Why Are Standing Desks So Expensive? (Find Out Now!)
Whether you work from home or in a public office space, a standing desk is a welcome addition to enhance your workspace. These innovative desks are continuing to become more and more popular over the years, and it’s not hard to see why.
That said, it should come as no surprise that standing desks are typically much more expensive than conventional desks. This is because they are made with higher-quality materials, have moving parts for height adjustability, and offer more health and productivity benefits, making them an overall better value, too. To top it off, they’re in high demand and aren’t in a very competitive market.
We’re going to go over all this and more, so you can better understand what goes into a standing desk, and why they are worth their high price tag.
Standing Desk Cost Factors
As we said, there are many different reasons why standing desks cost as much as they do, and it is helpful to know about all of them to see how they factor into the overall price you’ll have to pay. That way, you can decide if it’s really the right choice for your work or gaming space.
Quality of the Desk Materials
Standing desks are designed to be sturdier and more stable, so you are able to adjust them to your specifications without them losing their balance. The legs themselves are thicker and stronger, so it can safely hold all your belongings and any rigs and shelving while at different heights.
The surface of the desk itself is usually made from laminated wood or solid wood. Laminated options will be more affordable upfront, but solid wood is much more durable. Plus, it offers a natural aesthetic that is hard to replicate.
Moving Parts
Whether you have a manual or electric standing desk, it’s going to have extra parts to allow you to adjust the height and position of the desk. For this reason, standing desks will take longer to manufacture and use more materials, which translates into a higher cost overall on the consumer end. Here are the three main types of standing desks:
- Electric Motor Standing Desk: As the name suggests, these types of standing desks are powered electronically for your convenience. They will be the most expensive of the three due to the addition of the DC motor that automatically adjust the desk’s height. Typically, they can cost between $450 and $2,000.
- Hand-Crank Standing Desk: Instead of a motor, these standing desks have either a crank or a lever, so you can manually adjust the position yourself. Since they don’t require a motor, these types of desks are a bit more cost effective, ranging from $180 to $1,500.
- Standing Desk Converter: Instead of purchasing an entire desk, you can get a converter, or desk riser, to place on top of a conventional desk to enjoy the benefits of a standing desk. These are often the most affordable option since it’s a separate piece rather than an entire desk. They usually cost between $100 and $450 on average.
Ergonomic Benefits
Since standing desks offer so many benefits in terms of productivity and overall health, they’re priced higher than your average desk. Standing desks allow you to move around and even do light exercises while still getting your work done. Overall, this will promote a productive mindset and a healthy sense of well-being.
Consumer Demand
Over the years, standing desks have become extremely popular, especially in office buildings. Many businesses are switching to standing desks to create a more comfortable environment for employees (and increase overall productivity and profit, too).
This trend has moved into the residential sphere as well. Now that so many people are working remotely, they’re more popular than ever. Even avid gamers are recognizing the benefits of standing desks. The overall cost for standing desks has risen along with demand while standard desks have mostly stayed the same.
Market Status
Even though standing desks are in such high demand, the market is surprisingly not too competitive, especially when compared to conventional desks. Since there are fewer manufacturers for standing desks, the ones that have successfully made it in the market are able to price their products at a higher rate. The top market leaders in the standing desk industry include (in no particular order):
- FEZIBO
- FlexiSpot
- Fully Jarvis
- UPLIFT
- Vari
- Vivo
…and more!
Shipping ad Delivery Costs
Standing desks are large and rather heavy, which means there’s a chance you may have to have it delivered to your home or office. Furthermore, many people purchase standing desks online, which means shipping costs are a factor.
Here’s the catch. Many eCommerce businesses will offer “free shipping” but charge per pound for any heavy goods. That said, you’re very likely going to have to pay a shipping fee when ordering a standing desk.
Quality Checks
When you pay for a standing desk, you’re also paying for the labor that goes into making it. That includes the several quality checks the final product has to go through before it hits the market.
During these checks, the QC team will test the motor when applicable, deck stability, overall durability, and load capacity. The extra time and effort that cost into this process is going to factor into the final cost of your standing desk.
Standing Desk Benefits
Did you know you’re supposed to spend about an hour standing for every one to two hours you sit? With a standing desk, you can do just that without disrupting your workday. Turns out this is incredibly beneficial for your overall well-being. Research shows standing desks may lead to…
- Better circulation and lower blood sugar levels
- Healthier work and personal habits
- Increased productivity and focus
- Less risk of obesity and heart disease
- Reduced back and joint pain
- Improved mood and energy levels
- Lower caffeine intake
- Better postureÂ
Related Questions
How much do conventional desks usually cost?
Most standard office desks will cost between $250 and $1,200, depending on the material, size, storage space, and if it has any other special features. Computer desks are priced similarly, ranging from $200 to $2,000 on average.
What are some of the most common desk materials?
Most decks you find for homes and offices alike are made from either wood, metal, laminate, or glass. Each come with their own advantages and drawbacks.Wood is naturally attractive but is usually the most expensive. Metal desks are incredibly durable but don’t offer as much in terms of aesthetics. Laminate is affordable but won’t be as durable as other options. Glass is attractive and you can usually remove it to make cleaning easier, but it can also easily break.
What are the main types of desks?
There are many different types of desks, and they can be classified in different ways. On a broad scale, there are writing desks, computer desks, office desks, credenza desks, corner desks, floating desks, roll-top desks, and standing desks.
Final Thoughts on Standing Desks
There are many types of desks from which you can choose for your home office or workplace, and standing desks are among the best. It’s true they often have a higher price tag. However, the benefits will most certainly make up for the expensive upfront cost. Plus, you can find many different types of standing desks, including desk risers, at all price points depending on the design, features, dimensions, and more.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
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