With so many types of sit to stand desk options available nowadays, it can become somewhat overwhelming to get to grips with the function and purpose of each one. Even for those of you who are considering investing in a sit stand desk, which one is best suited to your needs, your work area, your workflow or even your height?
What about your budget and the portability and adjustability of the desk? Let’s not forget that many sit stand desks nowadays are electrically operated, so do you even have a plug in the vicinity to power it from?
Furthermore, since many of these units could be considered an investment, you need to be 100% confident that you are selecting one that won’t collapse right in front of you the minute you add a monitor to the desk. You also need to be guaranteed that the desk you choose won’t have you bent over like the hunchback of Notre Dame!
It is after all, an investment to minimise the time spent sitting to improve your health and posture; unfortunately, many people have ended up worse off with a desk that is either too low or too high for their height. Don’t fall into this trap that can be easily avoided by spending a few minutes researching your desk type!
Worry no more…
This guide to the types of sit to stand desk carefully brings you through each of the popular and best height adjustable desk options that are available on the market today!
As always, there’s plenty of tips and facts dotted through the guide. I even share with you an invention that I purchased a while ago that has revolutionised my posture and comfort which working from home! Let’s take a look, shall we?
Below are the primary types of sit to standing desk options available:
1. Manual sit stand desks
2. Electric sit stand desks
3. Standing desk converters
4. Mobile standing desk
Manual sit stand desks
These types of desks are operated by twisting a handle to crank the height up or down. Unlike the electric powered desks, this one doesn’t require a power source, which is ideal if there are limited or no plugs within easy reach.
While the manual sit stand desk is generally the cheaper alternative to the superior electric sit stand desk, it does pose more limitations in terms of functionality. Just because this is cheaper, don’t be allured into purchasing one until you have considered these constraints:
- Typically, manual desks are slower to operate (minimum 30 – 60 seconds to crank). The speed at which the height can be raised and lowered is not as efficient as the electric standing desk (typically less than 30 seconds).
- Can be cumbersome to operate and difficult to adjust to the required height.
- Has limitations on height to which the desk can be raised, and it’s often incapable to reaching the required height.
- The load limits are lower on manual desks compared to electric sit stand desks.
- The crank might not be moveable to the other side of the which could pose an issue for left-handed people who constantly bump into it or have difficulty using it with their right hand.
Suitable for:
Someone on a budget.
Someone with limited or no plugs in area.
Someone who doesn’t intend to regularly adjust the height of the desk.
Not suited for:
Someone with an injury which could be exacerbated by manual cranking of a desk.
Roles which require a portable sit to standing desk.
Someone who is left-handed if the desk crank cannot be moved.
Someone who plans to store a good quantity of items or equipment on the desk.
Environments which will require a robust and sturdy table.
Electric sit stand desks
These are probably one of the most popular desk types that people and organisations opt for. They operate from the same premise as a manual sit stand desk, however, the adjusting of the height is controlled electrically and is therefore a much smoother operation. This is typically in the form of a button, which, as you can imagine, is much more efficient, easier, ergonomic and modern to use.
Common features on electric sit stand desks can include:
- Programmable heights which are ideal for remembering the heights of multiple users or various standing and sitting heights of a user.
- The rate at which desks can lowered or raised can vary from 2.5 cm/second upwards. This depends on the number of motors, power and load placed on the desk.
- Robust structure and often fitted with a crossbar to withstand greater pressure and weights.
- Load capacity is anywhere from 100kg (approx. 250lbs) upwards.
- Noise levels for a decent quality table are typically lower than 50dB.
- Height adjustments can range from 60cm – 125cm and upwards.
- Dimensions can vary from 65cm + depth and 96cm + width.
Tip: Look out for electric sit stand desks with dual motors as these operate more quietly and are more capable of moving heavier loads than desks fitted with a single motor.
Suitable for:
An area with plugs within near reach of the desk.
Someone who intend to regularly adjust the height of the desk.
Someone who plans to store a good quantity of items or equipment on the desk.
Taller people (185cm or more) or shorter people (165cm or less) who will benefit from the extra height adjustable dimensions.
Not suited for:
Roles which require a mobile sit to standing desk.
An environment which is very sensitive to noise.
Area with space constraints, including height constraints, e.g., from existing wall shelves.
People on a tight budget.
Standing desk converters
Also known as height adjustable desk converters, these are designed to transform a regular desk into a sit stand desk. Many of these are even portable, which allows you to easily swap between desks, rooms or even offices. This can be extremely valuable if you engage in a blend of remote working and working at the office. Additionally, when working from home or even in the office, it can sometimes be necessary to move rooms based on the activities going on; for instance, if you’re stationed in the kitchen table and it’s lunchtime, you will probably need to free up table space by moving your standing desk converter.
I sometimes find that I just simply need a break from the room, so I often swap between my bedroom and the kitchen or sitting room.
These sit stand desk converters are an excellent solution for people on a limited budget as they are often as much as 5 or 6 times less expensive than the price of an electric sit stand desk.
Furthermore, if you only intend to use the setup for a couple of hours or days a week, or even for an ad hoc or short period of time, the investment in a large desk setup may not be justified.
Common features available on height adjustable desk converters include:
- Adjustable varying heights, anywhere from 13.5cm to 52cm.
- Height adjustment is often by means of a gas lever.
- Can come equipped with extra trays to hold equipment, e.g., keyboard and mouse.
- Often involve minimal and quick assembly.
- Tabletop type converters can hold single or dual monitors or laptops.
- Load capacity is anywhere from 15kg (approx. 33lbs) upwards.
- Spacious work surface which can range on average from 65cm – 90cm + width and 30cm – 55cm + depth.
Tip: Take some time to measure the desk surface area to determine if the standing desk converter can securely fit on it. Also, measure the height of the table and compare it with the minimum and maximum heights of the standing desk converter to determine if it can reach the appropriate height for you while standing and sitting.
Suitable for:
Someone on a budget.
Someone with limited space constraints.
Someone looking to optimise the space available on their table.
Someone who may require a portable unit that is easy to transport.
Someone who intend to regularly adjust the height of the desk.
Someone who requires minimal assembly.
Provided the table height is adequate, taller people (185cm or more) or shorter people (165cm or less) who will benefit from the extra height adjustable dimensions.
Not suited for:
Roles which require a mobile sit to standing desk on wheels.
Person who requires a large surface area to perform their duties, e.g., reviewing maps, documents.
Areas with table space constraints, including height constraints, e.g., from existing wall shelves.
Someone who plans to store greater than 15kg of items or equipment on the desk.
Mobile standing desk
Mobile standing desks are essentially a compact table on wheels that can be maneuvered between various locations. Common areas where standing desks are used include hospitals (imagine those tables that can be pushed over a patient’s bed), lecture halls or as a stand for giving speeches, garages, offices where a person needs to be flexible and work in multiple locations or environments where a particular type of computer unit must be used in various areas.
The design of these can range from the most basic and compact type, which essentially comprises of a tray capable of holding a laptop and a second smaller tray underneath for holding the keyboard and mouse.
On the other hand, there are mobile standing desks which include ancillary shelves and compartments for storing files or components as may be required for the task.
Common features available on portable standing desks include:
- Adjustable varying heights, anywhere from 70cm to 125cm.
- Height adjustment is often by means of twistable knobs.
- Can come equipped with extra trays to hold equipment, e.g., keyboard and mouse.
- Involves degree of self-assembly.
- Tabletop type converters can hold single or dual monitors, documents, tablets or laptops.
- Load capacity is anywhere from 20kg (approx. 44lbs) upwards.
- Work surface which can range on average from 60cm – 70cm + width and 30cm – 48cm + depth.
Suitable for:
Someone on a budget.
Someone with limited space constraints.
Roles which require a mobile sit to standing desk.
Someone who may require a portable unit that is easy to transport.
Someone who can assemble units.
Shorter people (165cm or less) depending on the range of height that the desk can be lowered to.
Not suited for:
Person who requires a large surface area to perform their duties, e.g., reviewing maps, documents.
Areas with space constraints, including height constraints, e.g., from existing wall shelves.
Areas with varying floor heights if unit is being frequently moved, e.g., stairs.
Taller people (185cm or more) depending on the range of height that the desk can be raised to.
Some units are not very robust and may not handle excessive force or weights.
Someone who plans to store greater than 20kg of items or equipment on the desk.
Conclusion
If you’re interesting in buying this product or seeing the complete range of ergonomic products that I’d recommend to my family and friends, then check it out by following this link:
So, there you have it, you have now been tutored on the 4 most prevalent types of sit stand desk options available. I sure hope that you have gained all the information you need from this guide to help you in choosing a height adjustable desk that will vastly improve your ergonomics, comfort and health!
It’s only fair that I share with you this little gem that I purchased a while ago. Ever since I invested in this height adjustable laptop holder, I honestly cannot live without it! Not only is extremely portable and affordable,
but it’s also sturdy and can be manipulated into a ridiculous number of positions so that it can be used for a variety of tasks. If you’re curious to see exactly what I’m boasting about, check it out here:Sit stand height adjustable desk – Newoer Ultra Large Adjustable Laptop Table Desk
Do you own a sit stand desk or do you plan to invest in one? Which of the above options do you think would be most suitable to your needs? I’d love to hear your feedback and queries on this in the comments box below!
Sources
https://www.howtogeek.com/316031/the-different-kinds-of-standing-desks-and-which-you-should-use/
https://www.posturite.co.uk/blog/guide-every-type-sit-stand-desk
