No doubt, if you work in an office environment, you have heard about the benefits of standing desks [1].
Due to the dangers of sitting for extended periods [2], adjustable standing desks have become very popular for the flexibility they offer in work positions.
Switching from sitting to standing while working can prevent many of the issues that come with working at a traditional desk.
The average standing desk goes up to 47 inches tall, which is suitable for a 6 foot 1 inch person. But what if you’re so tall that people assume you’re a basketball player?
It’s a little harder to find an ergonomic standing desk for people that are head and shoulders above their coworkers, but we have found four great options to choose from. They range from electric to manual and go as high as 50 inches tall, which is perfect for a 6 foot 10 inch user.
Read on to find the desk that will transform your workspace and give you the physical freedom you deserve.
ApexDesk Elite Series 71” Electric Standing Desk – Best Overall
Pros:
- Extra-large, ergonomically shaped desktop
- Fits people up to 6 feet 6 inches tall
- Dual motor lift
- Heavy-duty weight capacity
- 8 different finishes
- 2-year warranty
- Cable tray
Cons:
- No additional features such as a keyboard tray, mobile charging ports, or storage drawers
- Heavy
With ample space, an ergonomic shape, and a possible height of 49 inches, the Apex is our top choice. Button controls and dual motors make adjusting the height effortless, and you can save up to four different heights in the memory slots.
If you are 6 feet 6 inches tall or less, this desk will fit you perfectly. Spread out and work with ease on the spacious top that is 71 inches long. It is made of high-quality MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and comes in a wide range of stylish finishes.
Easily reach whatever you need with the curved, ergonomic shape of the desktop.
It is a heavy-duty desk that can support up to 235 pounds. With an industrial-grade steel frame, it weighs in at a whopping 160 pounds and provides great stability. This is ideal for people with a lot of equipment.
Although the 2-year warranty isn’t as long as some of our other options, the exceptional quality and build of the ApexDesk promises many long, productive workdays.
Due to the overall weight of the desk, you may need a second person to help assemble the desk. The process is relatively simple and will take up to ninety minutes.
Vari Electric Standing Desk – Best Premium Pick
Pros:
- Fits people up to 6 feet 10 inches tall
- Dual motor lifting system
- Attractive wood design
- 5-year warranty
- Easy assembly
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Weight capacity up to 200 pounds
Cons:
- No additional features
- Expensive
For the tallest of the tall, the Vari Electric Standing Desk is built to last and is easy to assemble and use. Known for making durable and comfortable products, Vari continues its reputable tradition with this desk.
Made for extremely tall users up to 6 feet 10 inches, it easily rises up to 50.5 inches with the help of strong and quiet dual motors. It has four memory slots to program your favorite heights.
The top is a generous 30×60 inches and provides ample space for a dual monitor setup. A laminated wood surface is easy to clean and comes in four attractive color schemes including a reclaimed wood design.
The sturdy steel base is one of the standout features and supports up to 200 pounds. An impressive 5-year warranty gives you peace of mind when purchasing.
For those concerned with dangerous gasses released from certain materials, the Greenguard Gold certification will alleviate your concerns.
Don’t worry about assembly either! Users can put this desk together in five to ten minutes.
Wondering what the catch is here? The only drawback is that this desk doesn’t include additional features for the price.
Vivo Manual Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk – Best Budget Pick
Pros:
- Adjustable height up to 50 inches
- Steel frame
- Holds up to 154 pounds
- 3 year warranty
Cons:
- Manually adjustable
- Heavy
For first-time buyers or people on a budget, the Vivo Manual Stand Up Desk is an ideal option.
With a solid workspace surface, a smooth hand crank, and straightforward assembly instructions, this desk meets all the important requirements.
The top is made of dense particle board that surprised users with its sturdiness. A steel frame underneath supports up to 154 pounds.
Although some people may consider a hand crank to be too much work, others want to avoid electronics that can malfunction. Cranking the desktop up and down will cause some minor wiggling but nothing serious.
Assembly takes around forty-five minutes and can be done by one person, although two would make it much easier. The accompanying instructions are clear and easy to follow. Be sure to tightly screw the pieces together to minimize any wobbling.
Flexispot EF1 2-Tier Standing Desk – Best Ergonomic
Pros:
- Ergonomic design with adjustable top shelf
- Four programmable memory settings
- Adjustable height up to 48.4 inches
- Adjustable desk feet
- Pressure-sensitive height adjustment
- Environmentally sourced materials
- Steel frame
- Supports 132 pounds
- 5-year warranty for frame and motor
- 2-year warranty for electronics
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Missing holes during assembly
- Upper shelf isn’t as sturdy
This Flexispot 2-Tier Standing Desk is a wonderful ergonomic option due to the raised second shelf that holds a computer monitor at a healthy eye level [3]. The top shelf also has different height settings to choose from that range from 2-5 inches.
With a work surface that is 47 inches long, the desk easily fits into most office spaces while still providing plenty of room for your equipment. The upper shelf can fit two 27-inch monitors. There is also a larger size available if necessary.
It comes in three appealing colors that will complement any environment. Choose from natural, black, or mahogany tops that are made of sturdy particle board with a low-maintenance vinyl surface.
Simple, electronic controls control each level separately, and you can program your favorite settings.
If you struggle with an uneven floor and a wobbling desk, the Flexispot desk comes with adjustable desk feet to stabilize your work surface. Twist them in or out and don’t worry about finding a piece of cardboard or wood to shove under the desk leg.
Another unique feature is the pressure-sensitive height adjustment. To save you from constantly reaching for the control panel, when the desk senses downward pressure, it will automatically go down 1.5 inches and lock into place.
There is no cable tray with this desk, so if you have a wire jungle, you will need to buy the appropriate accessories separately.
Assembly can be a little bit challenging, as some users found that their desks were missing a few pre-drilled holes. The instruction manual also wasn’t as clear and detailed as it could have been.
Also, some people have found that the upper shelf has a limited weight capacity and will sag a bit if overloaded.
If you have any issues, don’t hesitate to contact their superb customer service that will work with you to resolve your problems.
Buyer’s Guide
When you are ready to shop for your standing desk, here are some important factors to consider.
Height
Above all, the desk needs to be at a comfortable height, and as we have seen, some models go higher than others.
Weight
If you have a lot of heavy electronics, be sure that the desk you choose can safely support all of it.
The weight of the desk itself can be an issue if you need something that is more mobile. To easily move your office around the house, you don’t want to get a 150+ pound desk.
Electric or Manual
Do you want the ease of electric controls and the convenience of programmable memory? Or do you want the simplicity of a hand crank? These will affect your work flow and the price.
Dual or Single Motor
If you decide to get an electric desk, you will have the option of either a single or dual motor system.
A single motor is much lighter and less expensive, but a dual motor system is more efficient, stable, and can bear more weight. Also keep in mind that some motors are quieter than others.
Price
As you can see, standing desks come in a wide price range to fit different budgets. You will have to balance what you can afford with the features that you need.
Conclusion
We have looked at a variety of quality standing desks suitable for taller-than-average people.
Our top pick, the Apex Elite boasts top-notch materials, a variety of finishes, and a spacious surface. For people on a budget, the Vivo Manual Desk offers all the height, space, and durability you need.
Despite the challenges that come with being taller, there is a desk out there that will meet your needs. No matter which one you choose, if you use the buyer’s guide above, you will easily be able to find one that will transform your office space into an ergonomic oasis.
References
[1] https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/standing-desks-help-beat-inactivityof a standing desk
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005
[3] https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/office/monitor_positioning.html