The Complete Guide to Selecting (or Creating) the Perfect Standing Table
Standing tables are popular, but choosing a good one is not an easy task. You can replace the entire power table or make a simple DIY solution. You can even buy an adjustable head to fit on top of your existing table. Let’s talk about what you might need at a standing desk, what you can get for your budget, and how to choose what works best for your needs.
A recent series of studies, involving nearly half a million people in over 10 countries, is mostly clear about one thing: inaction is worse for you than many other health factors, including obesity . This shouldn’t come as a big surprise. For a while, we knew that sitting all day was terrible . We’ve looked at the best standing desks as alternatives, and while they can help, they’re definitely not a panacea . In short, regular physical activity is indeed the key to a healthier lifestyle .
Therefore, before plunging into the world of standing tables, keep this in mind. When we say “the perfect standing table for you,” we’re talking about tables that give you the freedom to stand when you like and sit when you want comfortably in both cases.
Before you start: think about your needs and take measurements
You may already have an idea of what you need in a standing desk, but before spending your money or going to the hardware store, there are a few accessories you will need regardless of the desk you get and a little prep work. now will make it convenient and productive for you to customize your desktop.
Take your measurements first. Some standing tables are quite large, while others just add a little volume to the table you already have. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each option later, but right now, grab a tape measure and measure how large you want your table top to be, and how large the floor you can fit into your space. By doing this now, you will make sure you buy what works for you, but it will also help you if you decide to do it yourself or buy a replacement for an entire table with variable surface dimensions.
Next, measure yourself. Specifically, measure your height and where you want to hold the keyboard in front of you. Some people have enough room for a keyboard (it’s basically just a shelf), but if you need space between your eyes and the screen, you have to take that into account. Likewise, you will want to measure how high your rig needs to be . Measure once for your monitors and then again for your desk surface so you can account for the difference in height between your displays and where your hands will be. Once you have all of these measurements, you will roughly get an idea of how high your desk should be and how high your displays should be mounted compared to where your keyboard will be.
You will now need accessories to operate the adjustable table. A fatigue mat is a must-have for any desk, even if you plan on sitting down occasionally – and you should. When Lifehacker Founding Editor Gina Trapani looked back at a year at the permanent desk , she explained that sometimes you just need – and really need to – sit down. When you are standing, however, a soft underfoot mat is critical to both your comfort and your posture. You can find one on Amazon for under $ 20, or you can buy one of these kitchen-quality super-soft rugs for $ 84 . Even The Wirecutter has a suggestion . There is something for every budget and every space.
Finally, many people overlook cables and cable management when buying or building a standing desk. If you plan on standing and sitting, make sure you have enough long cables to reach everything when your desk is in a standing position, but not annoying when you are sitting. Long or retractable cables keep your workspace organized without compromising on adjustability. Likewise, whether you buy or do it yourself, make sure your desk has a built-in cable management system , whether you add some PVC to your desk , take the $ 10 IKEA cable basket, or buy a desk with channels in it, you. In the end, you will be more happy if you think about it now, and not when you try to set it all up.
Decide if you want to buy or do it yourself
Your next big decision is whether you buy a standing table or build one yourself. The answer to this question depends a lot on the amount of time and effort you are willing to put into your workspace, obviously, but also on whether you have the access and skills required to put together something good that You’ll like it. The budget is obviously important too. DIY options can be very cheap (a few books to lift your keyboards and monitors, or the infamous Marco Arment canned coke table ), but they can also be extremely expensive and non-standard (your own motors, tons of plywood, etc.) )
However, buying a permanent table comes with its own problems. Tabletop attachments can be accessible and adjustable, but at the expense of space and freedom of movement. Whole table replacements, like motorized standing tables, offer the most workspace and dispersal freedom, but they are also the most expensive.
Either way, don’t forget about time and budget when heading to the store at the permanent tables. If you’re just getting started with this idea, a DIY approach may be best for you to experience the water and decide if you really want to stand while you work. Then you can move on to more specific and often expensive table designs.
Option one: choose a table top attachment for affordable and adjustable comfort
If you need a permanent desk on a tight budget and already have a desk that doesn’t have to be thrown away with the trash, the desktop app is the logical choice. You can use your existing workspace, but give up some of the desk surface to a mount that will lift your monitors – and ideally your keyboard. On the other hand, these table top attachments are usually among the most customizable (after the DIY option, of course) and most adjustable. Several options to consider:
- VariDesk manufactures a variety of seating and standing combo desks that can only lift your monitors, monitors and keyboards, or both. Many of their models, such as the ProPlus ($ 350) and ProPlus 48 ($ 400) , are relatively affordable, but also offer a ton of workspace beyond a keyboard and mouse. They even have options to set up one or two displays.
- The Kangaroo Pro Junior is around $ 400 and has earned praise from The Wirecutter for those on a budget looking for a sitting / standing table top attachment. The Kangaroo Pro Junior supports one monitor and can be raised and lowered depending on whether you want to stand or sit. The keyboard stand adjusts separately from the monitor mount, and you can get detachable side work surfaces if you need more room.
- The Workez Adjustable Sit / Standing Desk only costs $ 120 on Amazon, folds up nicely to stow away when you don’t want to use it, and supports one display (or laptop) and keyboard. If you’re just dipping into the water of a table and want something that isn’t too expensive, this is a great option. It also doesn’t take up a lot of desk space, so you can use the space underneath to store your belongings when you’re standing. However, converting it back to a seated position when you want to sit down can be a challenge.
- ReadyDesk is a $ 170 adjustable desktop that supports two displays (assuming they’re not too heavy) and has a pair of adjustable shelves for your displays, keyboard, and mouse. The shelves are wide enough to accommodate long keyboards and you have plenty of room to work. The trick here is that because of its affordability, you get a large wooden shelf. It’s durable, though, and also shrinks into a neat stack of wood planks, so if you really need to move it, you can, but you won’t switch too much from standing to sitting with this setting.
- The Ergotron WorkFit series of tabletop attachments are available in a variety of price points and configurations. Whether you have one or two monitors, a laptop and a monitor, want to raise the monitor but not the keyboard, both, or any combination of them, there is a WorkFit model that you can attach to your current desk. The WorkFit line is almost all permanent attachments, but some are adjustable enough to be used while sitting or standing. Expect to spend anywhere from $ 300 to $ 600 or more, depending on the features or add-ons you need.
- These are just a few of the options. If you’re looking for more, Apartment Therapy has a great guide to the options available here , which includes some of the above (and a few that are even cheaper, albeit flimsy). They also have several options for laptop workers who just need one, small, adjustable surface. If that sounds like you, we’re big fans of The Roost , a $ 75 stand designed specifically for the Macbook or Macbook Pro.
- However, the big drawback of table attachments is that screwing them to the table is usually a permanent (or at least semi-permanent) affair. If you plan on standing, these devices will definitely do it, but they don’t necessarily make sitting comfortable. Some explain this, like some Ergotron models, but by and large they are one-way devices. If you want the flexibility to stand sometimes and sit at other times, you’ll need a workspace large enough (and cables long enough) to move the monitors back down when you want to sit, and then rise again when you’re ready to get up. …
Option two: consider replacing the entire table for a comfortable and full sitting / standing
If an entire table replacement is more appropriate for you, you should probably set aside some money. The best options in this category can be quite expensive, and many are custom made. This means you have full control over the size of your desk surface, color, additional features like board surfaces or cable routing, built-in power, and more, which is pretty nice. Here are some options to consider:
- The Uplift Desk is a series of fully adjustable standing desks with wide surfaces, motorized raise / lower mechanisms and frames that can support up to 300 pounds of equipment. This means you can set it up like any regular table and, with one touch, raise it to the desired (and preprogrammed) height or lower it to a sitting position. The best thing about the Uplift series is that you have complete control over your build – from finish and surface size to accessories like monitor arms and keyboard stands. Price increases range from $ 600 to $ 800 or more, depending on the options you choose.
- UpDesk is another fully motorized work table that can be raised or lowered with one touch. The UpDesk is engineered to be durable without taking up a ton of floor space, with cable routing on the underside and a minimal simple exterior that hides a motor that can raise or lower over 300 pounds. UpDesks come in a variety of sizes, from a PowerUp table for roughly $ 1000 to a SquaredUp corner table for $ 1300/1700 , which is the largest we’ve ever seen. All are expensive, but easy to install, require little maintenance, come with a 5-year warranty, and come in a variety of finishes. If you want to crank the table up or down yourself, you can check out the $ 600-800 CrankUp line , which offers tons of surface area and all the other perks, just no motor.
- NextDesk Terra is Wirecutter’s favorite desktop . Even though it’s a whopping $ 1,500 ($ 1,600 when adding power and cabling), your money gives you a high-quality desk surface in multiple finishes, one-touch height adjustments, a 3-year warranty, and a beautiful compact aluminum frame. which has a built-in cable organizer. It also supports equipment weighing up to 630 pounds. It can also be programmed for different users and different heights.
- The Stand Desk is another full desk replacement that’s easy to set up (takes less than an hour to assemble), it comes with multiple motorized raise / lower controls, multiple finishes, and optional cable management trays. This is a simple, minimalist desk designed to be affordable and efficient (supports up to 225 pounds). The Stand Desk is a more cost-effective replacement for the entire table, with a frame and table top, priced between $ 500 and $ 600, and accessories such as a cable management system. , extension cords and much more – for $ 50-60 each.
Again, these are just a few options, and there is another permanent table on Kickstarter or IndieGoGo roughly every week, so if you don’t see anything you like, keep looking or wait a bit. Basically, you are buying a device, which is important to keep in mind. If the engine breaks down, you will need warranty support or someone will call to buy a new one. You also get a lot of customization options and the ability to build the perfect table for you. Even so, this luxury is worth the money. If you spend more than 8 hours a day at the table, it will be worth it .
Option three: make the table specially designed for you
When we looked at the top 5 best standing tables , many of you preferred the DIY option. You explained that it’s easier to grab a stack of books and lift your keyboard and monitor than to spend hundreds on something new. These may not be the most adjustable options, but they are quick and ideal if you are only dealing with standing tables. In this regard, we completely agree and recommend this approach – even to people who already know they need a full-fledged table or table mount.
The DIY approach is great because it can range from super cheap (and a little cheesy) to really well done. Many of our favorite do-it-yourself standing tables start with a couple of dollars at IKEA. Here are some options to consider:
- This $ 25 desk shelf is essentially a side table with short legs and keyboard stand attached. It all fits perfectly on the table, so measurements are important to keep everything at the correct height.
- This retractable wall-mounted desktop looks sharp, hides cables and slides out for you to sit or stand. However, you will have to use a laptop or small computer with it.
- This $ 10 build is just a table top and a few support legs, in fact it’s just a tall table that can be used to store things when not in use, or tucked away in a corner and unfold when it’s time to work.
- This table conversion raises your current table instead of raising the monitor and keyboard. Basically, it adds a couple of jacks under your table that you can adjust yourself by raising and lowering the entire table. It’s about $ 40 and takes some work to set up, but it kind of approaches the problem from a different angle.
- This adjustable monitor mount and shelf didn’t take too long to assemble and uses a retractable arm, so you can stand or sit whenever you want – you’ll just need an extra keyboard shelf when you want to stand up.
If you want to get more hands-on skills, spend a little more money and build something really special, you have tons of options too. We’ve got a guide full of $ 200 full-size standing tables worth checking out, along with part lists to give you some inspiration. Here are a few more specific assemblies to consider:
- This multi-level, adjustable sitting / standing, wonder package includes cabling, extension cords and other features you can only get from an expensive model just made at home and adapted to the space.
- This motorized convertible stand-up table requires some know-how to build, but it’s still more than you’d get with more expensive off-the-shelf options and has tons of storage space.
- This beautiful, wide standing table is adjustable for both sitting and standing and looks good in any position.
- This electric standing table is larger but incredibly durable. You need some know-how to make this happen, but if you have it, it will be worth it.
- This mobile table is actually a workbench on wheels , but it is durable, has storage space and can be easily moved. Add some extension cords and your workstation is pretty self-contained.
In general, a do-it-yourself approach doesn’t have to be an overturned container with a keyboard and multiple monitors on top of it, or unfinished plywood shelves you put together during the day. If that’s enough for you, go for it, but it doesn’t have to be if you’re willing to take the time, or at least take a trip to IKEA.
If you try to make a do-it-yourself stand-up table and enjoy your experience, you can get the privilege of sitting and standing sometimes at other times without opting for an expensive setup. My desk, for example, is an old workstation that can be raised or lowered manually, and I bought it at an affordable price from a surplus store on my alma mater’s campus – a tip I mentioned earlier . Some people swear they use a simple drafting table, which is generally height-adjustable (and adjustable in angle, although they can be locked in place), as an ideal and affordable sitting / standing workspace.
Of course, these seating / standing table attachments and motorized tables will find their place too – especially if you have the money for them, value the minimalism they offer, or want something that really adjusts with little effort. Dig in and you will find a great option for yourself, whether you have never had a permanent desk before or are looking for something truly unique that adapts to your work style, rather than the other way around.