the lifting mechanism to deteriorate faster and lead to further unhealthy noises.

When purchasing a standing desk, ensure that there is an adequate weight limit that can withstand the weights that you will apply to the desk.

Did you know? The average weight of a computer screen/laptop, keyboard and mouse together equates to between 5 – 15 lbs / 2.3 – 6.8 kg.

Material quality

Cheap electronics are renowned for exerting unusual buzzing sounds. When researching the type of motor in an electric standing desk, pay attention to the manufacturer and avoid cheap motors, such as the Chinese manufacturer, TiMotion. The last thing you want is a control box buzzing in the background while you try to focus on your work!

Furthermore, if weak and flimsy materials are used, this can cause desk to wobble which creates an unwelcome indirect source of noise.

The design of the standing desk will also influence the noise levels. A common issue is when the legs rub off each other while moving.

Tip: The product reviews can provide valuable insight into the performance of the sit-stand desk. Keep an eye out for comments relating to noise and the quality of the desk. Most consumers are honest about any grievances that they have with their purchase.

Do noise levels of a standing desk matter?

The importance of noise levels of a standing desk will depend on the person and their environment. Some users will place more value on how quiet a standing desk is, particularly if:

1. The user works in a noise sensitive area, e.g., library, home

2. The user works in a shared area and wants to minimize noise

3. The user intends to raise and lower the desk at unsociable hours in a quiet area

4. The user intends to purchase a manual crank standing desk

5. The user requires a desk that has additional motors so it lifts faster

6. The user intends to alternate between sitting and standing frequently

7. The user is concerned that heavy equipment could decrease desk speed

8. The user is concerned that heavy equipment could increase the desk noise during movement

9. The user might struggle to equally distribute the weight of equipment across the desk

10. The user is concerned with the cost of the standing desk

People who own their own office or work in a noisy area will probably be less concerned about the noise levels. Remember that at the end of the day, none of them generate deafening levels of sound (or at least shouldn’t under normal conditions!).

When deciding if the speed of a standing desk is a relevant factor for you, considering how often you think you will adjust the sit-stand desk. Also, bear in mind the environment and people you are sharing an area with as noise could cause interference in noise-sensitive areas.

Whatever about grinding the gears on a table, you definitely don’t want to grind the gears of co-workers and neighbors!

Do noise levels of a standing desk matter? - Woman holding hand up to stop

What to look for in a quiet standing desk?

When choosing a standing desk that makes a minimal amount of noise, look for features such as:

  • manual adjustment over electric adjustment
  • counterbalance technology
  • easy and quick adjustment traits
  • if crank operated, focus on a minimal number of cranking rotations to alter the height
  • adequate weight capacity to meet your needs
  • positive customer reviews on noise levels and performance
  • product specification sheets which mention silent motion in the description

If it’s an electric standing desk that you’re pursuing, then also watch out for:

  • motors with enough capacity to move the desk
  • dual electric motors as these can increase noise levels
  • quick height adjustment for shorter noise durations
  • strong warranty, minimum 1 year, ideally 3 years or more

Tip: If noise levels created when lowering and raising the desk and using various weight is not provided on the website, contact the manufacturer for these values.

Do noise levels of a standing desk matter? - WorkFit-D, Sit-Stand Desk man sitting down

Conclusion

In summary, sit-to-stand desks have an average noise level in the region of 45 – 60 dB. Personally, I’d opt for a pneumatic or electric standing desk to avoid the cranking noise of a manual desk.

Choosing a sit-stand desk can be time-consuming and arduous. Let me take some work out of the equation by guiding you on where to look. The Ergotron products are my all-time favourite and I’d have no hesitation recommending them to friends or family! They are worth at least a quick look! 

Of course, how loud a standing desk is only one factor you need to consider, weight is a major element (and probably more important than noise levels) that can affect the type of sit-to-stand desk that you choose. If you want to know more along with some insider tips, you can read about them here: How much weight can a standing desk hold?

My goal with this blog is to aid and educate you on all matters related your home office and work space. With that in mind, if you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the box below. I’d love to hear them.

Sources

https://www.ergotron.com

Superior Standing Desks

https://www.btod.com/blog/9-most-common-problems-with-motorized-standing-desks/

https://www.flexispot.com/

https://www.btod.com/blog/fully-jarvis-desk-review/

Sharon

With years of both professional and first-hand experience in office equipment and work settings, I now want to help you avoid making mistakes that countless others do. Whether you're studying or working from home, this site will help you create the ultimate haven for working safely, comfortably and productively in!

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