Understanding the stability of a standing desk can be a difficult task. The main reason for this is because stability is one of the most important factors affecting the shape of desks. After speaking with OEM K&A Mfg. our, it became clear that we needed to build a machine that could accurately and precisely measure the deflection of a standing desk frame. With this device we will be able to easily compare the durability of two or more desks.
This post shows the results of the five strongest desks we’ve tested on the WobbleMeter so far. If you would like to see the results of all the standing desks we tested, please visit the complete WobbleMeter Results page. For our full review of the high-end desk, check out our NewHeights XT WobbleMeter review.
Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture retailer and sell some of the products we review. To learn more about the products we sell, our review process and why you can trust us, please visit: Why we’re different. Who is BTOD.com and the Breakroom Blog?
What is a WobbleMeter?
If you’ve never had a chance to read our WobbleMeter post, you’re probably wondering what it is. In short, the WobbleMeter was designed to provide an objective way to measure the motion and motion of a standing desk. To learn more, visit our post Using a WobbleMeter for General Stability Testing.
WobbleMeter Score Range Guide
For 30″, 42″ and 46″ Length Testers
- 0-20 = Very Good Stability. Almost all desks tested for sitting height will score between 0-20. Users in this range will not see the movement.
- 21-30 = Excellent for good stability. Most users will not see a small amount of movement in this range.
- 31-40 = Good Fair Stability. Some users may start to see movement, especially around 40.
- 41-50 = Fair to Poor Stability. Most users will notice a movement, especially around 50.
- 51-60+ = Very Poor Stability. All users will notice the movement, especially over 60.
1. NewHeights XT – 82 Total Points
Elegante XT Price: Starts at $2,015.99 | Shop at BTOD.com | See Full Results for the NewHeights XT WobbleMeter
WobbleMeter results
The NewHeights XT is the most stable standing desk we’ve tested on the WobbleMeter to date. Its wobble score was less than half its closest competitor’s side-to-side wobble. It ranked second overall in front-to-back motion tests.
2. IKEA Idasen – 114 Total Points
IKEA Idasen Price: Starts at $600.00 + Shipping | Shop at IKEA.com | See Full Results for the IKEA Idasen WobbleMeter
WobbleMeter results
IKEA Idasen is second on our overall list for stability. It ranked fifth in the left-to-right wobble test, but was the most stable desk tested for back-to-back wobble motion.
3. VertDesk v3 – Total Score 116
VertDesk v3 Price: Starts at $818.99 | Shop at BTOD.com | See Full VertDesk v3 WobbleMeter Results
Stability Test Results
The third ranked desk is our VertDesk v3. It ranked third in wobble tests and fourth in shake tests.
4. VARIDESK ProDesk 48 Electric – Total Rating 130
ProDesk 48 Price: Currently Not Available | Shop at Amazon.com | See Full Results for the VARIDESK ProDesk 48 WobbleMeter
Stability Test Results
Fourth place VARIDESK ProDesk 48. Ranked fourth in wobble tests. It ranked third in earthquake tests.
5. Uplift v2 Commercial – 132 Total Points
Suggest Retail Price: Starting at $608.00 | Shop at Amazon.com | See Full Results for the Uplift v2 Commercial WobbleMeter
Stability Test Results
Fifth place is Uplift v2 Commercial. Tied with the VARIDESK ProDesk at 132, it ranked fifth in both the shock and vibration tests.
12 Things to Consider When Choosing a Stable Standing Desk
The suggestions below will not ensure that the new desk you choose is stable. A standing desk will only be as stable as its weakest point. Even if you check six of the seven requirements, the seventh can be a problem. Use this as a guide to what to look for. For an in-depth explanation of why these features are important, see our guide to why standing desks move.
1. Traditional Cross Support
One of the most overlooked parts of a standing desk is the lateral support system. If done correctly, traditional cross bracing can greatly reduce lateral sway in most frames.
2. Proper Cross Support Design
Not all cross supports are created equal. One of the biggest problems is flexible bases – while this reduces inventory, it opens the door to unnecessary movement. The cross support also needs to be long enough to be functional and have a strong connection to the frame.
3. Endless Frame Connection
The ultimate stability solution with few moving parts. If the feet and upper supports are welded to the columns, it greatly reduces the chance of them loosening over time.
4. Lock washers and/or Loctite for Bolts
Most frames require users to attach the feet and upper supports to the columns with bolts. As the desk moves up and down over time, the bolts can begin to back off on their own. We only have a few products including loctite and lock washers in this connection.
5. High Quality Skiing Systems
Sliding systems close the gap between the columns and reduce friction. An industry standard material is Delrin Acetal from Dupont. As the sliding systems deteriorate, the balance between each column will change – creating stability and binding problems that can trigger false positives in collision safety functions.
6. Fitly Glide Systems properly
Having glides that fit well is almost as important as quality. If the glides are too tight, binding problems are created. If they are too loose, stability problems occur. If the desk starts with glides that fit perfectly, they also tend to wear unevenly.
7. Up and Down Smoothness Required
Standing desks without skids at both the top and bottom of the column are a stability nightmare. Without both, there is no way to resist movement in the frame when it is shaken or shaken.
8. Good Connection Between Top and Frame
We’ve found that some desks try to create simple assembly processes, leaving the top-to-frame connection and playing a lot. Products such as IKEA Bekant only use cheap plastic fasteners to connect their surface and frame – which is especially troublesome under load.
9. Quality Column Construction
Even when steel is used, the thickness is important for how much flexibility is possible at high altitudes. All of the extruded aluminum columns that we have tested show a certain amount of flexibility due to the properties of the material.
10. Adequate Overlap Within Columns
The amount of left overlap within the column makes or breaks stability from front to back at high altitudes. When manufacturers increase the height range, they tend to leave a small overlap of the column inside the outer column – reducing the distance between the glides and increasing the strength from the heaviest desk.
11. Good Contact From The Foot And Adjustable Glide
How the foot slides and attaches to the foot is important for stability. Popular methods are a threaded rivnut or a nut welded to the inside of the foot. These options have proven to create a much more secure connection than traditional metal, which can only allow two or three lines of threading.
12. Strong Foot Design
A standing desk will only be as stable as the legs it is built on. Wrought iron and cast aluminum proved to be the best solutions for stable footing.
The Bottom Line
All the desks in our stable range show some signs of movement – the difference is that these models have done a better job of reducing this movement from the middle to the high places.
Without a direct focus on stability in design, you get a very good idea of how difficult it is for standing desks to be truly stable at a standing height. See our complete standing desk buyer’s guide for the full rankings.