In This Guide
Before You Buy: Key Questions
1. Measure Your Space
Before anything else, know what you're working with:
- Available floor space (width × depth)
- Clearance for chair behind desk
- Vertical clearance (shelves, sloped ceilings)
- Distance to power outlet
Our size guide walks through this process in detail.
2. Define Your Setup
What goes on your desk determines what desk you need:
- Laptop only? Single monitor? Dual monitors? Ultrawide?
- Desktop computer (tower) or laptop?
- Additional equipment (printers, tablets, notebooks)?
- Total approximate weight of everything
3. Set Your Budget
Standing desks range widely in price. Know what you can spend before shopping, and be realistic about what features that budget allows.
Types of Standing Desks
| Type | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Electric (motorized) | Most users; convenience matters | Medium to High |
| Manual (crank) | Budget-conscious; occasional adjustment | Low to Medium |
| Pneumatic/Gas lift | Quick adjustment; no electricity | Medium |
| Desktop converter | Keep existing desk; testing standing | Low to Medium |
| Foldable | Multi-use spaces; storage needed | Varies |
For most buyers, we recommend electric standing desks. The convenience of push-button adjustment significantly increases usage. See our manual vs. electric comparison for detailed analysis.
Key Specifications to Understand
Height Range
The minimum and maximum heights the desk reaches. Critical for ergonomics.
- Minimum height: Must accommodate seated position (typically 22-28" needed)
- Maximum height: Must accommodate standing position (typically 38-50" needed)
- Taller and shorter users need extended ranges
Use our height calculator to determine your specific needs.
Weight Capacity
Maximum weight the desk supports during movement. Includes desktop weight (if frame-only) plus all equipment.
- 150-200 lbs: Adequate for most home offices
- 220-300 lbs: Comfortable for dual monitors, heavier setups
- 300+ lbs: Heavy-duty; multiple monitors, equipment
Our weight limits guide helps calculate your needs.
Desktop Size
Work surface dimensions. Standard options:
- 40-48" × 24": Compact; laptop or single monitor
- 48-60" × 24-30": Standard; dual monitors or ultrawide
- 60-72" × 30": Large; multiple monitors, extra equipment
Motor Type (Electric Desks)
- Single motor: More affordable, quieter, slightly slower, adequate capacity for most
- Dual motor: Faster, higher capacity, slightly louder, more expensive
Features That Matter (And Don't)
Worth Paying For
- Memory presets: Save your sitting and standing heights. Essential for convenience.
- Anti-collision: Desk reverses if it hits something. Important with pets, kids, or obstacles.
- Cable management tray: Keeps cables organized. Often included or available as accessory.
- Good warranty: 5+ years on frame, 3+ on motor. Sign of quality and confidence.
- Stable frame: Quality steel construction, crossbar support. Check reviews for wobble mentions.
Nice But Optional
- LED height display: Useful but not essential if you use presets
- Child lock: Prevents accidental activation; useful in some households
- Quiet motor: Worth considering for shared spaces or frequent calls
Often Unnecessary
- Bluetooth/app connectivity: Rarely provides meaningful value
- Built-in USB charging: Dedicated chargers are more reliable and replaceable
- Excessive speed: Beyond 1.5"/second, speed differences don't matter much
- Fancy finishes: Aesthetic choices that don't affect function
Frame vs. Complete Desk
Complete Desk (Frame + Desktop)
- Simpler purchase—everything included
- Desktop designed to fit frame
- Usually better value per dollar
- Limited finish/material options
Frame Only
- Choose your own desktop (custom size, material, finish)
- Reuse an existing desktop if compatible
- More flexibility, more complexity
- Total cost can be higher or lower depending on choices
Recommendation: Unless you have specific desktop requirements, complete desks offer better value and simplicity.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Before You Order
- ✓ Measured available floor space
- ✓ Verified height range suits your body
- ✓ Calculated total equipment weight (under capacity)
- ✓ Confirmed desktop size fits your space and needs
- ✓ Checked shipping dimensions (will it fit through your door?)
- ✓ Reviewed return policy
- ✓ Read multiple reviews, especially for stability
- ✓ Compared warranty terms
- ✓ Planned for assembly (time, tools, help needed)
- ✓ Considered accessories you'll need (mat, cable management)
Where to Buy
Direct from Manufacturers
- Often best prices (no retailer markup)
- Full product selection and customization
- Direct warranty support
- May have longer shipping times
Major Retailers
- Potentially faster shipping
- Familiar return processes
- May have limited model selection
- Prices sometimes higher than direct
Furniture Retailers
- Sometimes offer showrooms to try in person
- May include delivery/assembly services
- Often higher prices
- Limited to brands they carry
See our recommended brands for manufacturers we trust.
Assembly Expectations
Most standing desks require assembly:
- Time: 30-90 minutes typically
- Difficulty: Moderate—mostly bolt tightening
- Help needed: Helpful for lifting/flipping assembled frame
- Tools: Usually included; may need screwdriver or Allen wrench
Some retailers offer assembly services for additional cost. Worth considering if you're not comfortable with furniture assembly or have physical limitations.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Very short warranty: Less than 3 years suggests low confidence in product
- No stability mentions in reviews: Or worse, multiple complaints about wobble
- Vague specifications: No specific weight capacity or height range listed
- Too-good-to-be-true pricing: Quality costs something; extreme bargains often sacrifice durability
- No customer support: Difficult to find contact info or get questions answered
After Purchase
- Document unboxing: Photo any shipping damage before discarding packaging
- Test immediately: Run through full range of motion before final setup
- Keep manual: Reset procedures and error codes may be needed later
- Register warranty: Some manufacturers require registration
- Set up properly: See our setup guide