Purchasing a standing desk is an investment in your health, energy, and productivity. You may wonder though how you will know which standing desk is best for you. One size does not fit all when it comes to office furniture. Working with people to find the right furniture solutions, here are some questions to ask to assure you find the perfect standing desk match.

Consider the cost

Standing desks vary widely in price and material. You can buy a stand that sits on your current desk that’s made of cardboard, a modern glass adjustable-height desk, or even a desk equipped to order your lunch and turn on the lights. You could spend $50 or $5,000 on a solution. Identify your price range first. If you’re looking for a high quality standing desk that includes the ability to raise and lower it plus some other functional features, expect to spend around $450 to $600. There should be an option available to anyone who wants to vary their working position during the day.

Replace the standard

If it’s time for an office remodel and you’re looking for new furniture, a full-size standing desk can be an excellent replacement for your traditional, sitting desk. If you are replacing your desk, be sure to invest in one that adjusts in height rather than one remaining at standing height. This way you still will have the option to lower the desk and sit when needed.

While some people have room in their office for two desks that allow them to switch back and forth between the two work modes, most people do not. Consequently, the adjustable standing desk makes the most sense to achieve maximum ergonomic benefit and efficiency.

If you do not have the flexibility of new office furniture, there are options for desktop risers that can convert your sitting desk into a standing one with relative ease. The standing desk conversion is less expensive but may be an incomplete solution as they may only support a laptop or a single monitor.

Consider space

Do you need a large desk to accommodate multiple monitors, an ergonomic keyboard, and massive amounts of paperwork? Decide on the amounts of space you would like to have, measure your available workspace, and then search for a standing desktop that can work with your needs. If you plan to put a lot of weight on the desk, be sure to research recommended weight limits for the desk and your office space. Some desks come with additional features to help you use space efficiently, including charging stations, keyboard trays, and cable organizers.

Control the cords

A jumbled mess of wires can ruin an office aesthetic, and a cluttered workspace can be stressful. When you’re searching for the right standing desk, make sure it comes with a cable control system or a cable drop within the desktop. Cable control systems can keep your office looking organized and clean.

Evaluate the standing surface

Traditionally, offices were designed around people sitting, so no one paid much attention to the comfort level offered by the flooring. When you make the switch to a standing desk, however, you will become keenly aware of the floor beneath your feet. In addition to wearing comfortable shoes, you should consider adding a standing mat, a cushioned surface designed to reduce fatigue and increase comfort while standing, to your workspace. A good pair of shoes and a standing mat can really change how you feel during the day while you stand. Your legs can get tired after standing for a long period of time—but if you have the right cushioned support, you’ll feel much more comfortable after a day of standing.

Reasons for the decision

If you’ve considered a standing desk, there must be a reason for it. Have you seen someone using and enjoying their standing desk? Has a friend or coworker expressed the positive changes they’ve had from using a standing desk? Do you have back and neck pain from sitting? Is afternoon fatigue an issue that prevents you from being focused and completing your work? If you’ve had any doubts about how a standing desk can help you, rest assured that it will. Standing desks have been proven to increase productivity, happiness, and health. To determine if standing desks could improve this, several studies have been done on employees with long-term back pain.

Participants in multiple studies have reported up to a 32% improvement in lower back pain after several weeks of sing standing desks. Another study published by the CDC found that use of a sit-stand desk reduced upper back and neck pain by 54% after just 4 weeks. Additionally, removal of the sit-stand desks reversed some of those improvements within a 2-week period.