Stand-Up Desks Buyer's Guide
What Is a Stand-Up Desk?
Stand-up desks are desks that allow work to occur at a standing level, as opposed to sitting the whole time. These desks also allow for sitting on a high stool to allow for work at the same height level. When they first appeared in the 18th century, standing height desks were popular for home and office use by the rich.
Can You Convert a Regular Desk into a Stand-Up Desk?
Due to the growing popularity of standing desks, many accessories are available than can convert a regular desk into a standing desk. Some accessories are just props to convert the desk level, while others allow for adjustment to accommodate several different working levels and positions. Conversions do not always give the same amount of work space at the standing level as at the sitting level.
Who Should Use a Stand-Up Desk?
Stand-up desks are great options for people who feel restless sitting at their desks all day. However, people who are at risk for back, neck, leg, and foot pain may worsen their conditions and shouldn’t rely on standing desks. People also perform some fine motor skills better while seated, so it’s better to balance your standing time with work that doesn’t require these types of tasks.
Are Stand-Up Desk Heights Adjustable?
The answer to this question will vary by the type of stand-up desk or accessory. Some desk heights are adjustable, while others are set in place. The level of adjustability will also depend on the specific desk type and can play a role in how stable the support is.
Who Should Use a Stand-Up Desk?
Stand-up desks are great options for people who feel restless sitting at their desks all day. However, people who are at risk for back, neck, leg, and foot pain may worsen their conditions and shouldn’t rely on standing desks. People also perform some fine motor skills better while seated, so it’s better to balance your standing time with work that doesn’t require these types of tasks.
Are Stand-Up Desk Heights Adjustable?
The answer to this question will vary by the type of stand-up desk or accessory. Some desk heights are adjustable, while others are set in place. The level of adjustability will also depend on the specific desk type and can play a role in how stable the support is.
Where Are Stand-Up Desks Most Commonly Used?
Stand-up desks see the most use in office settings that require extensive periods of desk work. They are popular in the technology, legal, accounting, publishing, and higher education industries. Some schools are incorporating standing desks to help with high-energy students in lower grade levels. Their growing popularity will contribute to usage in many more locations and industries. They are also very popular across Europe.
Is a Treadmill Desk Considered a Stand-Up Desk?
By the definition of a stand-up desk, a treadmill desk would count, since it allows work to occur at a standing level. To better distinguish the two, a treadmill desk differs in that it does have a treadmill option, allowing people to walk while completing tasks. Unlike some stand-up desks, a treadmill desk doesn’t provide the same level of adjustability, meaning completing sitting work will have to happen elsewhere. Often treadmill desks are custom configured by purchasing a stand-up workstation desk that can straddle an existing treadmill.
Top Brands for Stand-Up Desks:
Luxor Safco Products Balt OFM Ergotron