The biggest issue with standing desks and sit-to-stand desk risers is that they do not work ergonomically for most people. There are two category of users that most sit stand solutions miss; that's the shorter user or the very tall user.
Be careful that the desk or desk riser meets your height. Important considerations for making the proper choice:
1. Typing Position: Make sure that you can type in an L-shape in both the seated and standing position (Keyboard should be below your elbow when typing). This is your most relaxed typing position, most shorter people have to slump forward and do chicken wings to type on a standard 29" tall desk. If you are 5' tall you should be typing close to 22" off the floor. Make sure your standing desk meets HFES 100-2007. If you are 6'3" or taller you need to be careful when standing, that the table or desk riser travels tall enough to type in an L-shape as well. If you are typing closer to your to your pants waistband then you are most likely extending your wrist which puts stress on your tendons and ligaments.
2. Eye Height: Rule of thumb is that you want your eyes to line up with the top two to three inches of your monitor. That means in both the seated and standing position. For shorter users (5' to 5'5") be careful that the desk riser allows the monitor to adjust properly when seated. Most desk-on-desk will not line up properly, potentially causing head extension. If you are too tall when standing the other possible issue is head and neck flexion. Every inch you move your chin to your chest looking down adds 10 lbs of additional pressure to your neck and spine. If your chin is touching your chest you are adding close to 40lbs of additional pressure.
If you already have a standing desk and it does not meet your height properly. The easy fix is adding a trackless keyboard tray (perfect for standing desks with a crossbar) and/or a monitor arm.
We've enclosed three sub categories by height (Petite/Smaller User 4'11" to 5'7", Standard User (5'8" to 6'2" and Tall User 6'3" to 6'6").
The Desks on this page will work with anyone that falls under the HFES 100-2007 Standard (5th to 95th percentile - 5' to 6'5" tall).
