What Qualities to Look for in a Standing Desk

As more working professionals seek to enhance their work environment and boost productivity, choosing the right standing desk is crucial. With that in mind, there are a number of qualities to look for in a standing desk, such as durability, height range and a generous warranty. 

But before we get into these qualities in more detail, why is it so important to choose a quality standing desk? 

Why Is It Important to Purchase a Quality Standing Desk?

We’ve all heard the expression “buy cheap, buy twice”. Unfortunately, cheaply built budget adjustable standing desks aren't the bargain you might hope for, whether it barely functions from the start or breaks entirely without a warranty. When it comes to standing desks, quality, reliability, and functionality are absolutely vital.

Here are 3 reasons why spending that little bit extra on a desk from a manufacturer you can trust is so vital when choosing your standing desk:

1. Convenience & Functionality

In terms of enjoying all the benefits they provide, perhaps the one key feature of an adjustable standing desk is convenience. The more hassle entailed switching from one position to another, the less likely you are to do it.

After all, one method we recommend for switching between sitting and standing is to change every thirty minutes or so. With cheaper desks, and especially cheap manual desks, it can take minutes to get from one position to the other (not all manual adjustable standing desks are bad though, check out our range). This isn’t feasible, especially over the course of a working day.

At Ergo, all of our electric adjustable standing desks come with an electric motor. With the touch of a button, our desks will raise or lower to your desired height. The action is so smooth that you’ll be done in seconds and ready to get straight back to work.

When shopping for an adjustable standing desk, don’t go cheap and end up with something you hate using – it isn’t worth it!

2. Exceptional Build Quality, Backed by Warranty

Even the cheapest products available online are marketed as high quality, precisely engineered goods. However, the cheaper you go, the less likely that is.

Maybe the joints are a ticking time bomb. Perhaps while building it, you realise things don’t quite match up to where they should be. Maybe the motor stutters within a week and fails entirely within the month. Suddenly, what looked like a savings became a total waste.

At Ergo Desks, all of our desks are of the highest possible quality and backed by warranty. Our adjustable standing desks use quite cutting-edge technology to ensure the smoothest possible action, we provide a 7-year warranty for every single desk we provide.

While if you scour the internet you might find a cheaper option out there, you won’t find one that you can rely on, at minimum, for the best part of a decade.

3. Beware: Looks Can Be Deceiving 

With modern mass-produced furniture, it’s easy to be deceived by something that looks great online but fails to live up to expected standards in reality. Perhaps that wood effect isn’t so realistic, maybe the welding stands out like a sore thumb, or perhaps the metal is scraped and tarnished.

In fact, many sellers online never actually show you the product. It is common practice to show realistic-looking 3D renders or even an entirely different product than the item they are selling is roughly based on.

At Ergo, we only use the highest quality materials not just for sturdiness and reliability but also to ensure striking and attractive aesthetics. Despite offering countless varieties of worktops, desk sizes, and metal frames, each of them is accurately presented on our website and will look great in your home or commercial office.

What Qualities to Look for in a Standing Desk: Our Top 5

When choosing a standing desk, there are several key factors that can significantly impact your comfort, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

Here are 5 top qualities to look for in a standing desk:

1. Durability & Stability

First and foremost, you want a desk that is durable and stable, and the construction and materials used will play a crucial role in its durability, stability, and overall performance.

When it comes to stability, you also want to opt for a standing desk that can support the necessary weight, especially if you have multiple monitors or other heavy equipment.

Steel frames are known for being robust and stable, making them a great choice for heavy-duty and long-term use. A lighter but strong and stable alternative to steel are aluminium frames.

In addition to the frame itself, you should consider the material of the desktop. Solid wood, laminate and melamine faced chipboard (MFC) are typically the most popular choices.

2. Height Range

You also want to choose a desk that can be adjusted to both sitting and standing heights suitable for your stature, which typically falls between 22 to 50 inches. If you’re taller or shorter than average, it’s important to make sure the desk you choose adjusts to a height that is comfortable for you.

Also be mindful that, if multiple people are sharing the sit-stand desk, then it’s probably best to find a desk with a large height range, so that you can accommodate for all heights and requirements.

Look for desks that can be easily adjusted with either manual cranks, pneumatic levers, or electric motors. Generally speaking, electric options tend to be the most convenient. Learn more about electric vs manual standing desks.

3. Warranty & Customer Service

It’s also important to opt for a standing desk that offers a generous warranty period and reliable customer service.

This is because a warranty provides assurance of the desk’s quality and durability, i.e. the manufacturer stands behind their product. Without this warranty, how can you be sure that you’re investing in a high-quality standing desk?

In the event of manufacturing defects or malfunctions, a warranty also ensures that you can have the desk repaired or replaced at no additional cost to you.

At Ergo Desks, we’re proud to say that we offer a full 7-year warranty covering manufacturing and material defects for all desktops and desk frames.

You also want to purchase from a company that is guaranteed to offer responsive and helpful customer service, in the event that you encounter any issues or have questions about your standing desk.

Fortunately for you, we're always on hand to help with any queries or support issues you have. Simply get in touch with our experts through our online chat or our contact form.  Alternatively, you can call us on or email on admin@ergodesks.co.uk for trusted advice on all standing desks.

4. Aesthetics

While, granted, the most important quality of a standing desk is comfort and stability, for many, it's also important to think about its aesthetic appeal and style, too.

The design of your standing desk should complement the overall aesthetic of your workspace, whether it be a commercial or home office. With that in mind, choose a desk finish and colour that goes with your existing colour palette and furniture.

In addition, consider the material and finish of any additional features, such as your port hole covers.

5. Design & Surface Area

Last but not least, look for a desk size that accommodates your needs.

For example, can the desk fit all of your work essentials, such as two monitors, a keyboard, a monitor stand, and notes, without being too cluttered?

Popular standing desk shapes include rectangular and L-shaped desks, depending on your space and workflow requirements. 

It’s also a good idea to look for desks with cable management systems, built-in power strips, or additional storage options to keep your workspace organised and clear. Like they always say ‘a clear workspace = a clear mind’. 

There we have it! We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of a high-quality standing desk, and what to look out for when choosing the perfect one for you.

Looking for a standing desk for your home, office or workspace? Check out our full collection of standing desks, available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm. Our desks come with a 7 year warranty, 30 day risk free return, as well as access to a UK-based customer service team to answer any questions that you might have.

Need additional help choosing a standing desk? Get in contact with our expert team with any queries.