Along with the recent increase of brands and models of sit/stand desks in the past few years have also come the inevitable flood of fancy features. But which ones make a real difference? And which just sound impressive on a product page?
Solid Wood Tops are all about solid materials and solid choices, so here is our verdict on five add-ons that you often see: are they a genuine feature, or just marketing fluff?
1. Anti-Collision Detection: Feature
Something that happens more than you realise with a height adjustable desk is lowering or rising into something that won’t move. I have lowered my desk onto my chair countless times. This can cause strain on the frame, pulling the top away from the frame – or more common with solid wood tops, raising the desk off the floor. All are entirely undesirable and effortlessly avoidable with anti-collision technology. Prevents damage, avoids mess, and protects your setup. Often inexpensive it is a small feature with a big benefit.
2. Ultra-Fast Height Adjustment: Fluff
Some desk frames offer turbo-speed motors, moving 60, 70, even 80mm per second. But ask yourself: how fast do you really need to stand up (or sit down)? Most desks take 10–15 seconds to shift position, most days only require a position shift 3 or 4 times. Cutting that down by a few seconds won’t improve your day, and taking your time with it won’t get you fired. If you’re on a budget or love simplicity, a manual crank frame might be the way for. Yes, it takes longer, but the it still gets the job done.
3. Bluetooth Connectivity & Apps: Fluff
This is probably the option, and result, you were expecting to see. Do you really need an app to raise your desk? Bluetooth integration and tracking software might sound like the future, but most people stop using them within days, and the extra content they provide about wellness etc. is not overly compelling or useful. You’re already standing at the desk, just push the button.
4. Programmable Height Presets: Feature
Getting the height of your desk just right actually takes a few hours to dial in. You think it is perfect, but then you notice your shoulders are a little hunched or your wrists are resting too heavy on the top. Being able to micro adjust the top over time and have that saved is a super useful feature.
5. A Solid Wood Top: Feature (obviously)
There’s a reason we love them… A real wood top adds warmth, character, and long-term durability to your workspace. No fake grain, bowing, crumpling, wrong sizes, boring shapes etc etc etc.
Desk frame features for the long term
Some recent options offer real benefits: safety, convenience, and comfort. Others sound cool on paper, but won’t do much for you day to day. Focus on the features which will be useful long term, avoiding unwanted features which bump up the cost (and waste) associated with the frame.
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