Budget vs Premium Standing Desks: Is It Worth Upgrading?

15 Jul.,2024

 

Budget vs Premium Standing Desks: Is It Worth Upgrading?

Adjustable sit/stand desks are a great way to improve your mobility if you typically sit down all day. As pieces of furniture, though, they can can go from the incredibly cheap and cheerful to the near-ludicrously expensive, and everything in between.

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The Uplift V2 desk with Saman Butcher Block hardwood surface looks and feels gorgeous. It's also ... [+] incredibly heavy.

Jon Martindale

For the past few years, I've been using the most affordable full-size standing desk I could find when I bought it: A $300 frame from Flexispot, that I added to with a desk surface from a previous desk.

But when I got the chance to test something much fancier (and much more expensive) from Uplift, I was intrigued. How does the $1,200 Uplift V2 (that's at least $770 without a fancy solid wood surface) compare to my comparatively cheap standing desk solution? Is a desk that much more expensive, that much better? And is it worth upgrading from a cheap standing desk to an expensive one?

What Do You Get For Your Money?

My original standing desk was, by choice, one of the most affordable full standing desks I could find at the time. The Flexispot E2B is a steel, dual-motor desk frame, with a 220-pound load capacity, an adjustable height range of 28-47-inches, anti-collision detection, and a five year warranty for the frame (three years for the motor).

This is a Flexispot E2B standing desk frame, fitted with a vinyl-coated chipboard desk surface, and ... [+] a couple of stick-on, under-slung plastic drawers.

Jon Martindale

I had to source my own desk surface, but I could detach the legs from the previous cheap office desk I had pretty easily and it fit nicely, giving me a very functional standing desk which I subsequently used every day for four years. Total cost, $320.

The Uplift V2 included both the frame itself and the desk surface, making it more expensive off the bat. The frame has a 25.3-55.9 inch height range with a triple leg design, which Uplift claims makes the desk faster and gives it more height range than its contemporaries. It has an overall lifting capacity of 355lbs, dual motors, an anti-collision sensor, and a whopping 15-year warranty.

Amazon

UPLIFT Standing Desk V2

The standard desk comes with this frame, plus desk surface options of various laminate wood effects or a white board which you can draw on to your heart's content. It includes a basic up and down motor controller with no memory functions, three free accessories and free shipping. With a comparable-sized laminate surface measuring 60 x 30 inches, it starts at $769.

This desk, however, is fitted with a Saman Butcher Block hardwood desk surface, which tacks on a not-inconsiderable $450 to the price tag. As an example of a more premium standing desk, it's also fitted with the advanced paddle controller. Total cost, $1,280.

What's The Difference Between a Cheap And Expensive Standing Desk?

The important takeaway from any standing desk, is that the more you spend, the nicer the experience. The experience itself, though, is still the same. By that I mean that whether you're using a super expensive, gorgeously surfaced standing desk, or one of those desk converters that let you lift up your keyboard and monitor to a standing height, you can stand and work. You become more mobile and gain all of the benefits of working long hours from a more versatile position.

Flexispot

Flexispot EC3/EC4 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk Frame

The above standing desk frame is the closest option Flexispot sells today. It's better than my original E2B, with a three stage motor of its own, and greater range of possible heights.

In the same way, the core experience of both the $320 Flexispot frame and the $+ Uplift V2 desk is much the same. Both allow me to sit in my chair for work and play, and when I want to stand, I can lift them up to a standing height. They both remember my preferred heights (although the Uplift's fancy paddle controller only has two. The Flexispot frame remembers three). They both have timer alarms to remind you to stand again after short periods, and they both move up and down relatively quickly.

If you just want a standing desk and aren't concerned about all the little extras that make the experience of using it that bit nicer, a cheap standing desk that costs you as little as possible is almost as good. But it isn't as good.

The Uplift V2 is much more stable than my Flexispot frame. The incredibly heavy desk surface helps there, but the frame is much more sturdy too. The Flexispot frame with borrowed desk surface wobbles when you lean on it, and bounces around a bit as it lifts up and down. The Uplift is super smooth and only shifts by a fraction of an inch even if you lean most of your weight in the middle of the leading edge.

Each Uplift V2 comes with these clever accessory mounting points, that make it easy to add desk ... [+] extensions, desktop PC holders, and a range of other accessories which you can purchase later.

Jon Martindale

The motors are quieter too, with Uplift's "less than 50 decibels" rating underselling how quiet it is when raising and lowering. It's much faster, going between positions in just a few seconds, whereas the Flexispot desk, especially when not using its memory functions, moves pretty slowly.

The Uplift frame has a better finish with smoother edges; better paintwork; more metal, less plastic; color-coded screws; cutouts in the desk surface for cable management; generous free accessories; and a range off add-on options which make Uplift more than just a standing desk manufacturer.

The Saban butcher block hardwood is beautiful, with a fantastic finish.

Jon Martindale

The desk surface too, is absolutely gorgeous. The finish is super smooth, and the grain of the wood is beautiful to look at. There are a couple of blemishes, but they're rare and hard to see. It's easily one of the best looking pieces of furniture I've ever had in my home.

All of this makes the Uplift V2 the superior standing desk in every way possible. It's nicer to use, nicer to look at, more stable, able to support more weight, has a much longer warranty, and can act as a standout piece of furniture in your home or office.

As far as acting as a standing desk though, it doesn't do much that the vastly more affordable Flexispot frame does.

Are Expensive Standing Desks Worth it?

It's tempting to consider standing desks like other pieces of furniture in your home. There's a very good argument for spending more on a mattress or sofa, because the core experience is changed by that added investment. They're more comfortable to use and more supportive.

There is a serious, tangible difference that can make spending that bit more worthwhile. It's different with a standing desk, because the core experience of a relatively affordable standing desk and an expensive one is pretty close.

The Uplift V2 has heaps of cable tidy locations, and comes with some wire management solutions (not ... [+] the clear plastic options pictured) which help make the desk look neat and tidy underneath.

Jon Martindale

There is absolutely no denying that in this scenario, the Uplift V2 is the overall better standing desk. It's quieter, faster, has a greater height range, is more stable, has a better range of accessories, and comes with a bunch of free ones to sweeten the deal. The long 15-year warranty is a nice touch too.

And it looks absolutely amazing. But is it $900 better? No. Not for the kind of money I typically spend on myself and can afford.

The $770 standard desk, though? That's a much more compelling a price for me. The laminate options still look great, and the overall desk is almost identical. It's around double the price, but if you plan to use the desk for years, it may well be worth the added investment.

The advanced paddle keypad is a great example of what makes the Uplift V2 great, but more than you ... [+] actually need. It's super handy, and a really nice touch. But completely unnecessary.

Jon Martindale

I absolutely adore the hardwood surface on this desk, and wish I had more furniture like it. But with what I earn, with the kind of things I like to spend my money on, it's hard to justify that added cost.

So, are expensive standing desks worth it? Maybe, but not if all you need is function over form. If you're looking to just save your back, save your money too. If you're willing to pay to get a load of nice extras, though, there's no taking away from how simply lovely the Uplift V2 is to use&#;especially with a few little extras and that beautiful desk surface. Just know that the overall experience isn't drastically changed, no matter how much more you spend.

The company is the world’s best electric l shaped standing desk supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Why Does A Height-Adjustable Desks Cost More?

Most of us would like to make our offices or home offices dynamic and ergonomic. Especially if you&#;re fed up with constant back and neck pain, a height-adjustable desk could be a game-changer. So why do so many people still make do with inefficient alternatives? The answer is simple: price.

Compared to a regular desk or table, height-adjustable desks are admittedly expensive. It can be difficult for people to understand why adding an up/down function can cause such a jump in the bottom line. 

In this blog post, we&#;ll explain why sit-stand desks are priced as they are, as well as the differences between adjustable desks and other factors that affect pricing.

What Affects the Price of a Height-Adjustable Desk?

If you&#;re looking for a height-adjustable office desk, you&#;ll quickly realize that the market is extremely competitive. However, although there are plenty of suppliers, the price of sit-stand desks varies drastically between them. So what affects the price of your height-adjustable desk?

A group of important factors can make your adjustable desk different from the others you are considering, which ultimately has a big impact on its price. Let&#;s explore these in more detail.

Adjustment Type

Generally speaking, there are two types of height adjustable desks: manual and electric. Manual desks require adjustment by hand, usually with the help of a crank. In contrast, the height of electrically height-adjustable tables is set at the push of a button, using integrated electric motors to drive the motion. Logically, the additional technical components in an electrically height-adjustable desk command a higher price to manufacture, and thus to sell.

When a manual alternative exists, is electric height adjustment just an unnecessary luxury that can be fulfilled much cheaper elsewhere? Not exactly. While your crank handle will get you where you need to go, you shouldn't underestimate the strain you put on your body when manually adjusting a table. 

Your desk may be loaded with office equipment, books, coffee cups and the like; although it may look simple, changing the height of a table by hand requires a lot of strength and strains your neck and back.

Moreover, manually adjusting a desk takes time and effort. After a while, you might even stop adjusting your position to the recommended level during working hours. This means that the actual reason you bought a height-adjustable desk in the first place, namely to facilitate regular changes between sitting and standing at work, isn&#;t actually used.

Quality and Design

As with every product, the type of materials used in the production process affects production costs and thus the retail price of sit-stand desks. High-quality materials increase costs, but they correspond to a better table quality and durability. A more expensive height-adjustable desk usually stays functional for longer and works more subtly: a smooth driving dynamic can guarantee an almost noiseless height adjustment.

Production locations also play an important role in the pricing of sit/stand desks. With manufacturing costs in Asian countries significantly lower, many suppliers have relocated to save money. However, with less rigorous quality standards, it&#;s a gamble for consumers. In Europe, more attention is paid to product quality, but production is more expensive. Naturally, the end price is higher too, as it has to cover the manufacturing costs.

The design of your height-adjustable office desk also influences its price. Mass-produced, standardized tables are cheaper, but they often look it too. A combination of high-performance technology and high-quality workmanship costs more, but will normally result in a modern look that helps you integrate your sit-stand desk into any work or living space.

Extra Functions

Height-adjustable desks can be equipped with various additional functions: memory positions for height profiles, a key lock on the control element, an anti-collision system and more. These add-ons make using your sit-stand desk easier, safer and generally more pleasant.

The competition for adjustable office desks means that new features are always being developed. Integrated sockets and USB ports or wireless charging stations for smartphones are logical extensions, while left-field add-ons, like built-in cup warmers, are a little more gimmicky.

More functions means a higher price. Basic height-adjustable desks, equipped only with an up and down function, are thus cheaper. The more functions added, and the more unusual they are, the higher the selling price.

Additional Services

Some suppliers of sit-stand desks go further than simply selling their products: exceptional customer service adds value to their offer. 

When you buy a new desk, pay attention to the terms of delivery. When delivery costs are included in the retail price, this will be slightly higher, but it could mean greater value. Many providers advertise low prices for their sit-stand tables, but also charge high delivery fees, which you only notice halfway through the order. Likewise, check your supplier&#;s return policy to avoid any nasty surprises.The cost of selling a height-adjustable desk will be higher if the provider has a broad customer service offering. 

However, by paying slightly more, you could gain access to competent customer support that will support you if any problems or questions with your product arise.

How Do We Price Yaasa Desks?

Although there are many desks on the market, these often fall into two price categories: overpriced luxury goods, or entry-level products that don&#;t meet the design and quality requirements of professionals.

Yaasa is different. Our height-adjustable desks come at the "sweet spot" of price and quality. We offer the same high quality as top-class tables, but at a fair price that is only slightly higher than that of entry-level models. Despite this, it can be tough to see exactly what goes into Yaasa desks, which some claim are too expensive compared to other manufacturers. To clarify, let&#;s look in detail at the factors that influence our prices.

Independent Development and Production

Height-adjustable desks from Yaasa are not &#;reseller&#; products: We develop and produce each one ourselves. From concept, to design, to production, development is down to us and our product designers. We focus on your comfort and pay attention to every detail.

Our height-adjustable desks are designed according to a principle of co-creation. Yaasa sit-stand desks are developed in consultation with our customers and the entire team. With this diverse input, we can include customer wishes and needs in product development.

That's not all: we plan, design, correct and test until we are completely satisfied with the result. As such, our height-adjustable desks meet our own standards and customer requirements.

Finally, Yaasa Desks are not produced in the Far East, but here in Europe. This helps us to control every step of production and monitor quality. With our production partners, we attach great importance to material quality in manufacturing, so that each desk meets our standards.

Unique Concept and Technology

Yaasa height-adjustable desks feature high-performance technology that allows the desk to be used trouble-free for years to come. The integrated mechatronic technology is market-leading, guaranteeing optimal performance and driving dynamics.

The electric motors in Yaasa Desks work almost silently when the table is moved up and down. Furthermore, Yaasa sit-stand desks are stable at all height settings, to a weight of up to 80 kg.

All Yaasa Desks are quick and easy to install in your office or home. Most of your height-adjustable desk arrives pre-assembled, which is why it can be set up quickly and without mechanical knowledge. Likewise, using your Yaasa sit-stand desk is an intuitive, uncomplicated experience. You can adjust at any time, ensuring maximum flexibility in your everyday work.

Clean, Modern Design

At Yaasa, our focus is on functionality, adaptability and design. Yaasa desks not only fulfill their actual purpose, the change between sitting and standing, but offer an extraordinary user experience accompanied by unique design.

Height-adjustable desks from Yaasa aren&#;t off-the-shelf items of furniture, but real designer products. With a modern, minimalist look, your table can be integrated into any workspace. Choose from different sizes and colors to design your workplace according to your taste.

The special construction of our tables means that the electronics are mounted almost invisibly under the table top. This results in a modern office table that creates a pleasant, visually appealing work environment: an eye-catcher in any office or living room.

Smart Features

The professional Desk Pro 2 boasts an innovative feature set that makes work easier and safer. The integrated collision detection system detects obstacles in the movement area of &#;&#;the table, immediately stopping the motors and preventing damage to your desk and its surroundings.

The memory function allows you to save preferred height profiles. This means that you don't have to keep adjusting the height of the desk, but simply move it to a previously determined height position at the push of a button.

However, if you&#;ve got an eye on price and want to concentrate on the essentials, then the Yaasa Desk Basic is the right choice for you. It&#;s a desk with a simple up and down function: Yaasa quality at a lower price.

First-Class Service

At Yaasa, your comfort is important. That's why we make sure that the entire process, from ordering to assembly and use, is as pleasant as possible. You can order height-adjustable desks from Yaasa online, with free shipping and delivery in just a few working days. We&#;ll cover the costs in the event of a return shipment.

Yaasa also offers business customers the opportunity to test a sit-stand desk for 30 days free of charge. Let your employees try their Yaasa Desk and determine whether it meets expectations themselves. We&#;ll also provide consultation and expert advice to create individual offers and the ideal solution for your office.

Let&#;s not forget our top-notch customer service! You can contact us any time: we are always available to answer any questions, requests, suggestions or problems you may have. We won&#;t let you down.

Height-Adjustable Desks: A Long-Term Investment

Excessive sitting is damaging to your health and work performance. When you sit in the office for hours on end, you&#;ll quickly feel tension, pain, tiredness and discomfort. Ergonomics is vital to a healthy, productive workplace, and a height-adjustable desk simply a must-have.

Changing regularly between sitting and standing gets your circulation going, stimulates metabolism, promotes blood circulation and ensures that cells are better supplied with oxygen. The result? You stay alert at work, feeling fresher and more rested. Less fatigue also means more focus, productivity and creativity.

When you consider that you spend around 40 hours a week at work, you realize how important it is to make your time in the office as healthy and comfortable as possible. A sit-stand desk not only protects your health, but also makes a significant contribution to your efficiency. In short, it&#;s priceless. A height-adjustable desk is a long-term investment in your health and well-being.

Long Story Short

Height-adjustable desks come in many different designs, with different functions and additional services. These and other factors have a significant impact on their price.

Ultimately, the sit-stand desk you choose depends on your personal needs and preferences. Manual or electric, more or fewer functions, basic or comprehensive support. Generally, a slightly more expensive desk can provide more features and included services.

Your height-adjustable desk is an investment in your health, well-being and productivity. As you will likely work several hours at your desk each day, for several years, try not to make false economies on ergonomic office equipment.


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