If you’re looking to improve your comfort while working, there are lots of design options in office equipment and other products that can help you out. For some, a chair with a
kneeling position may be a great choice, and for others a
soft surface to stand on can help reduce muscle fatigue in their back and legs. Another great option is a desk that you can use while standing up; it may be just what the doctor ordered!
Our featured article on standing desks is designed for those who want to get off their “bum” and have a more mobile and versatile work station. Top Products also offers a great article on
traditional desks, but this article is specifically for those who want the option of standing while they work.
A few important factors to consider are: price range, height adjustability, and other features that you may not have even considered. By “other features” we mean surprise options such as a treadmill/work station in one. Lifespan offers a standing desk and treadmill that will save you time, plus get your body in great shape all at once! Pretty cool, huh?! Of course that’s not for everyone, but it’s nice to know that’s an option.
For those on a tight budget, check out our featured standing desks from Safco and the Standing Desk Store. Both are highly economical, and great choices that consumers have been giving excellent feedback on.
Price
When it comes to price, the range is pretty wide. You can spend anywhere from $200-$1500, depending on the features and materials that are incorporated into the design of your standing desk. Some cheap standing desks are available, but you sacrifice a bit on durability and aesthetics. Choosing a laminate surface is a money-saver, and can reduce the total price to about $200-$300 dollars, depending on the brand. An attractive wood surface such as cherry wood will run you about $500-$600 dollars.
A model like our top pick Ergotron costs around $700 dollars. This price range conveys the time the company has invested in design and functionality; features like the ability to easily adjust the height come into play. Another factor is the use of a team of ergonomic specialists, who spend a great deal of time designing work spaces that have a low impact on your joints and muscles.
Another price factor is assembly. You can put it together yourself, or spend another $100 to have your standing desk assembled for you. Of course, if you want to go all-out and get a treadmill and standing desk in one, like our featured Lifespan desk, you’ll have to invest a lot more, around $1300 dollars.
Features
A few features should stand out when determining the right model for your lifestyle and your work space. Factors you’ll want to consider include the type of tasks you’ll be engaging in, other equipment the desk will need to accommodate, and versatility.
Here are a few important features to take into consideration:
- Caster wheels for moving your desk around
- Height-adjustable desks that provide the option of standing or sitting
- Total weight capacity
- Additional shelving
- Affordability and quality of design
- Multi-functionality
- Length and width
Construction and Design
How would you like your standing desk? Do you want to move it up/down, or from side-to-side? All of these are an option if you select a model with the right construction and design. You can pick a standing desk that has height-adjustable features, or one that has wheels if you want to move it from side-to-side. Just keep in mind that a standing desk with wheels may shift easily; if that’s what you want, great! If not, choose a model without wheels.
Some of these desks are designed to be compact for tight spaces, and others offer multiple tiers for additional storage. Just be sure to get the right size in terms of length and width, so your standing desk fits perfectly into your space.
No matter how well-designed the desk is in terms of manufacturing, you have to put it together properly for it to do its job. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to spend the extra hundred bucks to have your desk assembled for you. That way you’ll know your desk is sturdy and ready to go to work!
If you want a mind-blowing design, check out the cool options on the market like the treadmill desk by Lifespan that allows you to go for a walk while you work! There are other exercise and desk combo units, such as Lifespan’s bicycle that replaces your seat, so you can peddle while you work and burn off those extra calories.
Performance and Ease of Use
Of course, you’ll want to take into consideration what you need this standing desk for. If it’s simply to do crafts or use a laptop, or perhaps you need a place for taking care of your bills, weight capacity isn’t a big concern. If however, you need your standing desk to accommodate a few heavy pieces of equipment, such as a PC and printer, go for a model that can handle over 100 pounds.
For those who want to adjust their desk from a sitting to standing position throughout the day, look for quick height adjustment features. If a mobile standing desk best suits your needs, because you want the option of easily moving it around and changing location, select a lightweight model that has wheels on it.
One more thing— make sure to measure your space before you make your purchase, so you know your standing desk will fit in your home or office space beforehand!
And that should cover the basics… now let’s get to the top products we’ve selected that cover all the important features we’ve discussed.
Sometimes you’re tired and want to sit down for a while. At other times you’re invigorated and need to be up and moving to fully express yourself. An adjustable desk can accommodate your needs easily. We have some great models to choose from, including desks with wheels that can easily be relocated to another room. Let’s check out your options.
Features
Ergotron was designed by an author in 1982 to serve those who are working for hours on end, and need to move around a bit to stay in the flow. To improve focus and attention, the company designs products that include technological devices with adjustable components to serve your ever-changing needs.
It’s important to get up and moving. You can’t concentrate if your joints are stiff. That’s why Ergotron developed a desk that takes care of all your business needs, whether you are sitting or standing. With its patented technology, you can change your position swiftly with a brake handle that adjusts the table accordingly.
This table has an extended work surface. There are no motors involved in adjusting the height of this desk, which ranges in height up to 20 inches. It can easily accommodate your computer and other files and accoutrements needed for your busy day. The color is light gray, and with the fluid one-touch brake handle, you can adjust the height to suit the task at hand. You will never have to interrupt your workflow to stay in business all day long with comfort and convenience.
Features
LifeSpan is the kind of brand that takes ideas like "Why doesn’t someone combine fitness equipment and work equipment into one design?” and makes them come true. No time to get to the gym? No worries. LifeSpan has a range of fitness and work products that combine your workspace and busy day for maximum efficiency. Its products include bicycle/desks, treadmill/desks, and under-desk exercisers.
This incredible design features a compact treadmill that ranges in speed from a relaxed gait of 2 miles per hour to a light jog/run speed of 4 miles per hour. If you need to slow down during moments when you need to concentrate, you can hit the “resume speed” button to get back into action quickly after you take care of business.
The desktop area offers plenty of space at 38 by 29 inches. While you are working, you can track the distance you traveled, the number of calories burned, the time and the total number of steps.
If you would like to track your fitness data, this treadmill/desk duo even has wireless capabilities. You can sync it to your iphone or Android device using LifeSpan’s Active Trac app, which is free.
Why pick the same old boring desk, when there are some great new designs on the market? Pick one of our highlighted standing desks to get your day started right and reap the health benefits of better posture, better circulation, and a leaner physique.
