They're cool! They're trendy! And most of all, they're healthy! Height-adjustable desks have seen a recent rise in popularity—pun intended—and they will only become more common as time goes on. The benefits of a standing-height desk are immeasurable, but the surface is fixed, which may not suit everybody's stature and preference. It's easy to find the perfect in-between with an adjustable-height solution but finding the perfect desk involves a lot of variables besides height.
As with any purchase, you need to weigh the pros and cons. At this price point, it's worth considering the benefits of a height-adjustable desk.
Concern: Prices as High as Desktop Height
Adding electronics and moving parts inevitably increases the price of a height-adjustable desk. Naturally, these desks sit at a drastically higher price than their standard and standing-height counterparts.
As you're already investing in your ergonomic health, your considerations should go beyond the simple highs and lows of workspace altitude. Most companies offer loss leaders (products that cost significantly less than their market-price competition) that cut corners to preserve margin. With your posture on the line, it's clear that a height-adjustable desk is worth the splurge, but what makes up the value behind those extra dollars?
Benefit: An Investment in Your Health
It's hard to put a price on your physical well-being. Generations of office workers have learned the hard way that sitting for long hours can contribute to various health problems. Standing desks offer an alternative, while an adjustable-height desk provides a total solution. Grab an ergonomic office chair when you'd like to take a seat, stand for a portion of the day, or use an active seating solution to introduce even more movement into your workday. A variety of options is the best solution to a stagnant position.
Benefit: Bonus Features Worth the Splurge
It's up to you to decide what bells and whistles are worthwhile. Larger, heavy-duty adjustable-height desks may have a dual-motor system that's more durable than a single-motor option. Meanwhile, many desks offer programmable settings that can bring the desktop right where you want it without guessing each time.
Some of the same flashy features you know and love are also built into these tech-ready desks. Wireless chargers, cable management grommets and channels, under-desk storage, and power stations are commonly found in static height and height-adjustable desks.
Benefit: Start Small With a Desktop Riser
If you're not quite committed to purchasing a sit/stand desk, take a look at desktop risers that can provide all of the benefits of an adjustable-height desk without breaking the bank. These are available independent of whatever desk you have or purchase and cost a fraction of the price of a height-adjustable desk.
Concern: Limited Configurations
The market is currently saturated with simple rectangular height-adjustable desks measuring between 48" and 60" wide. They were the first to hit the market, the most versatile solution for many homes and offices, and a great fit for simple spaces. They just don't satisfy every worker's needs.
Benefit: Shapes, Sizes, and Styles for Everyone
While there are still minimalist options at every price point, manufacturers have started to provide their bestselling styles and configurations with a height-adjustable option.
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Stylized solutions are available for those who might not want a simple writing-style desk. We offer a height-adjustable option in some of our bestselling collections, all of which work in a variety of décor schemes.
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L-desks and corner desks may include a primary workspace that rises and lowers, leaving the return at standard height. It's equally common to find L-desks that raise the entire workspace to ensure that all monitors and peripherals are accounted for.
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U-desks are functionally a combination of a main desk, a bridge, and a credenza behind the primary workspace. Common height-adjustable U-desks might have a rising bridge and workspace combo, rising bridge, or rising desk.
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Compact desks are ubiquitous in the adjustable-height market. Find small-footprint solutions in 48" and sometimes smaller.
Concern: It's Electric?
While we expect to plug in our laptops or lamps, you don't necessarily think of your workstation as a piece that needs its own electricity. This may limit the location of your workspace or add to the hassle of managing cables and cords.
Benefit: Cut the Cord
Whether your setup is too far from an outlet or you don't want to deal with pesky cords, some options use pneumatic adjustment to change the desktop height. While these may restrict you to a few fixed positions—often simply sit and stand—they are an easy answer to a fully-analog workspace. Some crank options are available, which provide a much more nuanced way to raise and lower the desktop.
Benefit: Back to Risers
We've brought them up earlier, but a desktop riser has the added benefit of cord-free ergonomic excellence. While some may be electrically inclined, most operate on a pneumatic or safe hydraulic system.
Concern: Garish Legs
The original height-adjustable desks on the market had thick legs that made it obvious that the desk was a sit/stand model. Awkward upside-down T-shaped legs were used instead of a 4-legged style, which required fewer extending parts, but these also led to an exposed and unattractive look.
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