Desks with Adjustable Table Legs: Tips for Choosing the Best Ones

Whether it's at home or the office, a desk is an essential piece of furniture where you can sit and work or place all of your personal belongings and accessories. These days, workstations come with adjustable table legs, allowing you to adjust their height according to your preferences.

However, with so many options available on the market, choosing a desk that suits your needs can be challenging. Should you invest in folding adjustable table legs? Is a workstation with a metal base and frame the best choice for you?

In this guide, we will go over the different types of adjustable table legs and tips on choosing a workstation that suits your needs. Keep reading, as we will also provide maintenance and care recommendations to help you improve the longevity and performance of your furniture.

Let's get started!

Are Adjustable Table Legs More Superior than Fixed Ones?

There are many different types of adjustable table legs, and each option offers unique advantages compared to desks with fixed stands. Here are a couple of them:

Folding Adjustable Table Legs

When you're living in a tiny space or need a workstation that you can move around the house, a desk with folding adjustable table legs may be the best option for you.

You can fold the desk with adjustable table legs and tuck it away in a storage closet whenever you're done working.

Height Adjustable Table Legs

If you're looking for a home standing desk, you may want to invest in a workstation with height-adjustable table legs. While there are many electric options (which we will discuss later), you can save a lot of money by opting for the manual one.

A manual standing desk comes with an old-fashioned crank that you must turn around to adjust the workstation's height. It is a budget-friendly option for professionals who want to stay fit in the workplace.

Metal Adjustable Table Legs

People who are looking for a durable workstation may appreciate a desk with metal adjustable table legs. It typically lasts longer than the other options and looks great, giving the place a modern and industrial feel.

Workstations with metal adjustable table legs are perfect for startups, small businesses, and factories, among many other workplaces.

Since working with this type of material can be challenging, as you may need special tools, it's best to buy it from a reputable furniture retailer.

However, if you're going down the DIY route, we recommend checking out our metal desk frame guide to help you make a durable desktop with adjustable table legs.

Those who are looking for something different may want to explore workstations with steel adjustable table legs.

Electric Adjustable Table Legs

Workstations with electric-adjustable table legs come with automatic motors (dual and triple variants) that help you adjust your viewing angle, allowing you to move between sit and stand positions throughout the day.

Depending on the workstation, you can use the arrow keys or pre-configured buttons to adjust the height of the desk. Some expensive variants come with sensors allowing you to lift the table with hand motions.

A standing desk with height-adjustable table legs is a perfect workstation for professionals who want to stay active in the workplace. By switching positions throughout the day, you can say goodbye to an inactive lifestyle and all of the medical problems associated with it.

Professionals can either purchase a sit-stand workstation or read our DIY standing desk frame guide to build their own if they don't have the budget. If you prefer visual aids, there are many online tutorials that you can watch for guidance.

Expert Tips for Choosing a Desk with Adjustable Table Legs

There are many things that you should look out for when choosing a desk with adjustable table legs, some of which include the following:

Height Adjustment Range

Not all workstations are built equally. When choosing a regular or corner standing desk, you must consider your height and the optimal viewing angle. Look for a table that suits your requirements.

The SmartDesk by Autonomous, for example, offers an adjustable height range between 26.2 and 52 inches, perfect for most professionals.

Shape/Design

Do you need a desk for your home office? Are you looking for a piece of furniture that can fit in a corner? When choosing a workstation with adjustable table legs, you must prioritize your style needs.

A black office desk, for example, can look great in a workplace environment, while an L-shaped workstation is perfect for utilizing underutilized corners, helping you optimize the available space.

Besides corner desks, there are many workstations with electric-adjustable table legs that you can consider, including the following:

• Round desks
• Curved workstations
• Multi-layered tables (desks with shelves)

If you want more storage space and are looking for a workstation with height-adjustable table legs, you should check out our guide on the top standing desks with drawers.

Size and Height

Desks with metal, steel, folding, or height-adjustable table legs come in different sizes. Professionals who need a multi-monitor setup should consider investing in a workstation with a large desktop.

However, those who have limited real estate should buy a small desk with folding adjustable table legs, as it is easy to store and doesn't take up too much space.

Materials

While most desks with adjustable table legs look similar, they may be made from different materials. Some manufacturers use sustainably sourced wood for the desktop and aluminum for the base, while others may prefer carbon fiber and laminate.

The type of material used to make a desk can help determine its durability and longevity. Workstations with metal adjustable table legs are more resistant to wear and tear, unlike those made from plastic, wood, or a combination of other materials.

Stability

Whether it is a standing workstation with electric-adjustable table legs or a manual sit-stand desk, it's essential to check the furniture for stability at maximum height. Pay close attention to any wobbles when transitioning and assess the material's quality before buying one.

Standing desks with metal or steel adjustable table legs may provide more stability, especially when transitioning or at maximum height.

Weight Capacity

A standing workstation with metal adjustable legs or a solid steel base may have a greater weight-lifting capacity than desks with weaker frames.

Professionals may need to consider this factor when choosing a table for their work needs, as they may have multiple monitors, a laptop, gadgets, and other accessories.

While table legs can play a role in how much a standing workstation can lift, the electric motors are the real heroes. Depending on whether it's a dual or triple variant, a sit-stand desk may be able to lift between 300 and 410 lbs.

Assembly and Installation

A workstation with height or folding adjustable table legs must be easy to assemble. Too many screws and complicated instructions can lead to an unpleasant experience, which is why it's crucial to invest in furniture that not only offers functionality but also provides convenience.

Maintenance and Care Tips to Ensure the Longevity and Performance of Adjustable Table Legs

Office furniture is subject to constant wear and tear, leading to premature aging and deterioration. It's essential to maintain it to extend its lifespan, enhance aesthetic appeal, and improve productivity.

Here are a couple of maintenance and care tips to ensure the longevity and performance of adjustable table legs:

Clean Regularly

While you may find yourself busy most of the time, it's essential to take some time out of your schedule to clean your desk. Consider vacuuming upholstered furniture to remove dust and dirt and wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth. Use abrasive cleaners only if you have a workstation with metal or steel adjustable table legs, as they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to wood.

Handle with Care

Whether it's a desk for your home office or a workstation at your workplace, you must always handle it with care. Always lift the furniture up, as dragging can lead to scratches, and install protective pads or stops under the adjustable table legs.

Maintain Ergonomic Adjustments

Desks with adjustable legs have intricate parts that maintain the table's ergonomics. It's important to take care of these by properly lubricating the mechanism every now and then. This can prevent rust and ensure smooth movements.

Keep Away from Sunlight

Whether you have a workstation with height-adjustable table legs or a desk with a metal base, keeping your furniture away from sunlight is essential. Constant exposure can lead to serious damage over time. Consider applying UV protection films on windows to filter harmful rays.

Ensure Proper Storage

While desks with foldable adjustable table legs might be a convenient option for some professionals, they also require proper maintenance and storage. Be careful when assembling or disassembling, and use appropriate padding when storing or transporting the workstation.

Address Repairs and Maintenance Issues

By regularly inspecting your desk, you can identify any issues that may come up and address them immediately to avoid major problems in the future. Always tighten the screws and bolts, deal with any stains and tears, and read the manufacturer's warranty for specific maintenance instructions during inspections.

Take Preventive Measures

Besides regularly maintaining your desk with adjustable table legs, you must take preventive measures to prolong its life. These include using protective covers to prevent dirt from accumulating and investing in coasters to avoid spills.

Professional Maintenance And Repair

Sometimes, your desk may require professional maintenance and repair. While this might seem like an unnecessary expense, it can protect you from a hefty investment down the road.

The Best DIY Adjustable Table Legs Ideas and Hacks for Limited Budget

While we highly recommend investing in standing desks, you may want to consider putting a table together yourself if you're on a limited budget.

Here are a couple of desks with DIY adjustable table legs that you can explore:

PVC Pipes

With a couple of PVC pipes and threaded connectors, you can build adjustable legs for your DIY table. It is a cost-effective solution, and you can customize the design according to your needs.

Natural Materials

If you're one of those people who spend too much time locked away in a shed and tinkering away, you may appreciate the aesthetic appeal that adjustable table legs made from natural materials, such as stone, bricks, or cinder blocks, can bring to the place.

The rustic look combined with a sturdy base makes this DIY workstation a good option for farmers, mechanics, and watchmakers, among many others.

Foldable Brackets

You can save a lot of money if you already have a table that is in working condition. Purchase a couple of foldable brackets and wooden planks and put them together, securing them to the desk's existing legs. There are many online tutorials that you can see to learn how to execute this DIY task.

Bolt Holes

Furniture with pre-drilled holes is a fantastic option to consider, as you can adjust the height and other settings.

If you have a desk with a saw-horse-type base, drill some extra holes into it. This will allow you to adjust the height without incurring any major costs.

Recycle Old Furniture

While this may be the last option to consider, it's an inexpensive way to set up a workstation without spending any money. Tear apart the old furniture for materials and use them to create a DIY desk according to your height preferences.

Recycling old furniture can not only help you save money but also contribute to saving the environment. It can even make room for more things in your house or storage room.

Final Thoughts

While desks with adjustable table legs are far superior to traditional workstations, it's important to consider height range adjustment, the types of materials used, and other factors when choosing one for your home office or workplace. If you don't have the budget, you can always consider a DIY approach.

That said, it's crucial to take the time out of your busy schedule to maintain and care for your furniture by following our expert tips, as mentioned in this guide.