7 Questions To Ask Before Buying A Standing Desk

Jonny James
6 min readFeb 9, 2023

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Most of us spend the majority of our days sitting at a desk. Unfortunately, too much sitting can lead to poor posture resulting in back pain, the strain on the neck and shoulders, and other physical ailments. Fortunately, many people are now discovering the benefits of standing desks as an effective strategy for reducing long-term health risks associated with extended periods of sedentary behavior. But before buying your standing desk — which undoubtedly will bring significant benefits to both productivity and well-being — there are several questions that you should ask to make sure you get exactly what you need. Whether your objectives include workplace ergonomics or focus on maintaining physical flexibility over time, these seven questions will help guide your purchase decision to maximize comfort and convenience from using a new standing desk.

What Are Your Needs And Goals For A Standing Desk?

When Canada transitioned to working from home in the midst of the pandemic, many people were looking for efficient solutions to accommodate their work life. A standing desk can be an ideal solution for those who want to adjust their posture throughout the day, increase energy levels and make sure that there is no compromise on productivity. My needs and goals for a standing desk include adjustable height so I can sit or stand perfectly based on the task. Moreover, I would like my desk to have enough space for a laptop and other essential items out of sight, enabling me to focus on the tasks that need my attention. Lastly, I expect my desk to be strong and durable, helping it last longer through various shifts in posture during the day.

What Accessories Can You Add To Your Standing Desk To Further Increase Your Productivity?

To really maximize your productivity when using a standing desk, you should consider adding balance boards, anti-fatigue mats and wobble chairs as accessories. Balance boards are great for improving balance, proprioception and core strength while standing. An anti-fatigue mat is essential to keep your feet and joints comfortable while standing for long periods of time — it helps absorb shock if you are shuffling around your desk space too. Finally, a wobble chair can allow you to remain active throughout the day while seated by providing rotation and motion of the lower body. These accessories can be beneficial in balancing static postures that come with constant standing or working at a desk.

How Often Will You Be Using The Standing Desk — Occasionally, Daily, Or Multiple Times Throughout The Day?

Using a standing desk can provide many health benefits, and so how often one should utilize it is an important question to address. Depending on their personal goals, people may choose to use their standing desk occasionally, daily, or multiple times throughout the day. For those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle, standing desks with memory controls will be useful for different times throughout the day. However, those who wish to simply improve posture might opt for a crank standing desk since they only lower and raise it once or twice a day, while they work. Ultimately, the amount of standing one does with their standing desk depends on the individual — being mindful of one’s health goals and comfort levels are key factors in deciding how best to utilize this useful tool.

How Much Space Do You Have To Work In Your Office Or Home?

When it comes to deciding how much space you need for a standing desk, you need to consider the vertical dimension that is not a concern with standard desks. The key is to have enough room for you to stand, move around, stretch and change positions throughout the day. Ideally, your workspace should accommodate at least one foot of free space in front of the desk while standing and three feet of open space behind it (and even more space if you are getting a standing desk treadmill). When the desk is raised to its highest level, be sure that there is at least six inches between the underside of the surface and any wall or furniture. Make sure there are no low hanging lights that will obstruct your standing. Taking these factors into consideration will ensure that you have optimal freedom of movement when using your standing desk and that no part of your workspace feels cramped or crowded.

What Is Your Budget For A Standing Desk Purchase?

Buying a standing desk is a great investment in your health, productivity, and overall well-being. When considering purchase options, it’s important to take budget into account. Standing desk models are available at different price points, so find an amount that fits your financial reality while still providing the features you need.If you want to have the standing desk experience without breaking bank you should try an Electric Starter Desk with Easy Up-Down Controls, if you’re looking for a standing desk with a powerful lift system you may also try Programmable Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk but if you want to invest on a desk with a much larger real estate you may opt towards a L-Desk Standing Desk with Programmable Adjustable Height Controls Shopping around can also ensure you get the best overall value for your standing desk purchase. Prioritizing your budget may mean finding a plan that allows you to pay off the standing desk on layaway or look for discounts or promotions at certain stores or websites. When investing in your health and happiness, it’s crucial to consider budgeting decisions first.

Are You Looking For A DIY Option, Or Do You Want A Pre-Assembled Desk That’s Ready To Go Right Out Of The Box?

If you’re considering getting a standing desk, figuring out whether to install it yourself or hire someone for home installation can be daunting. It’s important to consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put into the job when deciding if DIY or home installation is right for you. Both can be effective, with the benefit of DIY being that it allows the user to customize their standing desk in a way they know will be comfortable — and best of all, it often saves money! On the other hand, professional installations are generally quicker and are a great option if you lack the tools or expertise.

How Adjustable Do You Want Your Desk To Be?

Adjustability is a major factor to consider when selecting a desk. Many standing desks offer the maximum flexibility, with various adjustable heights and both standing and sitting capabilities for the ultimate work experience. Next in line would be an adjustable standing desk that allows you to convert from standing to sitting with simple height adjustability. This may still satisfy your needs without breaking the bank. If your budget restricts you further but you are still looking for some color to brighten up your workspace, a standard standing desk or a manual crank one can also do just fine. However, it’s important to keep in mind that while they don’t offer the same ergonomic features and multiple adjustability levels, they may still provide you with adequate comfort and convenience during longer working sessions. In conclusion, one should thoroughly evaluate their lifestyle and needs before determining which type of adjustable desk best suits them; if you want luxury and efficiency, standing desks are definitely something worth considering.

Final Thoughts

No matter what workspace you have or your budget available, there is a standing desk option that can provide the features and ergonomic benefits to fit your needs. When selecting a design, it’s important to prioritize height adjustability and ergonomics for maximum health gains. Shopping around for discounts or promotions may be necessary to find an affordable model that fits within your financial reality. Ultimately, investing in a standing desk is an investment into your overall well-being — one which will pay off over time with improved productivity and efficiency as well as decreased stress on posture muscles. With careful consideration of all factors involved when making this decision, you’ll be sure to choose the best standing desk possible!

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Jonny James
Jonny James

Written by Jonny James

Ergonomic Sales Expert/Writer at Anthrodesk.ca - a standing desk retailer in Canada. | Sharing tips about productivity, success, motivation, and ergonomics.

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