A buyers guide to height-adjustable desks

Height adjustable desks can be required for a number of reasons:

 

• Certain categories of workers, for example designers, draughtsmen and architects often prefer to work at both sitting and standing height. These desks are often called sit-stand desks.

 

• Health and safety and other workplace regulations can require offices to accommodate individuals who are taller or shorter than normal or who have reduced mobility, for example wheelchair users.

There are three basic types of height adjustable desks:

 

1. Fit-and-Forget

 

These are manually adjustable legs, often with a screw or push-button adjustor. This usually require tools to make the adjustment, and will certainly require the user to remove all computer equipment, telephones etc each time the height of the desk needs adjusting. This is the cheapest method of providing height-adjustability and is often offered as an option on standard desks at a cost of less than £50. An example of this style is the MT60 bench desks from GDB International.

These desks are best suited to offices and workplaces where workers regularly use the same desks all the time and are they are not shared. Fit-and-Forget height adjustable desks would not be suitable in situations where the same desk is used in a job-share situation where each individual has different height requirements. A typical rectangular desk with fit-and-forget adjustable legs would be in the range of £200-£300.

 

2. Crank-Handle

 

Crank handle height adjustable desks are usually standard beam-construction office furniture with 2 metal legs. The height adjustment mechanism is driven by a geared crank handle which is manually turned by the operator. An example of this type of desk is the Impact range from GDB International which has an optional crank-handle adjustment available at an extra £200 - £250 above the cost of a standard desk. An important consideration when selecting a crank-operated desk is the position of the crank handle. Sometimes they are placed under the desk top and sometimes at the end of the desk. A buyer must take account of the usage for the desk to know if the location of the crank handle is suitable. Most crank-handle height adjustment mechanisms will allow the user to move the desks with computers, telephones etc in-situ, but a certain degree of physical strength and agility will be required to operate the adjustment. It is unlikely that a wheelchair user, for example, would be able to adjust the desk un-aided. A typical crank-handle rectangular desk would be in the range of £500-£700.

 

3. Electric Height Adjustable Desks.

 

Electric height adjustable desks are the most convenient to use. They use one or more electric motors to adjust the height of the desktop. There are a number of safety features that buyers need to be aware of. They generally have two buttons which need to be pressed simultaneously to move the desk and some have additional security to detect if the desk is blocked. They generally have a weight rating, so you need to be careful to measure the weight of the items on the desk before specifying the desk. You need to be particularly careful of computer equipment, particularly CRT monitors. Electric height adjustable desks can be specified much large than ordinary height adjustable desks and come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Prices for electric desks have reduced in recent years and are now comparable with crack handle desks. Typical prices are in the range £500 - £1000.