Prolonged sitting is causing people to become unproductive, depressed and anxious, and it is also having negative effects on their health and physical well being.
It is said more and more often that “sitting is the new smoking” in terms of how detrimental prolonged sitting can be for a person.
Large stand-up desks are helping to prevent these problems and combat what could turn into a worldwide crisis.
In addition to this, whether you are a tall person or find yourself running out of desk space for your monitor, books, and note pad, we could not recommend large stand-up desks more.
But, we know the variety and choice available can be overwhelming and be a reason you put off investing in one.
For this reason, we have done a round-up on some of the best stand-up desks available so that you can find the perfect fit for yourself.
Large Stand-Up Desk (Our Review)
UpDown Desk PRO Series Electric Standing Desk With Victorian Ash Desktop (Best Overall Stand-up Desk)
This particular desk is one of many from the UpDown Desk Pro Series of electric standing desks. The only thing that differs between them is the colour of the wood used for the desktop.
With a simple push of a button, this series of desks allow you to alternate between sitting and standing at your desk. This desk has a height range starting at 64 cm and has a maximum standing desk height of 129.5 cm, making it a perfect standing desk for a tall person of up to 6’8”.
This desk comes with a built-in ergonomic height controller that boasts four height memory buttons. This means that you can adjust it to your desired height with literally just the click of a button.
It also means that four different people could use this desk and it will remember their preferred heights.
The weight of the frame is more than that of its competitors, which allows it to provide extreme stability when it is at its maximum height.
The desk’s height adjusts at 32 mm per second and is silent when doing so. The desk also boasts a 150 kg lifting capacity, meaning you don’t have to worry about the weight of your PC, or how many things you put on the desk.
Lastly, the desk is very quick and easy to set up and install. It normally takes people 20 - 25 minutes to do.
These desks range from $879 to $2 039, depending on what desktop you decide to get as part of the desk.
Why It’s Great
- Adjusting the height is easy thanks to the electric height controller
- 4 memory keys for remembering height
- Very stable and sturdy
- Powerful lifting mechanism that can lift up to 150 kg
Who it’s Right For
- Those with high weight capacity requirements
- People who prefer electric standing desks
- Tall people looking for the right-sized desk
- Anyone who requires a large workspace
UpDown Desk PRO Series Electric Corner Standing Desk (Biggest Stand-up Desk)
The UpDown Desk PRO Series Electric Corner Standing Desk is a corner sit-stand desk that offers ample workspace.
This corner stand-up desk dimensions are as follows:
Minimum desktop depth: 600 mm
Maximum desktop depth: 1000 mm
Minimum desktop size: 1600 x 1600 mm
Maximum desktop size: 2100 x 2100 mm
It also offers a height range of 64 cm to 129.5 cm and can accommodate a load of up to 200 kg when distributed evenly.
The frame of this desk can be adjusted to have an angle between 90 degrees to 180 degrees, making it a versatile piece that can accommodate any room size. This also means that it can be converted from a corner desk into a very long straight desk if it is required.
This desk comes with two separate desktop pieces. The most popular length of the desktops is 195 cm x 180 cm, which makes it stand as an L-shape when the two are joined at a 90-degree angle.
The height of this desk is adjusted with the push of a button and has 4 memory settings that will remember four heights of your choice, and allow you to effortlessly alternate between them.
The desk frame is made of thick steel which increases safety. It does so because it decreases the wobbliness of the desk when it is at full height, and also increases its sturdiness.
To further enhance safety, the desk also has an anti-collision mechanism that protects the desk and the objects that surround it.
On our website, we provide a written installation manual, as well as an instructional video. This is to make the set-up and installation as hassle-free as possible.
The UpDown Desk PRO Series Electric Corner Standing Desk comes in at $1 459, making it a very decent price for the size that you get.
Why It’s Great
- Very large and has ample workspace
- Eclectic height adjustment for fast and easy use
- Decently priced
- Can be purchased as just a frame
Who It’s Right For
- Those in need of very large workspaces
- Anyone looking to make a long-term investment on a desk
UpDown Desk PRO Series Manual Standing Desk (Best Budget Stand-up Desk)
The UpDown Desk PRO Series Manual Standing Desk is similar in design and look to the UpDown Desk PRO Series Electric Standing Desk With Victorian Ash Desktop.
The biggest difference between the two is that the former has a manual crank to adjust the height of the desk, whereas the latter is run with an electric height controller.
In order to increase or decrease the height of this desk, a manual crank mechanism is used. This means that no power is needed to adjust the height, which is beneficial in areas where there is no power or power outlet available.
It also takes away the hazard of causing an electrical trip in the office.
This desk has a minimum height of 70 cm, and a maximum height of 118 cm. With each crank, the height of the desk is adjusted by 12 mm. The desk can carry a load of 80 kg.
The price of these desks is $579, which makes them more affordable than their electric counterparts.
Why It’s Great
- Can operate in places where there is no electricity or plug points
- Good for tall people
- Offers the option of sitting and standing
- Cheaper than the electric version
Who It’s Right For
- Tall people in need of a correctly-sized desk
- Those shopping for a large stand up desk on a budget
- People who prefer manual standing desks
Fellowes Levado Electric Height Adjustable Desk (Frame Only - Easiest Assembly)
The Fellowes Levado Electric Height Adjustable Desk is an electric height adjustable standing desk that can be assembled in 90 seconds and doesn’t require the use of any tools to do so.
This is because the desk has foldable legs that simply pop out and are secured into place through a SwiftLok design.
The premium control panel allows for height adjustments to be made silent and a fast speed of 36 mm per second. The control panel also has four height memory settings that you can program your desired heights into.
This will allow for the desk to instantaneously adjust to your desired height at the push of a button. The height range for this desk is 64 cm to 126 cm.
The Fellowes Levado Electric desk comes with built-in anti-collision technology and is a sturdy and stable desk that can accommodate a load of up to 100kg.
This desk can be purchased for approximately $1 270.
Why It’s Great
- Electric height adjustment
- Four height memory settings
- Can be assembled in 90 seconds
Who It’s Right For
- Those with lower weight capacity requirements
- Beginners and anyone wanting a quick and easy setup
Humanscale Float Height Adjustable Desk (Best Design)
The Humanscale Float Height Adjustable Desk is an aesthetically pleasing, effortless sit-stand desk.
It allows you to alternate from a seated desk to a standing desk without interrupting your work.
Ease of use is an aspect that is encompassed by this desk. The Humanscale Float makes use of a patented counterbalance mechanism to change its height. This makes adjusting the height simple and effortless.
All that you need to do to change the height of the desk is apply a bit of pressure on the counterbalance mechanism (found at the desk’s front right corner), and the desk simply “floats” to the position you desire.
This desk is perfect if you’re looking to move away from electric desks, and the power they require, but also want to avoid the mission of cranking the desk up and down manually.
The downside of this desk is that it can only accommodate loads of 60 kg. It is also slightly more pricey at $1 825. But besides these small details, there is not much else that can be faulted with the desk.
Why It’s Great
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Patented counterbalance mechanism to make adjusting height simple and easy
- The desk height adjusts without disrupting work
Who It’s Right For
- Those who find aesthetic design important
- People with lower weight capacity requirements
Ergotron WorkFit TL Sit Stand Workstation (Best Converter)
Although this isn’t technically a sit-stand desk, the Ergotron WorkFit TL Sit Stand Workstation converts your current workstation into one.
To convert your desk into a standing desk, simply place the Ergotron WorkFit TL Sit Stand Workstation onto it. Then, squeeze the lever on the side of the desk to convert it from a sitting to a standing desk. To return it to a sitting desk, do the same in reverse.
This desk converter has a maximum height range of 38 cm, on top of how tall your desk already is.
The Ergotron WorkFit TL Sit Stand Workstation can be used on all types of desktops and can convert even small desks into narrow standing desks.
The Ergotron WorkFit TL Sit Stand Workstation comes fully assembled and is ready to use straight out of the box.
Although this is a cheaper option than buying a whole height adjustable desk, it does have its limitations, and may not be as sturdy as a full desk.
To avoid this, we recommend purchasing an UpDown Desk PRO Series frame.
The frame allows you to convert your current desktop into a sit-stand desk. It’s also cheaper than buying an up-down desk with a desktop already attached and may be more sturdy than the Ergotron WorkFit TL Sit Stand Workstation.
Why It’s Great
- Small and can be transported
- Already assembled
- Can be used on smaller desks
- Cheaper than buying a desk
Who It’s Right For
- Fans of desk converters
- Nomadic office workers
- Those who switch between large and small desks
- Shoppers on a budget
Elevar Maxishift-E Electric Sit-Stand Workstation (Best Portable)
This workstation is similar to the Elevar Maxishift-X that we spoke about above. The main difference is that the Elevar Maxishift-E Electric Sit-Stand Workstation adjusts its height electrically at the touch of a button, whereas the above one is manual.
This makes the height adjustment easier and quicker but obviously relies on a power source.
The Elevar Maxishift-E Electric Sit-Stand Workstation is also placed on top of your existing workstation and can extend up to a height of 595 mm, slightly taller than its counterpart that reaches 575 mm.
This sit-stand workstation converter is also able to stop at any height before 595 mm. This is unlike most other sit-stand workstations that have set heights.
It is also able to accommodate a large load of 45 kg, where most sit-stand workstation converters aren't able to handle even half of that.
Why It’s Great
- Can elevate to a height of 595 mm
- Can support a load of 45 kg
- Small and portable
- Easier adjustment than a manual height adjustment
Who It’s Right For
- Converter fans who need a higher weight capacity and dynamic height options
- Office nomads who frequently change working locations
A Buyer’s Guide To Large Standing Desks
With so many different types of standing desks out there you might be wondering “What type of standing desk do I need?” or “What size standing desk do I need?”; it can be very overwhelming.
But, to help with this, we have put together a buyer’s guide highlighting the most important aspects to look for when you are wanting to purchase a stand-up desk.
Size
It is important to consider what size desk you want, and what size you are able to fit into your workspace.
We would always recommend opting for a large desktop for various reasons, but one of the biggest reasons being that it increases productivity.
If you can’t fit a large desk into your workspace, you will obviously have to be realistic and settle for something a little bit smaller.
In this case, a good option could be having a look at a corner desk. It takes up less space in terms of width than a large rectangular desk would, but still provides ample surface area for working.
Fixed vs Adjustable Stand Up Desks
It is important to note that there is an option of getting a stand-up desk that is fixed, and not adjustable. We would recommend rather investing in an adjustable one, such as the ones we have reviewed above.
The reason for this is because, with a fixed desk, you don’t have the option of alternating between sitting and standing. And even though sitting for too long is bad for you, standing for eight hours can also lead to poor posture compensations and overuse of muscles.
If the desk is fixed, it also means that only people of the same height can use it. If you have someone taller or shorter than you, the dek won’t be adequate for them.
The choice is up to you when it comes down to making the final choice on what you would prefer, but we have found that adjustable desks are more practical.
Electric vs Manual
Adjustable desks can be electric or manual. Both have their pros and cons.
Electric desks are more pricey, but they adjust height much easier and quicker than manual ones do. Electric desks are also usually able to carry more load than manual ones.
One of the downfalls of electric desks is that they need to be connected to a power source in order to work, whereas manual ones don’t.
Manual desks are cheaper, but more of an effort to adjust the height. They also don’t have programmable height memory like electric ones do.
Desktop Included Or Just The Frame
In some instances, you can purchase an adjustable desk frame without the desktop. This allows you to put your own one of choice on.
So before you purchase one, consider whether it would just be easier to buy one with a desktop already included, or if you’d like to keep your current desktop and just buy the frame to convert it into a sit-stand desk yourself.
Stand Up Desk Or Workstation Converter
When you purchase a stand-up desk, the whole desk raises or lowers when you adjust the height.
If you want to steer away from spending too much on a whole desk, or you like your current desk but want the ability to use it as a standing desk too, you could consider purchasing a workstation converter instead.
A workstation converter simply goes on top of your current desk and can adjust its height to make your normal desk into a sit-stand desk.
The workstation converters are normally cheaper and portable, but less stable and can’t hold as much weight.
Another version you could look into is a wall-mounted standing desk. This type of standing desk is fixed to the wall and you would normally have another desk underneath it.
Height
The maximum and minimum heights of the standing desk you’d like to get are important aspects to consider.
The minimum height may be too short or too high for you to sit comfortably. You also want to make sure that the maximum height is high enough for you to stand straight up with good posture.
Is It Programmable?
Most electric standing desks have a height memory that you can program different heights into and it will adjust to that height automatically at the touch of a button.
Manual standing desks obviously don’t have this feature, and nor do some electric standing desks.
It is a very handy feature to have, especially if more than one person is using the desk. It makes it simple and easy to adjust between the necessary heights.
How Much Weight Can It Hold?
The weight standing desks are able to hold ranges from 15 kg to 150 kg. It is important to consider this and figure out an estimate of how heavy the equipment you will be placing on it will be.
If you get a desk that is cheap but not strong enough, it could end up costing you a lot more if it collapses with your equipment on it.
Stability
Stability is another important factor. You should consider how much movement you will be placing on the desk, such as writing or typing away feverishly.
Some stand up desks aren't very stable when they’re at their maximum height, and desk converters are even less so.
Because of this, it is important to assess how much stability you will need, and make sure the desk you choose will be able to accommodate it.
Assembly
Some stand up desks need tools and a lot of effort to assemble. Others require no assembly at all or only take 90 seconds and no tools to assemble.
Assembly is an important aspect to consider, because if you’re someone who doesn't have tools, or isn’t good with manual things like that, it may end up being quite a mission and a big extra cost for you.
Aesthetics
Some stand up desks still manage to be sleek, professional and aesthetically appealing. It is important to consider if aesthetics is an issue for you or something you aren't phased about.
Because if aesthetics is very important to you, it will largely dictate the stand-up desk that you end up buying.
Price
Price definitely shouldn’t be the only aspect you base your purchase on, but you still need to be realistic and opt for something that is within your budget.
We would recommend making a list of the aspects of a stand-up desk that are important for you to have. The next step would be to figure out what your budget is, and trying to find a desk with as many of the elements as possible, but that still fits within your budget.
The Importance And Benefits Of A Standing Desk
In a world where most jobs are becoming digitalized, and working remotely is becoming more and more popular, the majority of people spend their time sitting in front of a desk.
This is contributing to physical inactivity, health problems and a variety of chronic aches and pains.
This is where standing desks come in. They help to lessen these problems, and if you are someone who has a desk job, we can't stress the importance of having a stand-up desk enough.
Firstly, the reason that it is important that your stand up desk is large rather than small, is because it increases productivity and is better for the ergonomics of your desk setup.
If the desk is larger, you have more space for your monitor or laptop, and any other paper and pens you need to work with.
A larger desk also allows for accessories such as a mouse, keyboard and desk lamp. All of these are things that prevent you from physical strain.
For example, a mouse attached to a laptop is more ergonomically friendly and allows you to work faster.
Using a keyboard with a laptop allows you to place the computer screen farther in front of you while having the keyboard closer to you, which means your neck doesn’t have to strain. The same is true for a monitor; a big desk allows you to pull the keyboard closer to you so you can sit upright.
A desk lamp provides light so that you don't have to strain your eyes.
A larger desk will also have less clutter, which will enhance productivity levels and the ability to work.
As we can see, working from a large desk is very beneficial, and even more so when it is a standing desk.
Standing desks help with several things that will be discussed below.
Increased Activity And Weight Loss
A standing desk allows for a lot more movement and activity than a sitting desk does. If you are seated in front of a desk for 8 hours, it is very unlikely that you will get any form of movement in. Using a standing desk allows you to do so and to do so while you work.
Weight loss essentially boils down to calories in vs calories out. If you burn very few calories per day, as would be the case if you were seated all day, you are very likely to gain weight.
Standing burns way more calories than sitting does. Even if it is just for a few hours per day.
This will help you to burn more calories, and make you less likely to gain weight and become obese. Which will help you avoid all the comorbidities that accompany obesity.
Boosts Productivity
A study that was conducted by a Texan university showed that having a standing desk increased productivity by 45%.
This is attributed to the fact that standing increases brain power, improves focus and memory, decreases back pain and it also boosts your mood and energy.
A combination of all of these effects of standing has been shown to have a very positive effect on your performance when using a standing desk rather than a sitting one.
Standing Can Help Reduce Back, Neck And Shoulder Pain
Due to many hours of sitting, poor posture, and insufficient support provided by chairs, many people with desk jobs tend to complain of back, neck or shoulder pain.
Sitting with a poor, slouched posture places a lot of stress on your spinal muscles and vertebral discs. It also causes your hip flexor muscles to become tight, as well as pressure and tightness of the gluteus muscles, which are the main muscles that support your spine, and add to your back pain as a result.
Your neck muscles also become extremely tight as a result of poor posture and straining your neck forwards.
Standing can help to alleviate some of this pain. Standing helps to take pressure off of your neck and lower back. Standing also activates your gluteal muscles more than sitting does, which also provides more stability to your spine.
This forms a very big part of the reason why having a large stand-up desk is so important.
Improved Posture And Muscle Tone
Standing helps to improve your posture because it’s not as easy to slouch when you're standing compared to when you’re sitting. People also don’t strain their necks forward when they’re standing which helps to eliminate the risk of getting a forward head posture.
When you’re standing you also use more muscles to help keep yourself upright. When you stand you instantaneously use your core, glutes, calves and foot muscles much more than you would with sitting.
As a result, posture is improved and muscle tone is increased when you make frequent use of a sit-stand desk.
Standing Could Help To Increase Energy Levels And Improve Your Mood
Several studies that have been done show that making use of a sit-stand desk at work led to increased energy and better moods of employees.
Sitting for prolonged hours every day has been linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Using a sit-stand desk significantly reduces this risk and leads to an overall happier employee.
Standing Might Help To Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels
No matter how active you are, sitting at a desk for too long can lead to major health complications, and high blood glucose (sugar) could be one of them.
A study was done that requested a group of employees to alternate between 30 minutes of sitting and 30 minutes of standing every hour for eight hours.
The results showed that there was an 11% decrease in their blood glucose levels, which is a huge difference, especially for such a short trial.
It was shown that standing for 30 minutes after you have eaten lunch is most effective in lowering blood sugar.
Alternating between sitting and standing for 30 minutes is something that was made possible thanks to a sit-stand desk, and shows the great health benefits that it has, too.
Standing Could Possibly Lower Your Risk For Heart Disease
Decreased movement and sitting puts you at a greater risk for developing heart disease.
When you are seated for several hours on end, this results in your blood flow slowing down and allows for the build-up of fatty acid in your vessels. This could essentially lead to heart disease.
This risk can also be avoided by incorporating more movement into your day, and a sit-stand desk is a perfect way to do so.
Large Stand-Up Desks (FAQ)
How Do I Know That A Standing Desk Is The Right Choice For Me?
If you are someone who sits in front of a computer all day, experiences back pain and poor posture or struggle to sit still, then a standing desk could be a great choice for you.
If you spend an hour or less in front of a desk a day and have an ergonomic set-up, then it’s unlikely that you really need a standing desk.
Standing desks help with posture and back pain, and can make your workday more comfortable for those spending hours on end in front of a computer.
Is A Stand-Up Desk Or A Sit Stand Workstation Better?
This depends on what you are looking for, as both have their pros and cons.
A stand-up desk is more expensive than a sit-stand workstation, but it offers a larger, more sturdy work area.
A sit-stand desk is more compact, can fit on smaller, narrow desks, and is portable.
Should You Use Standing Desks For Kids?
When it comes to standing desks for kids or even a student standing desk for those in university, both are highly recommended.
A study showed that having standing desks for students in a primary school increased activity and productivity.
They are also good for university students as they help with posture and focus.
Is A Manual Or Electric Standing Desk Better?
This depends on your preference.
Manual desks are cheaper but are also more of a mission. You have to wind the crank manually and remember the height each time.
On the other hand, eclectic standing desks have a height memory and adjust at the push of the button.
So there is no “better”, it is just what you prefer and what will work best for you.
Why Is It Better To Have A Standing Desk Than A Normal Sitting Desk?
Standing desks are better for your posture than sitting desks are. Standing desks have also been shown to decrease neck, back and shoulder pain.
In a study conducted, it was shown that a standing desk led to employees being 40-50% more productive than those who sat all day.
For someone who sits in front of a desk all week, a standing desk also helps to increase activity much more than a seated desk.
Are Standing Desks Expensive?
Standing desks are a little more expensive than a normal desk, and can range between $1000 - $2000.
However, if this is too pricey, you could look at getting a workstation converter. This device has the same effect as a standing desk would, but is much cheaper.
Do Standing Desks Help With Back Pain?
Yes, they do. Sitting places a lot of stress on your spinal column and leads to poor posture and slouching.
Using a sit-stand desk can help to improve the posture and muscle tone of your spinal stabilizers and your glutes. This will provide more support and stability to your back and will help decrease the back pain.
Conclusion
Obviously, large stand-up desks have a ton of benefits. From physical health to mental well-being and productivity, we can understand why their popularity is on the rise across Australia and the world.
Choosing the right large standing desk doesn’t have to be a pain. There’s a perfect one out there for everyone.
Hopefully, with this article, you’ll be able to pick out the best one for you.
Related Reads:
- Standing Desks Vs. Desk Converters
- How Long Should I Stand At My Standing Desk?
- The Benefits of Standing Desks
- Standing Desks And Back Pain
- Standing Desks And Back Pain
- Standing Desk Stance Posture
- How To Set Up An Ergonomic WorkStation
- Setting Up A Home Office
- Are Standing Desks Worth It?
- How To Safely Progress To A Standing Desk
- Do Standing Desks Increase Productivity?
