In this blog article we cover some tips to assist you in choosing the right standing desk.
1. Adjustability
Electric vs Manual
Standing desks come with the option of being either electric or manual. Electric desks are slightly more expensive but are more user-friendly and convenient than manual ones.
Electric standing desks have built-in memory settings that allow you to adjust the height of your desk with the touch of a button. It remembers the correct height you need it to be. In a few seconds, your desk will be at the perfect height.
Manual desks have to be adjusted with a crank and take some time and labour to do so, which requires more effort.
UpDown Desk offers both electric and manual desk options.
Height Range
Make sure the minimum and maximum heights suit your body size. You want ergonomic comfort both seated and standing. As a general guide when standing you want your elbow to be at close to a 90 degree angle to the worksurface. When sitting you want your feet to rest comfortably on the ground with your knees at close to a 90 degree angle.
Check the specifications of the standing desk frame that you are considering to see if a guide is provided for suitable user heights. This is particularly important if you are either very short or very tall.
UpDown Desk has frame options that will be suitable for the vast majority of users:
| PRO+ Series Corner and Rectangular Desks | Suitable for users 5'0" to 6'8" tall |
| KLIK Series Desk | Suitable for users 5'0" to 6'6" tall |
| LYFT Desk | Suitable for users 5'3" to 6'4" tall |
2. Desk Size & Surface Area
Work Surface:
Ensure the desk surface can fit your monitor(s), laptop, keyboard, and any other equipment (e.g., printers, drawing tablets). UpDown Desk standard sizes of desks are 120cm, 150cm and 180cm long and 75cm wide. We also offer options to customise the desktop length and/or width, particularly in our popular and durable Melamine range.
Shape Options:
The most popular desk is rectangular in shape. However, if you want your desk to fit into a corner space or are looking for a larger surface area, a corner desk (also known as an L-shaped desk) may suit your needs.
3. Weight Capacity
Check how much weight the desk can support, especially if you have:
Multiple monitors
Heavy equipment (e.g., large speakers, books, drawing monitors)
In general a good quality electric standing desk will have a much higher weight capacity than a manually adjusted desk. Here are the industry-leading weight capacities of the desks offered by UpDown Desk:
| PRO+ Series Corner Desks | Maximum weight capacity 200kg |
| PRO+ Rectangular Desks | Maximum weight capacity 150kg |
| KLIK Series Desk | Maximum weight capacity 150kg |
| LYFT Desk | Maximum weight capacity 100kg |
4. Stability & Build Quality
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Construction Material. A quality sit-stand desk frame will be made out of steel. All of UpDown Desk’s have steel frames, including the flagship PRO+ standing desk which was noted by one reviewer to be “almost indestructible”.
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Wobble Resistance: stability is essential, especially at standing height — a sturdy standing desk such as those offered by UpDown Desk reduces monitor shake.
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Warranty: longer warranties reflect a confidence in build quality. UpDown Desk offers a 10 year frame warranty on all of its standing desks.
5. Motor Quality & Noise
Cheaper electric standing desk manufacturers will often compromise on the quality of their motors. Buying a premium standing desk such as those offered by UpDown Desk source ensures that you get a quality motor with a minimum of noise. For example, the LYFT standing desk incorporates LINAK electric linear actuator solutions to provide superior stability and an industry leading 150kg lifting capacity.
6. Memory Presets & Controls
You should look for a desk with memory presets. These are very convenient as you can adjust the height of the desk to your desired height at the touch of a button. All UpDown Desks have programmable height presets.
Ensure that the display controls are easy to read. Easy-to-read control panels with up/down buttons and preset buttons improve usability. UpDown Desk’s new PRO+ standing desk features a next generation control panel with a OLED screen.
7. Cable Management
Standing desks move — so cable management is essential. All UpDown Desks come with a Cable Management Tray and cable ties and clips as standard at no extra cost. Most standing desks companies will charge you extra for cable management.
If you want to take your cable management to the next level you can always upgrade with UpDown Desk to an integrated cable tray, the ultimate cable management solution to keep your desk set-up today and professional. Featuring a sliding mechanism, the tray can extend up to 160cm in length, with the option to power up to 12 devices with a simple click-in custom designed power boards.
To connect power to computers, monitors and other accessories a popular option is to have cable holes in the desk covered by grommets. We can provide stylish metal cable hole grommets to allow you to maintain a clear, clean workspace by routing cables through your desk. No more messy or hazardous cables or crawling around under your desk to locate power cables.
A clean cable setup prevents snags and damage.
8. Accessories & Compatibility
When buying a standing desk it is important to ensure it is kitted out with all the accessories you require to make your workspace ergonomic and convenient to use. Consider the need for things such as:
9. Budget & Value
A quality standing desk, such as those sold by UpDown Desk will outlast cheaper standing desks and provide more functionality, comfort and overall value. Buying a cheap standing desk that lasts only a few years is a false economy compared with investing in a quality standing desk backed by a long-term warranty.
All UpDown Desks are backed by a 10-year frame warranty and there are options to suit any budget. This ranges from our classic LYFT desk with a hard wearing melamine desktop up to our unique Australian made hardwood desktop collection.
Check the reviews of the standing desk company you are considering spending your hard-earned money with. Look at their Google Reviews as well as the reviews that show on their website. UpDown Desk has hundreds of reviews and an industry-leading 4.9 star average Google review rating.
10. Ergonomics & Comfort
Keyboard & Mouse Placement:
Should allow neutral wrist positions.
Monitor Height:
Top of screen at or slightly below eye level. This may be helped by use of a monitor stand or monitor arm.
Helps when standing for long periods.
11. Personal Workflow
Ask yourself:
Do you plan to switch between sitting and standing often?
Make sure that it is easy to adjust your desk height. An electric height adjustable desk makes adjusting between sitting and standing very easy.
Will this be shared by others (kids, partner, coworker)?
If so, having a controller that allows for preset memory heights will be essential.
What devices will live on the desk?
A desk with a suitably high weight capacity will be required.
12. Ease of Assembly
Always look for clear instructions, including written and video instructions. Not all desks are necessarily assembled the same way. For example the PRO+ desk is largely bolted together, whereas the KLIK desk is designed for even quicker click-in frame assembly (ideal for people who want a quick assembly option).
Some desk companies also offer installation / assembly services. For example, UpDown Desk offers a complete desk installation service in your home or office if you are located in Metro Melbourne.
13. Space & Room Planning
Measure room before buying. Consider doorways, corners, and windows. Also, think about power outlet locations for electric desks.
14. Delivery
When you order a desk you want to know it will arrive promptly. Look for same day dispatch, such as that offered by UpDown Desk. Also consider the standard delivery times based on your location.
Quick Checklist
✔ Height range fits your body
✔ Strong weight capacity
✔ Stable at all heights
✔ Quiet motor (if electric)
✔ Good cable management
✔ Compatible accessories
✔ Good warranty & reviews
