The use of standing desks is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, it appears that the changing work dynamics and a trending work-from-home arrangement have taken the use of standing desks by storm. After all, it is proven that a standing desk is much better than your conventional sit-and-work arrangement. It improves your posture, allows you to burn more calories, keeps your metabolism in check, and boosts your productivity. And if you are someone struggling with chronic backache, then a standing desk makes one of the best ergonomic workspace solutions for you.
But given the overwhelming choice of standing desks available on the market, it is natural to feel confused about which type of standing desk is best for you. To help solve this problem, we look at different types of standing desks along with an insight into the pros and cons of each so you can make the right choice for yourself. Moreover, we also understand that a standing desk alone may not be enough to provide you with absolute comfort as you work. So we also share a list of a few ergonomically designed workspace accessories that you can pair up with your standing desk and enjoy enhanced focus and better productivity at work.
So let’s get started.
Types of Standing Desks
We can divide the types of standing desks into two broad categories; fixed standing desks and height-adjustable standing desks which can be subdivided into other types. Let's look at different types of standing desks so you can choose the right one for your home office.
Fixed Standing Desk
As the name suggests, a fixed standing desk is fixed, and it doesn't move. So technically, a fixed standing desk allows you to stand and work and is much taller than a typical desk that you may have at home or your office. However, it doesn't allow you to adjust the height.
Fixed standing desks are made from sturdy material and can hold heavyweight, but you can only enjoy these benefits if you choose your fixed standing desk from a reliable supplier of ergonomically designed products such as Flexispot. On the flip side, the most significant drawback of this type of standing desk is that it is not adjustable. So you cannot change the desk's height and convert it into a conventional desk when you get tired after a prolonged period of standing.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of fixed standing desks.
Pros of Fixed Standing Desks
It is fixed, so you don't have to worry about adjusting the height,
The desk is constructed using sturdy material that also allows you to support your desktop computer or laptop,
Fixed standing desks offer features that a conventional desk offers, such as storage shelves and drawers so that you can use them just like your conventional office desk.
Cons of Fixed Standing Desks
The most obvious drawback of a fixed standing desk is that it is not adjustable, which means that you cannot adjust the desk's height into a sitting mode.
Fixed standing desks may serve as a workspace solution, but since they look and function like any other piece of furniture in your home, a fixed standing desk may be more expensive.
Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Again, as the name suggests, a height-adjustable standing desk allows you to rise up and bring down your entire workstation. So essentially, it is a standing desk that you can convert into a conventional sitting desk and pair it with an ergonomically designed chair for maximum comfort. With a height-adjustable standing desk, you can enjoy the health benefits of working while standing and can also relax after extended periods of standing.
Height Adjustable standing desks can be subdivided into two categories;
Manual height adjustable standing desk and
Motorized height adjustable standing desk.
Let’s look at each of these types of height adjustable standing desks.
Manual Height Adjustable Standing Desk
When you invest in a manual height adjustable standing desk, you can still adjust the height of your standing desk. However, there is a hand crank attached to the side of your desk that allows you to rise up and down your workstation. While manually adjusting your workstation's height may seem like a daunting task, but if you choose a manual height adjustable standing desk from a reliable brand that offers ergonomic workspace solutions like Flexispot, you can complete the task seamlessly.
Motorized Height Adjustable Standing Desk
A motorized height adjustable standing desk relies on motors to adjust the height of the desk. Most motorized height adjustable standing desks feature a control panel that allows you to save pre-set height adjustment options along with timers that remind you to change your position from sitting to standing and vice versa for improved comfort and productivity.
A motor is placed under the desk that seamlessly adjusts the height of your workstation while holding all the weight that your desk carries. However, there is a limit to the weight you can place on your desk, or it can damage the motor.
Single vs. Dual Motor Height Adjustable Standing Desks
When you are looking for a motorized height adjustable standing desk, know that this type of standing desk may feature a single or dual motor. A motorized height adjustable standing desk with a single motor features one motor that controls the height adjustment of both the legs of the desk and results in even and seamless changes in the height of your workstation. You can also find an alternative that features two motors attached to each leg of the desk. Both the motors work together to adjust the height of your workstation.
Here are some of the pros and cons of height-adjustable standing desks.
Pros of Height Adjustable Standing Desks
Height adjustable standing desks allow you to change the height of your workstation depending upon your preference and needs,
Most height adjustable standing desks are stronger and have a better lift capacity,
Most height adjustable standing desks offer customization options for different heights depending upon the needs of the user,
Unlike fixed standing desks that may look awkward in your conventional or home office due to their taller-than-usual height, height-adjustable desks may gel in well because their height can be adjusted, and they can appear like a normal desk.
Cons of Height Adjustable Standing Desks
Height adjustable standing desks are more expensive,
When you change the height of your desk, it rises up or brings down the entire workstation, which may not be convenient for all users.
Best Accessories to Add to Your Standing Desk
As you learn about different types of standing desks, it is also important to know about various accessories to add to your standing desk. By adding some or all of these accessories, you can make your work experience more comfortable and productive. Some of the add-ons to enhance your work experience include
Ergonomic Office Chair
An ergonomic office chair is a specialized chair that is designed to provide maximum support to your body while you are sitting. It helps relieve tension from your spine, which is a significant cause of discomfort and strain in your lower back, neck, and shoulders. An ergonomic office chair is a must-have essential for your standing desk. While you may not use it as you stand, it’s something that you will definitely need as you lower the height of your desk and convert it into a conventional desk.
Monitor Mounts
Another ergonomically designed accessory complementing your standing desk is a monitor mount. With a monitor mount, you can adjust the height, position, and angle of your screen, which will help reduce neck and eye strain. Moreover, with the use of a monitor mount, you can also free up a lot of space on your desk that can enhance your efficiency while you are working.
Desk Bike
One of the most interesting accessories to have along with your standing desk is a desk bike. Since most people do not find the time and energy to work out after a long, tedious day, a desk bike is one of the best ways to keep you active as you work.
When you use your standing desk for a prolonged time, you may feel tired, and your legs may hurt. That's when you can sit on your desk bike and get yourself moving. With a desk bike, you can burn more calories, maintain your fitness and enhance your overall well-being without `going to a park or gym for a workout session.
And if you are wondering about the best desk bike for yourself, Flexispot offers you Home office all-in-one desk bike that makes the best partner for your standing desk. Whether you have a fixed standing desk or a height-adjustable alternative, the Home office all-in-one desk bike makes the best mate for your standing desk. It features a pneumatic adjustment lever that allows you to adjust the height of your seat, which you will need with a height-adjustable standing desk. Moreover, it comes with an integrated display that gives you an insight into how many calories did you burn as you work out and a lot more.
Final Words
Choosing the right standing desk may not be an easy task, but you are better prepared to make a choice for yourself with an insight into different types of standing desks.
So what are you waiting for?
Get in touch with Flexispot to learn more about standing desks and other ergonomically- designed workspace solutions.
