Before buying a standing desk, carefully collect your needs and desires. Does the desk add up for your needs?
All standing desks allow you to stand while working, but what is it that sets one apart from the other, and are they worth the expense?
Whether you’re thinking on your feet or dreaming at your desk, the following standing desks guide should help you to make an informed decision for a beautifully balanced solution.
Standing desks can be divided into two main types, namely fixed or adjustable height desks.
Height adjustable desks branch out into manual, pneumatic (air or gas cylinder), or hydraulic desks that require oil and electricity. Electric adjustable desks can typically lift heavier loads, and therefore provide more stability and security.
While variable height desks typically cost more, they’re worth the extra expense for the following reasons:
Since posture and a balanced sit-to-stand routine are the keys to the benefits, height adjustable desks are a step above normal standing desks.
The option of adjusting the desk to individual height offers a combination of comfort and response to your body's intrinsic design and level of fitness.
To reap the rewards of your research, your desk needs to be perfectly calibrated.
This means that more than just desktop height but monitor, keyboard and mouse, needs to match up to individual requirements. Should the monitor be able to adjust separately from the desktop, turn and move as freely as you’d like to?
The second important consideration for leaning towards a height-adjustable desk is the balance between sitting and standing.
Standing in a stationary position for a prolonged period, just like any other, is not recommended. Adjustable height desks offer the best of both worlds for a happy and healthy desk routine.
Standing desk converters or risers either fit directly onto your existing desktop, bolt through, or clamp to the back of your desk.
Converters that can be placed directly on your desktop are the most portable solution. No drilling, clamping, or revamping required.
Models that attach with a clamp have the smallest footprint for the smallest of spaces, but no converter can compare to a wholehearted desk.
Is a standing desk converter worth it?
A converter is the next best thing to an actual height adjustable desk. Even if they don't provide the same stability, weight capacity, or workspace, they can potentially offer the same benefits.
While some speak for themselves, we’ve added some detail as needed.
The easiest way to compare your final three choices would be to rate and calculate on a scale of one to ten using the following criteria, but kindly consider the environment before printing.
How do I stop my standing desk from wobbling?It depends on the cause.
The top reason for compromised stability in a standing desk frame is usually loose (or no) screws as a result of faulty installation. Easily cured. It may also be due to normal wear and tear, and therefore a good idea to do a routine check and secure every six months.
Other wonky workspace factors include the actual frame weight, proportions - especially of the feet, weight distribution or overloading your desk, uneven columns (a wedge may work wonders), loose or ill-fitting glides, or uneven desktop or floor level.
When were standing desks invented?
While Leonardo da Vinci is one of the first documented standing desk users, it is unclear when or by whom standing desks were invented.
High-quality electric height adjustable desks are made with much thought and accuracy. Every proportion and component requires precision in creating the most ergonomic desk. In every possible way.
Kneeling chair vs standing desk?
While a kneeling chair may soothe the spines of those that cannot be on their feet for too long, a standing desk offers more stability and freedom of movement - in turn, better circulation leading to further health benefits.
Standing desks aren’t ideal for all tasks, such as delicate arts and crafts that require the finest motor skills.
Should you already have problems with your lower extremities, a standing desk may not be best for anything but a massage, yet an adjustable height desk may help.
One way to establish whether or not it’s going to work for you would be to create a temporary standing solution by adding height to your existing desktop. Anything from books to boxes will do as a standing desk hack, but please make sure it is safe for the monitor, mouse, and all toes in the house.
Why are standing desks so expensive?
Standing desks require a more involved and intricate construction process to ensure that they’re safe and secure, and this goes double for electrical standing desks that need gears, motors, and cabling to work.
This adds to the overall cost of construction and that cost is passed down the line. As companies become better equipped to build these desks, and as the materials to make them become more readily available, the price of these magnificent pieces of furniture is sure to drop.
What’s more, standing desks are meant to last a good number of years without you having to rebuild or replace them. A properly built standing desk will certainly set you back a bit, but you can rest assured that it’s a once-off purchase that will last you decades with the right amount of care and maintenance.
The following benefits are worth a last-but-definitely-not-least look.
While the concept of a standing desk may be simple, in reality, they’re anything but.
Standing desks allow you to enjoy a host of benefits, but it’s important to note that they’re not universally good. Like with any new innovation, we need to take into consideration the safety and efficacy of the product.
With this article as a guide, you’ll be able to pick out the perfect standing desk for you. Whether you’re struggling with back pain, or just need a little energy bump to help keep you focused, you’d be surprised to see how quickly a new standing desk can improve your quality of life.
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