Standing Desk vs Desk Riser [5 Differences Explained]

Standing desks and desk risers have their specialties and can give you a productive workstation. Both of them can help you get rid of the monotony from your work and have a healthy, productive work life.

Both standing desks and desk risers have their pros and cons. And both serve different purposes. The basic difference between a standing desk and desk risers are:

1. Desk risers are smaller than standing desks.
2. Standing desks tend to be sturdier.
3. Standing desks can hold more load than desk risers.
4. Desk risers are less expensive than standing desks.
5. Desk riser can be used as an extension to your current desk.

These are the basic difference between a standing desk and desk risers. In this article, we will discuss briefly the difference between them and how you can choose the best option for you.

So, let’s get started.

What Is The Perfect Desk Height?

The perfect desk height depends on the individual users and their height. Sometimes taller desks can give you the best support. On average the perfect desk height ranges from 27-29 inches tall.

If you still feel confused about what is the perfect desk height for you, then we would recommend you get the height adjustable desks. If you just need a desk riser then you can get height-adjustable desk risers too.

A height-adjustable product can give you a lot of benefits. The most important benefit is that you don’t have to worry about changing it if the height mismatches your height.

5 Differences Between Standing Desk And Desk Riser

Now let’s talk about the basic differences between a standing desk and a desk riser elaborately.

1. Size

Height adjustable standing desks are all in one that you might need. They take up some place meaning, they are a whole desk not a part of a desk. The main difference in their sizes is that desk risers can be used with any desk as they will help you to heighten up your desk.

The benefit of getting a height-adjustable standing desk is that you won’t need any extra extension with it. And the benefit of getting a desk riser is that you can use it with your existing desk without changing it.

2. Sturdiness

Standing desks are sturdier than desk risers. That’s because standing desks have firm ground on their legs. But the desk riser is used with other desks as an extension so they might wobble if your original desk is not firm.

Normally the standing desks are made in such a way that they can give you the full support of your body. This means you can lean on them without the fear of breaking them. So, standing desks are the sturdier among these two.

3. Load Capacity

As standing desks are sturdier than desk risers, standing desks can also hold more load than desk risers. Standing desks are mostly used for the health benefits they provide for the users. As you work with them, you have to lean on them sometimes for bodily movement so they have to give support to the full weight of your body.

Desk risers are minimalistic and for low to moderate users. If you want to buy a desk riser to support your PC then you might have to buy other parts that can give you extra support to hold things up.

4. Cost

Standing desks are costlier than desk risers. To save more bucks you can consider getting a desk riser if you have a fully functional desk. Desk risers are smaller and more minimalistic than standing desks, so they cost less than standing desks.

But desk risers cannot hold that much load so you might have to buy other extra parts that can help you to hold a load.

5. Extension vs Desk

Desk risers are not fully functional desks they are used as an extension over your existing desk, to help you get some height.

Standing desks are adjustable fully functional desks that you can use to replace your conventional desk.

These are the main differences between a standing desk and desk risers. Both of them can come in handy according to your needs. If you need a desk, then you can choose the standing desk. But if you already have a fully functional desk and you want to have the benefits of a standing desk with your previous desk, you should go for desk risers.

Are Desk Risers Worth It?

This depends on your needs. Desk risers are certainly amazing and multifunctional. You can use them without having to dump your existing desk. Desk risers are multifunctional, meaning you can use them anywhere you want.

They are portable and you can adjust the height according to your needs. Some can be even used to read and write in bed if you are having a lazy day. Depending on the functionality of the desk risers, they are definitely worth it.

You get to use your previous desk and also have the benefit of making it a standing desk within minutes. If you are not too worried about looks and have a fully functional desk, then you should definitely go for desk risers.

If you want to save some money then they are also the perfect option for you. You can get the functionality of a standing desk for less money which will provide you enormous health benefits and you can also adjust the height according to your preference.

What Is The Purpose Of A Desk Riser?

The purpose of a desk riser is to have the benefits of a standing desk without having to change your existing desk. Desk risers are great for getting health benefits from your existing desk. Also, you can switch between your existing desk and use it as a standing desk.

Desk risers are multifunctional. But they are not capable of holding much weight. So, you have to be careful in choosing what type of work you are going to use it for. You cannot set your whole PC on a desk riser as they are not capable of holding that much space.

If you need a full workstation where you want to set your PC up, then you should go for standing desks. You can use your laptop or other lightweight gadgets on the desk risers. For more space and weight, you have to add extra support to your desk riser.

How Do I Choose A Desk Riser?

Here is how you can choose a desk riser for yourself.

1. Look For What You Need.

Think about what kind of use you might have for the desk riser. If you need a sturdy desk riser then you should look out for those options which can meet your needs. You can choose a metal desk riser if you need a sturdy desk riser.

2. How Much Weight Can Your Desk Riser Hold?

Look out for the weight capacity of your desk riser. We would recommend you get a desk riser that can hold a moderate amount of weight. This way your desk riser will not get damaged.

3. Cost 

As desk risers are less expensive than standing desks, you should look out for cheaper options. Some may want an expensive desk riser but what is the point of getting a desk riser this expensive when you can get a standing desk with that money? So, decide wisely.

Desk risers are cheaper and less expensive than standing desks, so they are a good option if you are low on budget.

Is A Standing Desk Better For The Lower Back Or A Desk Riser?

Both the standing desk and desk riser serve almost the same purpose. Standing desks are better known for use as a workstation without ruining your health. And the other health benefits of using a standing desk are enormous.

Depending on the health benefits of both of them then the standing desk will be the ultimate winner. Because you have to use it for a longer time which will reduce your chance of getting lower back pain, heart disease, etc.

On the other hand, desk risers have health benefits too. But often they are used as an extension. So, standing desks will ultimately be the winner here. But you can also use the desk riser as your everyday workstation if it is sturdy enough and serves your overall purpose.

Desk risers can also serve many health benefits if you start to use them regularly. You can get yourself a good desk riser which can help you get the health benefits of a standing desk for less money and without having to change your previous desk.

Final Words

Standing desk or desk riser, the decision can be hard to take sometimes. But you can always choose what fits better for you. Whatever you choose, do not compare it with your health. After all, you would be paying for your comfort and not discomfort.

To know more about standing desks and a healthy workstation you can read this article.

Desk Bike Vs Standing Desk (Which One Burns More Calories?)