Standing Tall: Does Your Desk Need to be Plugged In?

09 Sep.,2024

 

Standing Tall: Does Your Desk Need to be Plugged In?

The standing desk revolution has swept across offices, promising a healthier and more productive way to work. But with this ergonomic marvel comes a question that sparks curiosity (and maybe a little frustration): Do standing desks need to be plugged in?
The answer, like many things in life, depends. Let's delve into the world of electric and manual standing desks to understand their power needs and explore the pros and cons of each.

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The Electric Eel: Desks That Need a Charge

The most popular type of standing desk is the electric variety. These desks boast a smooth, motorized lifting mechanism that allows you to effortlessly adjust your working height with the push of a button. But this convenience comes at a cost &#; a power cord.

  • Why They Need Power: Electric standing desks rely on a motor to raise and lower the platform. This motor requires an electrical current to function, hence the need for a plug.
  • Power Usage: The good news is that these motors are quite energy-efficient. In standby mode, they consume minimal power (think watts, not kilowatts). It's only during height adjustments that they draw a significant amount of energy.
  • Benefits of Plugged-In: The biggest perk, of course, is the ability to adjust your desk height whenever you please. Studies recommend switching between sitting and standing throughout the workday, and a plugged-in electric desk makes this a seamless transition. Additionally, some models offer memory presets, allowing you to save your preferred sitting and standing heights for one-touch adjustments.

The Unplugged Warrior: Manual Standing Desks

For those who prefer a more traditional approach or have a tighter budget, manual standing desks offer a non-electric alternative.

  • Operation: These desks rely on a crank mechanism or a spring-lift system to adjust the height. You'll need some muscle power to raise and lower the platform, but the simplicity of the design eliminates the need for a power cord.
  • Benefits of Manual Desks: Affordability is a key advantage. Manual desks are generally less expensive than their electric counterparts. Plus, they're a great way to incorporate some extra arm exercise into your workday. They're also perfect for those who don't plan on frequently adjusting the height.

But Wait, There's More! Considerations Beyond the Plug

While the plug-in question is important, it's not the only factor to consider when choosing a standing desk. Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

  • Height Adjustment Range: Make sure the desk adjusts to a height that comfortably accommodates both sitting and standing postures.
  • Weight Capacity: Consider the weight of your monitor, computer, and any other equipment you'll be placing on the desk. Choose a desk with a weight capacity that exceeds your needs.
  • Stability: A sturdy desk is essential for safety and a comfortable working experience. Look for desks with a wide base and high-quality materials.
  • Aesthetics: Don't forget about style! Choose a desk that complements your workspace and overall office design.

The Verdict: Plug or No Plug?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to get a plugged-in electric desk or an unplugged manual desk depends on your individual needs and preferences.

  • For frequent height adjusters and those who prioritize convenience, an electric desk is the way to go. The ease of adjusting positions throughout the day makes it a worthwhile investment for your health and productivity.
  • For budget-conscious minimalists who don't plan on making frequent adjustments, a manual desk can be a perfectly suitable option.

Bonus Tip: If you're still on the fence, consider a hybrid model. Some electric desks offer a battery-powered option, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of electric adjustment without being tethered to a wall outlet.
Standing desks, whether plugged in or not, can be a valuable addition to any workspace. By considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the desk that will help you stand tall and work healthy!

Standing Desks 101 - Everything You Need to Know

Everything to Know About Standing Desks

This is a guide and an introduction to standing desks. Why have they grown in popularity, what are the benefits of an adjustable desk, what stand up desk options are out there, and what do you need to know before buying and using a sit and stand desk??

Why do people use standing desks?

Once an office novelty, standing desks are taking over our workplaces and home offices. For some people, an adjustable desk is the best way to add movement to a long work day. For others, they reduce discomfort of sitting all day, or allow flexibility to perform different types of work. Particularly for people who suffer from lower back or neck pain, having the ability to adjust positions can help alleviate the discomfort.

That said, there are plenty of people who do not want to stand at work, or certainly not all the time. Standing all the time can result in stress injuries or vascular issues. The sweet spot is generally somewhere in the middle &#; standing occasionally, with opportunities to sit and vary posture as well.

What types of standing desks are there?

Standing desks have likely been around almost as long as any other kind, with famous historical thinkers like Thomas Jefferson known to prefer them. Currently there are a few main stand up desk options.

Fixed height standing desks

Fixed standing desks don&#;t move, so people who want to do all of their desk work while standing often choose this style. Fixed height desks are generally wallet friendly, and can be attractive in their minimalist design. If you don&#;t use your desk that often during the day because you&#;re moving around a lot, you may always want it in the standing position. However, fixed height desks lack one of the key advantages of height adjustable desk &#; to the flexibility to change postures at will.

Sit to stand desks

Are you interested in learning more about electric standing desk with power outlet? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Straddling the category of traditional sitting desk and fixed standing desk, we have the sit-stand variety. In order to look at sit stand desk pros and cons, we have to keep in mind that sit-stand desks come in a few different styles, each with its own strengths.

  • Electric standing desks

    provide controlled, powered assistance to raise and lower the work surface. An electric adjustable desk can have high lifting capacity, if you have a place to plug it in and actually need to lift 200+ lbs of computers and accessories.

  • Manually adjustable standing desks

    come at a lower price point than other types. Their adjustment mechanism may negate some standing desk ergonomics benefits and usage if the manual cranking mechanism is cumbersome and slow.

  • Pneumatic standing desks

    raise and lower the work surface smoothly with cylinders powered by air. Pneumatic desk adjustment tends to be smooth, quiet, and speedy.

  • Hydraulic standing desks

    use fluid to achieve mechanical power. A hydraulic standing desk generally requires electricity and has the potential to leak oil, but this type can lift some of the heaviest loads.

  • Sit to stand desk converters

    can be attached to a traditional desk to allow it to function as a stand up computer desk as well. For people who already have a traditional desk and don&#;t want to swap it out, the standing desk converter is a way to adapt to a sit-and-stand work day. Some converters can be a more portable standing desk. However, it can be harder to make these adapters ideal in terms of appearance and useful space. And for shorter users, converters severely limit the ability to achieve an ideal ergonomic position.

For people who are on the fence about adopting a standing desk vs sitting, one of these sit and stand desk models can provide a middle ground.

Desks for exercise equipment

Although standing itself is no substitute for actual exercise, a sit stand workstation can be used with other accessories to burn more calories or ramp up fitness while working. Some types of fitness equipment that can boost your fitness include balance boards that you use while standing to increase core muscle strength, or balance balls to do the same while sitting.

  • Desks for use with treadmills

    : Treadmill desks are available as an all-in-one option, or as a regular height adjustable desk paired with an office treadmill. Either option can help burn calories, but integrated options often include ergonomic features that make it easier to work while walking, like adjustable keyboard trays to assist with stability.

  • Desks for use with exercise bikes

    : Some standing desks are designed especially for use with exercise bikes, with features like a crossbar for balance. These can be used with a bike-and-chair combination. There are also fully integrated bike desks that combine bike, chair, and desk. 

What materials are standing desks made from?

Materials define the overall style of the standing desk as well as its durability. The materials of construction have a lot to do with whether the desk will last a year or hold up to daily use for decades to come.

Standing desk leg materials range from steel to wood to polymer plastic. Work surfaces can be made from solid hardwoods like walnut, soft sustainable woods like bamboo, plastics, or laminated substrates. For production workshops or for a completely industrial look, some manufacturers offer a stainless steel standing desk. In most cases, the strength of stainless steel is reserved for the desk legs, which may be powder coated to achieve different colors and textures, but specialized desks that are constructed entirely of metal are used in production workshops.

Due to offshoring in the furniture industry in recent decades, standing desks made in the USA are harder to find than those made elsewhere. Some American made standing desks source materials from different countries of origin for an even higher quality end product.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of electric standing desk with shelf. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.