Electric Standing Desk UK: What to Look For Before You Buy
Quick answer: when buying an electric standing desk in the UK, check the height range reaches your standing elbow height, the weight capacity covers all your kit, the frame is stable at full height, and it has memory presets and a lock. A desktop of at least 120 x 60cm suits most single-monitor setups. Also look at noise, anti-collision and the warranty on the motor.
An electric standing desk is the most convenient way to switch between sitting and standing, because one button moves everything. Not all electric desks are equal, though. Here is what to check before you buy. For the basics, read our standing desk guide.
Electric standing desk checklist
| Feature | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Height range | Roughly 70cm to 120cm for most adults | Must reach your elbow height when standing in shoes |
| Desktop size | 120 x 60cm or more for one monitor | Room for screen, keyboard and notes |
| Weight capacity | Comfortably above your total kit weight | Overloading strains the motor and frame |
| Motors | Single motor for light setups, dual motor for heavy ones | Dual motors are usually faster and steadier |
| Stability | Wide feet and cross bracing | Less wobble when typing at full height |
| Memory presets | At least 2 | Switch positions in one touch |
| Child or button lock | Yes | Stops accidental movement |
| Anti-collision | Yes | Stops the desk if it meets an obstacle |
| Noise | Quiet motor | Important on video calls |
| Warranty | Check motor and frame cover | Motors are the most expensive part to replace |
What height should my standing desk go to?
Stand in the shoes you usually wear, let your arms hang, then bend your elbows to 90 degrees. Measure from the floor to the underside of your forearm. That is roughly your ideal standing desk height. Taller users should check that the desk's maximum height, minus the keyboard thickness, still reaches this.
Glass, laminate or wood?
- Tempered glass: modern, easy to wipe and can double as a whiteboard, as on the Tresanti desks. Use a mouse mat, as optical mice can struggle on glass.
- Laminate or MDF: affordable and practical.
- Solid wood: premium look, heavier, so check the weight capacity includes the top.
Electric standing desks we sell
| Desk | Desktop | Height | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tresanti Geller, Black | 120.1 x 60.2cm tempered glass | Up to 119.4cm | 3 programmable presets, dry-erase surface | £278.99 |
| Tresanti Geller, White | Tempered glass | Up to 119.4cm | 3 presets, USB-C | £278.99 |
| Tresanti Aurora | 120.2 x 60.2cm glass | 74.6cm to about 119cm | 2 presets, lock button, 7 LED colours | £298.98 |
On a tighter budget? The Leitz Compact Folding Sit Stand Desk (£139.00) uses a gas lift instead of a motor, and the Fellowes Lotus converter (£148.98) turns your current desk into a sit-stand desk. Compare them in converter vs full standing desk.
Setting up your electric desk
- Assemble on a soft surface to avoid scratching the top.
- Route cables through a tray or clips with slack for the full height range.
- Save your sitting and standing heights as presets.
- Place monitors so the top of the screen is at eye level in both positions.
- Keep the area around and under the desk clear before moving it.
Browse all sit-stand desks.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in an electric standing desk?
Height range, desktop size, weight capacity, stability, memory presets, a lock, anti-collision and the motor warranty.
Is a single or dual motor standing desk better?
Dual motors are usually faster, quieter under load and steadier. A single motor is fine for a light single-monitor setup.
What size standing desk do I need?
At least 120 x 60cm for one monitor and a keyboard. Choose wider for two monitors.
Can you use a mouse on a glass standing desk?
Yes, but some optical mice struggle on glass, so use a mouse mat.
