How to Choose a Back-to-Back Standing Desk Workstation

Back-to-back standing desk workstations are an innovative solution for modern offices, promoting collaboration, productivity, and ergonomic benefits for teams working in shared spaces. Choosing the right back-to-back workstation involves evaluating multiple factors, including size, functionality, adjustability, and design to ensure it fits your office needs and enhances employee comfort.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you select the perfect back-to-back standing desk workstation.

A. Understand the Benefits of Back-to-Back Workstations.

Before diving into specifics, it’s important to understand why a back-to-back workstation might be the right choice for your office:

Key Advantages:

• Space Efficiency: Two desks share the same frame and mechanism, maximizing workspace utilization.
• Collaboration: Encourages team interaction while maintaining personal desk space.
• Ergonomics: Adjustable height options allow users to alternate between sitting and standing, promoting better posture and reducing sedentary habits.
• Cost-Effectiveness: A shared frame and design can be more affordable than purchasing individual desks.

B. Evaluate Size and Configuration.

The size and configuration of the workstation must align with your office space and workflow requirements.

What to Consider:

• Desk Dimensions: Ensure the desk is wide enough to accommodate monitors, laptops, and other accessories.
• Frame Size: Verify the overall footprint of the workstation to ensure it fits comfortably in your office layout.
• Workspace Separation: Check if there are options for privacy screens or dividers for a balance between collaboration and focus.

C. Check Height Adjustability Features.

Height adjustability is the hallmark of standing desks, and back-to-back workstations are no exception.

Key Features to Look For:

• Independent Adjustability: Ensure each desk can be adjusted independently, allowing users to customize their sitting or standing height based on personal preferences.
• Height Range: Look for a wide adjustment range, typically 620-1270mm (25 to 50 inches), 700-1200mm (27.5 to 47 inches), to accommodate users of different heights and ensure ergonomic comfort for a wide range of individuals.
• Speed and Smoothness: Check the adjustment speed 30-38mm/s(1.2–1.5 inches per second) and ensure smooth transitions without wobbling. For back-to-back workstations, it is generally not recommended to have a lifting speed exceeding 38mm/s(1.5”/s). While higher speeds may seem efficient, they often result in increased noise levels, which can disrupt office environments. A moderate speed ensures smooth and quiet adjustments, making the workstation more suitable for shared spaces where minimal distractions are critical.
• Noise Levels: Option for a workstation with quiet motor operation, ideally below 40 dB, to maintain a distraction-free office environment.

D. Cable Management Options and Design.

Proper cable management is crucial in maintaining an organized and professional workspace. Back-to-back standing desk workstations benefit significantly from shared or individual cable trays with snake cable management, which centralize cable routing and keep the workspace clutter-free.

Key Considerations for Cable Tray Options:

Shared Middle Cable Tray: A central cable tray between the two desks is a practical solution for managing cables from both workstations.

Shared trays reduce redundancy and optimize space usage, accommodating power strips, connection RJ45 port, and cords for both users.

Split Cable Trays: For users who need independent setups, separate cable trays for each desk allow greater flexibility and personalized organization.

This option is ideal for spaces where desk configurations may change or where users have vastly different cable needs.

Size and Capacity: Choose a tray with sufficient depth and width to accommodate power bricks, surge protectors, and multiple cables.

Ensure the tray supports both desk users without overcrowding, which can lead to tangled wires and accessibility issues.

Design Features to Look For:

Open or Removable Covers: Trays with open slots or removable panels make it easier to add or rearrange cables.

Ventilation: If the tray will house power bricks or adapters, ventilation holes help prevent overheating.

Robust Materials: Metal or high-strength plastic ensures durability and reliability, even under heavier cable loads.

Key Points for Snake Cable Management.

A snake cable management system complements the cable tray by ensuring smooth and flexible routing of wires from the tray to the floor or desk-mounted devices. This feature not only keeps the workstation tidy but also protects cables from damage during height adjustments.

Benefits of Snake Cable Management:

Flexibility:

Snake designs bend and adapt to the desk’s movement, ensuring wires remain untangled and secure during height transitions.

Cable Protection:

They prevent cable wear and tear caused by stretching or pinching, extending the lifespan of your wiring.

Improved Aesthetics:

Snakes conceal unsightly wires, giving the workstation a sleek and professional appearance.

What to Look For:

Length and Adjustability:

Ensure the snake is long enough to accommodate the full height range of the desk. Adjustable segments allow for custom configurations.

Durable Construction:

Option for models made of high-strength plastic or aluminum, which resist bending and breaking over time.

Mounting Options:

Some snakes attach magnetically to desk frames, while others use clips or adhesive pads for secure installation.

E. Consider add leg cover.

The leg cover design plays a vital role in creating a visually appealing and cohesive office environment. Covers that partially hide the lifting legs can dramatically improve the aesthetics of the workspace, blending functionality with stylish design.

Shapes for Leg Covers: The choice of leg cover shape is often influenced by the shape of the lifting leg itself, ensuring a seamless fit and cohesive design. Here are the most common options:

• Square or Rectangular Covers.

Design Appeal: Offers a minimalist, clean-lined look, perfect for modern or industrial-style offices.

Key Advantage: Aligns well with rectangular or square lifting legs, providing a structured and symmetrical appearance.

Best Use: Ideal for workstations prioritizing a sleek and functional aesthetic.

• Round or Oval Covers

Design Appeal: Softens the overall look of the workstation, creating a more approachable and elegant design. And often feature an additional layer of fabric material on the exterior, transforming their appearance to be less industrial and more inviting.

Key Advantage: Complements round or oval lifting legs, offering a unified and harmonious feel.

Best Use: Suitable for offices aiming for a friendly and inviting atmosphere. And for modern, high-end workspaces seeking a blend of form and function.

F. Exploring Different Configurations of Back-to-Back Workstations: From Two-Person to Multi-User Setups.

Back-to-back workstations come in various configurations to suit different office needs. Beyond the standard two-person, four-leg design, there are options like three-person, nine-leg workstations, which provide more flexibility for collaborative setups. Other configurations may include modular designs for larger teams or customized layouts to fit unique office spaces. These variations ensure ergonomic benefits while maximizing space efficiency and accommodating diverse workspace requirements.

G. Check Assembly and Maintenance.

Ease of assembly and maintenance can save time and effort in setting up your workstation.

Assembly Tips:

• Pre-Assembled Components: Look for workstations with partially assembled frames to reduce setup time.
• Clear Instructions: Ensure the product includes detailed assembly guides or video tutorials.
• Tool-Free Options: Some designs feature tool-free assembly for added convenience.

Maintenance Tips:

• Choose desks with scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean surfaces.
• Option for frames with rust-resistant finishes to ensure longevity.

H. Compare Price and Warranty.

Back-to-back standing desk workstations vary widely in price, so consider your budget and the warranty offered by the manufacturer.

Price Ranges:

• Entry-Level: $100–$120, typically featuring laminate surfaces and basic height adjustability.
• Mid-Range: $190–$220, offering dual-motor systems and premium finishes.
• High-End: $220 and above, with advanced features like memory presets, privacy screens, and custom finishes.

Warranty Coverage:

• Motors and electronics should have a warranty of 5 years.
• Frame and structural components should offer at least 10 years of coverage.

I. Research Manufacturer Reputation.

Choose a reputable brand or supplier to ensure product quality and customer support.

How to Evaluate:

• Verification, Truth-Seeking: Ask about their existing client brands to gauge their reputation and experience in the market. Conduct an on-site visit to inspect their production facilities, workforce, and overall company scale. Additionally, request certifications, production capacity reports, and references from other clients. These steps ensure the manufacturer can meet quality and volume requirements effectively.
  Customs Data: Use customs data to verify their export frequency and shipment volume. High and consistent export activity can indicate reliability and trustworthiness, as it reflects the manufacturer’s ability to handle large orders and meet international demands.
• Certifications: Look for certifications like BIFMA, UL, GS, and TUV for quality and safety standards.
• Customer Support: Check if the manufacturer offers responsive after-sales service and easy access to replacement parts.

J. Test Before You Buy.

If possible, test the workstation before purchasing to ensure it meets your expectations.

What to Test:

• Height adjustment smoothness and noise levels.
• Stability at both minimum and maximum heights.
• Check desk assembly method and overall design aesthetics.

Conclusion

A back-to-back standing desk workstation is an excellent investment for modern offices, combining space efficiency, ergonomic benefits, and collaborative potential. By considering factors such as adjustability, stability, surface options, advanced features, and manufacturer reputation, you can select a workstation that enhances productivity and meets your team’s needs.

Take the time to evaluate your options carefully, and you’ll find a workstation that delivers comfort, functionality, and style for years to come.