Sit-Stand Desk Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
Share
Sit-stand desks have gone from a premium add-on to a standard fitout item. The range in quality is enormous — from desks that will last 10 years to ones that wobble under a second monitor.
Here's what to check before you spend the money.
Frame quality is everything
The motor and frame determine how long the desk lasts. Single-motor frames are cheaper and fine for light use. Dual-motor frames are more stable, quieter, and handle heavier loads — essential for setups with multiple monitors, a docking station, and a monitor arm.
Look for: steel frames, not aluminium alloy. Steel is heavier but substantially more stable at standing height.
Weight capacity — and be honest about what you're putting on it
A dual monitor setup with a docking station, laptop, and monitor arm can easily hit 25–30kg. Check the rated capacity and build in a buffer. A desk rated to 80kg will hold a 30kg load fine. A desk rated to 40kg running at 30kg is at 75% capacity — and that's before the motors start degrading.
Height range matters — especially at the low end
The standard height range for sit-stand desks is around 620mm to 1270mm. That covers most people sitting and most people standing. But if you have shorter team members, check the minimum height. Some frames bottom out at 680mm, which is too high for a seated position for someone under 160cm.
Speed and noise
A quality desk moves at 38–45mm per second. That's fast enough to use without waiting, slow enough not to be alarming. Noise under 50dB is the benchmark for open-plan offices. Ask for a demonstration or check the spec sheet.
Memory presets
At minimum, you want 2 presets — your sitting height and your standing height. Four presets is better if multiple people share the desk. Without presets, people stop adjusting and the whole point of the desk is lost.
Anti-collision detection
Desks without anti-collision sensors will keep moving if they hit something — a drawer, a cable, a hand. This is a safety and damage issue in a commercial environment. Don't skip it.
Warranty
- Frame: minimum 5 years for commercial use
- Motor: minimum 5 years
- Surface: minimum 2 years
Anything less than this on a commercial desk is a red flag.
What to budget per workstation
- Entry level (home office, light use): $600–900
- Commercial grade (daily use, team fitout): $950–1,600
- Premium (dual motor, heavy load, showroom quality): $1,600–2,500+
For team fitouts of 5 or more desks, we offer volume pricing and can spec the right frame for your ceiling height, floor type, and usage pattern.