When it comes to a standing desk, most of what you’ll see today are the adjustable type—the sit stand desk that you can adjust between different heights to allow you to sit, stand, and constantly shift between these positions throughout the day. However, you might be interested to know that there are different types that are less advanced, and also more advanced, than these types of desks.

If you’re in the market looking for your very first standing desk, you might want to learn about all the different desk types available. This blog will help you. Here we’ll take a look at 5 different types of standing desks to help you understand how each works and help you find the best one for you.

A Closer Look at the Different Standing Desk Types

The Fixed Desk

Contrary to the adjustable desk, a fixed desk is, well, fixed at a certain height. It is similar to any traditional desk, except that it is built with a higher elevation, designed for use while people are standing.

If you have an existing sitting desk and you have the extra space, you have the option to simply add a fixed standing desk in your space and move between the two desks depending on your need—to sit or to stand. However, because this desk is fixed, there is no room for adjusting and customizing the height, and there is always a possibility that it will not match your exact height. Or if it does, it will limit the number of people who can use this fixed standing desk. Users who are shorter or taller than you may not find the specific desk height suitable for them.

Standing Desk Converter

A desk converter is not an actual desk, per se, but a makeshift device that is often placed on top of a traditional fixed desk. This is to add height to the desk so you can use it for standing. Many standing desk converters are adjustable, whether manually or otherwise, so you can use it to sit or to stand.

A standing desk converter is also built like a mini workstation. You will find one with a built-in and adjustable keyboard tray to maximize your comfort when typing. If you are not quite ready to invest in a fully adjustable desk, then a standing desk converter may be an option you can try.

Manually Adjusted Standing Desk

This is an older type of standing desk, in fact the very first model of the adjustable desk, the predecessor to today’s electric sit stand desk. When people realized the need for a desk that can be adjusted from sitting height to standing height, the first idea was to build a desk that can be moved from one height to another by a hand crank.

The way it works is you have to turn the hand crank and rotate it to bring the desk higher or lower. But although this is effective at doing that, it can take a bit of effort and can disrupt a person’s work flow.

Electric Standing Desk

The electric standing desk is the most common, the most popular, and the most practical choice for so many people these days, and for several reasons:

Ease of use

You can adjust this desk from one height to another with just a single press of a button. And, most electric desks operate quietly, so there is no disruption to the work that you are doing.

Several height options

Different electric standing desks have different height ranges, and you have the option to choose the one that accommodates your height perfectly. And within that height range, you can choose as many heights as possible. The electric sit stand desk comes with a memory keypad, and it can save up to about 3 or 4 preset heights so that the next time you want to choose a specific height, you only have to select it from the saved memory—just one single button press and you’re there.

High responsiveness

The right standing desk can help you become productive, and an electric adjustable desk is designed specifically for that. The high level of responsiveness of an electric desk ensures that you lose no time waiting for the desk to reach the desired height, that your flow is not disrupted and you are able to work at your best, and that alternating between sitting and standing becomes a sustainable habit that will form part of your lifestyle.

With all these benefits, an electric standing desk is no doubt a good pick.

Treadmill Desk

Now for those individuals who want to up their activity level while working, there are other options available. One of the options that have gained a rise in popularity recently is the treadmill desk. It’s a standing desk with a small treadmill connected to it. This way, you not only stand but also walk, maybe even jog, to increase your movement and activity level while working.

Imagine walking on a treadmill while reading your emails in the morning or attending a virtual meeting, or going on a light jog while on break. This is ideal for those who have mastered the art of sit-stand routine and now wants to inject a higher level of activity to their day.

Another alternative to a treadmill desk is a separate walking pad that you can pair with an electric desk. It is a small treadmill designed for a walk or light run, and it is ideal if you already have an existing desk and do not want to replace it. Simply get a walking pad. It’s thin, compact, and with some models available in a foldable design for easy storage.

So, are you ready for a new standing desk? Check the different options above and see which one fits your needs. The fixed desk and manually adjusted desks are old models and may not really meet today’s demands at work. Meanwhile, the standing desk converter may be a good option if you are just starting, although it has its limitations. The electric standing desk remains the best choice, whereas the treadmill desk is a good option if exercise is a priority for you. Choose wisely and enjoy a healthier lifestyle!

About Us

MotionGrey is a Canadian standing desk company that specializes in ergonomic furniture. We supply and install only the best quality standing desks and ergonomic chairs in the country. We offer free shipping within Canada and the US.

What made you switch to standing desks? Our products are designed with wellness as the focal point. From our electric standing desks to our office and gaming chairs, we deliver best value by putting your health, safety, and comfort as top priority. Boost your creativity and level up work performance. We want you to create great outcomes so we’re providing you only the best tools to make them possible.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, check out our Refund Policy.