Office Furniture Blog

• For people with reduced mobility or other special need, for example to enable a wheelchair to be pushed under the desk. In some cases it can be a requirement of the Disability Discrimination Act to provide such facilities.
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• For people such as architects, graphic designers etc who often work either standing up or sitting down.
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• For general comfort for users who are either much taller or shorter than the average.

There are basically three types of height adjustable desks:

 Fit and forget

 These desks usually have a height adjustment mechanism in the legs, either a push-in button or a screw mechanism. You usually need tools to change the height of the desks and you will certainly need to clear the desktop as each leg is adjusted individually. Many standard office furniture ranges include this type of height adjustable desk. Typical of this type of desk is the 4Most range manufactured by GDB International.

Crank Handle

 Some desk ranges have crank-handle adjustability. This involves a mechanism driven by a manually operated crank handle which adjusts the height of the central beam. The crank handle can be difficult to adjust, particularly for wheelchair users. Also, the positioning of the crank handle at the side or under the desk can often be restrictive. The Impact range from CH Workspace is typical of this type of desk.

Electrically Operated Height Adjustable Desks

 These desks have one or two motors, depending on the size and weight of the desk, operated by a button on the desk front. You need to ensure that the system includes a safety mechanism whereby the desk cannot be accidentally operated. This is usually by means of a dual push-button mechanism so that both buttons need to be used to adjust the height of the desk. These desks are much easier to use than the crank handle versions. You do need to ensure there is an adequate power supply near the location of the desk.

 Electrically operated desks have come down in price in recent years and are now just as cheap as the crank handle versions and they offer much better value for money. The motors and mechanisms have improved significantly and now most manufacturers offer 2-5 year guarantees. Probably the best and most cost-effective range of desks in this category are the Electric Height Adjustable desks available here.

Before buying your height adjustable desk, you need to think carefully about your requirements and decide whether you need a fit and forget solution or one which can be adjusted regularly with minimum effort.