Thinking of adding height adjustable surfaces to your workspace? Excellent! This video will help you choose which option is best for your workspace.

Let’s go over your options:

Want something fast and on a budget? 

• Consider a table top unit as there are many different options to choose from:
• Quick shipping
• Easy assembly
• Added value of being able to move then around if needed

Some of these options include integrated monitor arm support and wire management.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can purchase a completely new surface, and these can be either:

• Rectangular
• L-shaped
• Part of a workstation
• Benching setup
• Table
• Private Office

There are also manual crank and paddle controlled options, but most of these are electronic and use buttons to adjust the height. Some can even be programmed to store three height settings for easy adjustment. A few are even now using sensors to integrate with mobile apps and wearable technology.

When considering options for height adjustable bases, you may hear the phrase single and dual stage. Multiple stages allows the surface to have a larger range of height adjust-ability. For example, the more common single stage base adjusts from 27” to 46.7”. A dual stage base can be lowered to 24.6” and raise as high as 50.2”.

We tend to think of the standing benefit of height adjustable surfaces. But also consider the benefit of the greater range of motion to raise or lower a work surface above or below the standard 29” surface height to accommodate proper ergonomic seating.

Another option is to retrofit your existing surfaces with height adjustable bases. Consider a few things before you do this however.

Your surface needs to be cut about 2” smaller for width and 1” smaller for depth to tearing up panels and walls. You’ll also need to consider power requirements as the electronic base will require one of the outlets. Also, if you have a desktop, your cords will need to accommodate the longer reach of the extended legs.

Don’t also forget about monitors. One needs to think about how many does your team use, and how heavy are they? You will need to choose the appropriate monitor arm to keep them secure, free up space on your surface and to manage power and wires. Most monitor arms will add to the required dept of the surface and, if they aren’t balanced properly, can actually cause an extended surface to tip over as a surface will get less table the higher it rises.

We’ve found that if you are using a dual monitor, you will want a surface that is at least 30” deep to avoid tipping over. Incorporating a T-leg instead of C-leg also increases stability of the surface.

With any height adjustable surface, understand pinch points, obstruction potential and weight capacity along the entire range of motion.

Don’t want to worry about all that? Many modern workspaces are incorporating a variety of fixed height surfaces throughout their spaces to provided choice and variety to employees. The Haworth Immerse Table, for example, allows for seated or standing height work all within the same space!

In fact, it’s not standing that will foster well-being in your people, it’s moving. Allowing for and encouraging movement throughout the day is the best way to create a healthy workplace. Stagnancy is the enemy, so provide an environment that allows your team to move frequently, ideally every 20 minutes.

A couple of final points.

Lot’s of height adjustable surfaces are being imported from Asia, so if made in America is important to you, be sure to ask for it. Also, ask about Red List Free options if you’re in a LEED facility or if a less of gassing, greener product solution is desired.

Many solutions can be modified in the field to accommodate either a left or right handed user if you wish to specify. You may also want to specify the location of controls to meet the aesthetics of your floor plan or furniture solution. By default, controls are often located on the right side of the surface.

We presented a lot of information in this video, but we hope that it inspires you to think through all the options you have when it comes to height adjustable work surfaces in your space. Please know that our incredible team of workspace experts is here to help you with all of your questions and can guide you to making the right decision based on your needs and budgets.