Why Are Standing Desks So Expensive (8 Factors Revealed)

It isn’t so hard to understand why standing desks are very popular, as it has brought many improvements in the way we work whether in offices or at home.

But the sad truth is, Standing desks are generally much more expensive than the standard sit-desk (computer desk and gaming desk) variety. 

And that’s why you’re reading this article to know about the reasons that are responsible for a higher price tag of standing desks.

So, here’s the simple answer to why standing desks are so expensive:

Standing desks are expensive because the materials they are made of are costly and have electric motors for height adjustability which take more time and effort to build. Also, these desks are known for their ergonomic benefits for health and productivity that also affect the actual desk cost.

However, standing desks can come in different sizes, types, designs, and price ranges, but the thing which always remains common is the higher price.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the main reasons why standing desks are so expensive and break down the price. 

Let’s get started.

8 Reasons Why Standing Desks Are So Expensive

Here are the 8 major responsible factors that influence the overall cost of the standing desk.

1. Electric Motor to Adjust the Desk Height

The price of an electric motor standing desk will always be higher than the other two types of standing desk such as standing desk converter and hand-crank standing desk.

The reason for the higher price tag is the electric capability (DC motor) to adjust (raise or lower) the height of the desk.

The electric motor allows you to raise, lower, and stop the desk height at your ideal height just by pressing the button, which makes things so convenient.

Most probably, this small motor is either of Brushed DC type or Brushless DC type and is expensive due to costly winding, magnet, armecher, and stator.

However, the standing desk converter and hand-crank standing desk don’t have this motor mechanism, but still, they’re expensive because of the adjustable facility.

2. Build Quality of the Legs of the Desk

The second key responsible factor for a higher price of standing desks is the built quality of the legs.

The built quality and design of the standing desk legs are completely different from the standard computer desk and gaming desk legs.

Legs are sturdy and designed more stable so that they can easily lower and raise the desk height without losing the desk balance.

Also, the legs are thicker than the conventional desk legs that giving the desk durability and strength to hold the computer and other setup rigs while moving at different heights.

To make the desk legs so sustainable, the desk legs are made with high-quality materials, which increases the standing desk price.

3. Design for Ergonomic Benefits

Standing desks are mostly more expensive than the standard desk because they’re designed to provide ergonomic benefits. 

Standing desks are useful to give you a little extra exercise while you’re working at the desk no matter if you are in an office environment or home office. 

They’re a relatively inexpensive way to keep your body moving while working and provide a better work environment. 

Thus they can help you become healthy, well-being, and productive throughout gaming and working at the desk.

And due to these ergonomic benefits, standing desks have proved to be very beneficial for computer gaming. 

But, you can’t expect these ergonomic benefits from a conventional or standard desk. That is why standing desks are so expensive. 

4. The Price of Tabletop Material

Generally, tabletops of standings desks are made of Laminated wood and Solid wood, which have their own pros, cons, and price range.

Laminated tabletops have low quality but still, they can cost you ⅓  of the desk price because of processing from various manufacturing steps. 

While the solid wood (natural wood) tabletops always have a higher price of ½ of the desk price due to their durability and natural aesthetic. 

Hence, if you’re planning to buy a standing desk with natural wood desktops, you’ll always be charged more than engineered wood.

5. Skyrocketing Demands 

The standing desk has taken a lot of attention over the past few years. 

The reason is not so much that it’s a revolutionary piece of technology, but more about its growing demands.

Nowadays, offices and businesses are adopting standing desks in their setup to create a comfortable environment for employees to increase their productivity.

Another reason is that standing desks are space-efficient furniture that helps the office to utilize their workspaces.

This new approach of ergonomics and office space planning has created a significant demand for standing desks. 

And as we know, according to the law of supply and demand, when the demand increases for any goods or services, the price also goes higher.

The same happened with standing desks, this is why standing desks are more expensive than standard desks.

6. Less-Competitive Market

Another valid reason for a higher price of the standing desks is a less competitive market as compared to the conventional desk.

For a standard computer desk and gaming desk, there is quite tough competition among desk manufacturers, that’s why you get good desks at an economical price.

But the case is not the same with the standing desk market.

There is a high demand for standing desks in the market, but still, there are fewer good manufacturers who are offering the desks.

This resulted in the higher price because manufacturers have more options to sell the desk in the increased price tags.

7. The Real Cost Behind No Cost Shipping

If you’re purchasing a standing desk from an online market, there may be shipping charges included in the actual cost.

This extra shipping charge also increases the base charge of standing desks, and you always pay more.

However, most eCommerce companies claim that they offer free shipping but they charge per pound (lbs) for bulky and heavy goods.

And since standing desks are pretty heavy furniture, there are definitely shipping charges applied. 

8. There Are Serval Quality Checks Involved

From manufacturing from scratch to building the final physical product, the standing desk goes through several quality checks.

These checks involve testing the electric motor, desk stability (wobble), durability (material quality), and strength (load capacity).

These quality checks take time and effort and based on these tests, the warranty of the standing desk is defined.

This makes sure you get the best quality standing desk but it also increases the desk price.

How Much Does a Standing Desk Cost?

After researching the best quality and most selling standing desk on the most popular eCommerce site Amazon, we have found these desks:

1. SDADI 2 Inches Carpet Wheels Mobile Standing Desk – $79
2. FEZIBO 48×24 Inches Stand Up Desk Workstation – $269
3. SHW 55-Inch Large Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk – $299
4. FAMISKY Dual Motor Adjustable Height Electric Standing Desk – $349
5. MONOMI Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk – $359
6. Stand Steady Tranzendesk Standing Desk with Clamp On Shelf -$439
7. ApexDesk Elite Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk – $599

You can see that an average standing desk could cost you as min as $80 while a good quality standing desk could cost you anywhere around $600.

That means the more features you go for, the more cost you pay.

FAQs: Why Are Standing Desks So Expensive

Conclusion

Bottom line: Standing desks always remain more expensive than standard computer desks and gaming desks due to their noticeable advantages.

However, you’ll get a standing desk in various price ranges with different designs, features, and dimensions, but mostly you’ll have to pay more.

I hope this informative article has helped you with what you’re looking for. If so, make sure to share this article with your loved ones.

And if you’ve any suggestions or queries, do let me know in the comments below. I would be glad to hear from you about your feedback. 🙂

References:

• Standing Desk Changes office Design & Space Planning.
• Amazon Shipping Rates to US Territories and the Associated States.
• Choosing The Right Tabletop Materials for Standing Desks.