With the increase in standing desk popularity, many people looking for the best standing desk feel overwhelmed by the wide range of options available. From traditional standing desks to convertible models, the dizzying slew of choices might make you feel the need to take a seat. And then there’s the price! Below, we’ll run through the average standing desk cost of some of the most popular types, so you can get a good idea of where to start with your budget.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The cost of a standing desk depends significantly on things like its total weight capacity, material, overall desk space, and accessories, such as a monitor arm.
  • Cheap standing desks are available for close to $50, and the average cost of a modest, but quality, standing desk is $200-$400.
  • Top-of-the-line electric standing desks can cost up to $5,000.

Standing Desk Cost

Standing desks are an excellent choice if you’re concerned about reducing the risk and effects of things such as cardiovascular disease and mental health problems. Fortunately, they can also be quite affordable. But, of course, the overall cost of a standing desk depends on the material quality, the number of features and options, and if it has an electric motor (or dual motors).

Average Fixed Standing Desk

A fixed-standing wooden desk means that you can’t adjust desk height. If you know your ideal height and are okay with a non-adjustable desk, you can usually find economical options for $20-$50. High-end fixed desks will likely cap at about $200.

Insider Tip

Doctors recommend alternating between standing and sitting for the best health results.

Standing Desk Converters

Many people love their old sitting desk but want the option to stand, even if they’re using a standing desk on a carpet or floor. This is precisely why there are standing desk converters. These are usually relatively affordable and can be found for around $30-$100. But, of course, if you want a higher quality converter with a greater lifting capacity decked out with the top-shelf bells and whistles, you will be looking at spending around $300-$500.

Adjustable Standing Desk

Like fixed desk options, an IKEA standing desk can be found relatively cheap. Budget options start below $50. However, unlike fixed desks, adjustable sit-stand desks can quickly become quite costly because it’s a much more popular type of desk. A quality, reasonably priced, height-adjustable desk will cost around $400-$500. However, if you seek extravagance, the most expensive desk can cost $5,000 or more (these are almost always electric desks).

Warning

Cheap standing desks often have balance issues, can be hard to adjust, and wear out faster than better quality models.

Electric Sit-Stand Desk

Electric standing desks are typically at the top of the monetary scale for desks capable of height adjustments. Unlike regular desks, you can create preset heights with electric standing desks and usually don’t have to worry about weight capacity. A desk with dual motors will have a lower noise level and higher weight capacity, but this will cost more.

Low-end electric desks start at around $300, with models of average quality costing closer to $1,000. And as stated before, the most expensive desks can reach over $5,000.

STAT: According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 85% of Americans use a smartphone. (source)

F.A.Q.S

Do you burn more calories standing vs sitting?

Doctors say that people burn about 200 more calories if they alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday.


What is the proper height for a standing desk?

Proper desk height, of course, will differ depending on your physical height. But the general rule is that with your arms bent at the elbow by 90 degrees, your wrists should be at the same level as your forearms.


Can you build a standing desk?

Constructing a height-adjustable standing desk can be tricky, but it is possible with the right tools.


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