Desk Advice - Want to Achieve 67-68cm Height but Not Pay for Sit/Stand Desk

Pbm33 on 14/07/2022 - 22:22

Hi guys, I'm in the market for a desk with dimensions [160-180]cm x [75-80]cm. I need height to be around [67-68]cm to get my ergonomics right. It needs to be sturdy and able to support either a dual monitor arm or two x single monitor arms (still deciding on this).

Given my height requirements, I considered sit/stand desks but found that the cheaper ones don't go this low and given I don't need/want a sit/stand desk I don't want to spend more than $500 on the better ones which do go this low.

The normal desks all have a height of ~[72-75]cm.

Then I came across the IKEA BEKANT (non sit/stand version) which allows you to adjust height of legs. The oak/white 160x80cm version is $329 - which is a price I'm happy with. So this ticks a lot of boxes.

But then I noticed that the thickness of the top is only 1.6cm. Which then makes me ask the question is the table top strong/sturdy enough to support the monitor arms? Is the top thick enough if I wanted to install some under desk cable management tray to hold dock + power board etc (the screws are typically ~2cm)?

Anyone with any experience doing all this with the BEKANT?

What other options have I got? PS. I don't have DIY skills. Would like to keep cost under $400.

Looking for any help/advice.

Thanks!

Computing

Comments

  • SF3 on 14/07/2022 - 22:25
    +3

    Instead of bringing table lower, why not sit higher? With a foot stool/rest for support?

    • Pbm33 on 14/07/2022 - 22:28
      +3

      Would rather have my foot on the floor.

      • jjjaar on 14/07/2022 - 22:53

        Agree with this. Years of trying to deal with high desks including getting foot rests, my back is so much better when I can lower the desk and stay low.

  • Hybroid on 14/07/2022 - 22:26
    +1

    This desk has a 68cm setting on the adjustable legs: https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/utespelare-gaming-desk-black-40…

    Pic: https://www.ikea.com/au/en/images/products/utespelare-gaming…

    It's very sturdy, wide enough for 2x 32" monitors, tons of cable management spaces as well as handy mesh underneath to route cables and surge protectors. Well recommended and reasonable price.

    • Pbm33 on 14/07/2022 - 22:29

      Saw this - don't like the look to be honest. Also don't like the metal mesh on the top.

      • Hybroid on 14/07/2022 - 22:31
        +2

        I really like it. Rotated the top black panel so the contour faces forwards and it's ideal for typing comfort and having chair up close. It's also got a steel frame underneath that's specifically designed to clamp dual monitor arms on (even says so in description). I strongly recommend it.

        • Pbm33 on 14/07/2022 - 22:36

          Yeh not a fan of that contour either. Otherwise have to admit this desk does meet almost all my needs. Will keep it in mind as an option in case all else fails.

  • nismo on 14/07/2022 - 22:58

    https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/idasen-desk-brown-beige-s692810…

    The non sit stand Idasen might be a sturdier option. It's $399 and similar to the Bekant you mentioned it is height adjustable 62-76cm and 160 x 80cm

    I'm in a similar predicament and can't decide what to go for.

    • Pbm33 on 14/07/2022 - 23:08
      -2

      Hmm - interesting option. 2 things - don't like the legs. Don't like the IDÅSEN table top colour options.

      Maybe could pair the:
      - BEKANT Underframe for table top, white, 160x80cm ($200)
      - IDÅSEN Table top, brown, 160x80cm ($159)
      At min height settings this would be 68cm given the IDÅSEN table top is 3cm thickness, and the BEKANT goes down to 65cm.

      Just prefer a lighter colored top..

      An option I guess.

      • ShannonN on 15/07/2022 - 00:52
        +8

        are you after a desk that meets the ergonomics you want or looks good? maybe you have to just go for ergonomics alone and put up with wierd looks after all

        • Pbm33 on 15/07/2022 - 10:52

          Ideally both - but fair call !

  • trulymadly on 14/07/2022 - 23:04

    Pair these legs https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/olov-leg-adjustable-white-70264… with a tabletop of your choice from IKEA.
    Min height is 60cm - I currently have a 150x75cm tabletop with dual monitor arm attached, height set at 73cm ish.
    Can go as budget or as expensive as you like with alternatives regarding the legs if they are adjustable enough, and same with tabletop material.

    • Pbm33 on 14/07/2022 - 23:10

      Wife is using the LINNMON/OLOV 150x75cm (maybe this is what you have) and find it can be a bit shaky …

  • Pelicannn on 15/07/2022 - 00:13

    But then I noticed that the thickness of the top is only 1.6cm. Which then makes me ask the question is the table top strong/sturdy enough to support the monitor arms?

    It’s not just the thickness of the table top you need to worry about. It’s the surface area of the mount as well. I’ve got the Linmon top from IKEA that’s basically a piece of laminated honeycomb cardboard and it supports my 9kg 38” ultra wide and monitor stand no worries. The trick is my monitor arm has a really large flat clamp (comparative to most) to spread the load over a larger surface area.

    The monitor arm I use which has a large clamp is from the brand Vari (previously Varidesk), who are very well known for their sit/stand worktops and such (they also supply many Government organisations including mine). Certainly come up in price though. I paid only $165 for mine 4 years ago or so.

  • bobbified on 15/07/2022 - 00:28
    +2

    Seems like there's a lack of options in the height range you would like. If there's a particular desk that you like, it might be worth asking a mate (one who's got the ability to use tools) to hacksaw 7-8cm off each leg. Most, if not all, of the desks I've seen come with tubular legs that will be easy to saw through. Then remove and replace the end-cap of the leg.

    • donga100 on 15/07/2022 - 09:02
      +1

      Airtasker should get this job done for you for about $20-30.

    • ESEMCE on 15/07/2022 - 11:08

      Most tubular legs are tapered, good luck re-using the end plug!

      • bobbified on 15/07/2022 - 11:17
        +1

        Most SOME tubular legs are tapered

        There's plenty that aren't tapered.

  • friedmaki on 15/07/2022 - 01:57

    DIY - buy the legs from eBay (or Bunnings if you have the budget) and tabletop from IKEA.
    My setup consists of LINNMON tabletop with 28'' hairpin legs (from eBay). Very sturdy even with 3 single monitor arms attached.
    There was a post on cheap veneer tabletop from a couple of days ago: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/712032
    An example of table legs: https://www.vevor.com.au/metal-table-leg-c_10545/metal-table… or https://www.bunnings.com.au/rapidmesh-73-2-x-70-x-6cm-black-…

  • ESEMCE on 15/07/2022 - 08:57

    Secondhand desk with timber legs…
    Chop off legs at desired height.

  • OldSchoolHarry on 15/07/2022 - 13:06

    Highly recommend ErgoDC desk from Retail Display Direct ( can be found from earlier deals). It was around $400 for legs only or around $500 with table top. It goes down to 66cm works really well for me.

  • soan papdi on 15/07/2022 - 13:39

    Try IKEA Bekant. Lowest height is 65

    https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/bekant-desk-white-stained-oak-v…

    EDIT: The table holds my 32" monitor and heavy laptop and plenty of books to spare. The 1.6cm wooden plank is plenty sturdy. Bekant also comes with a mesh for cable management. It's loose enough for a powerboard too, I have it set up that way.

    • Pbm33 on 15/07/2022 - 14:29

      Are you using a monitor arm? If so, how is it holding up?

      • soan papdi on 15/07/2022 - 14:42

        No arm, just a normal stand. I haven't tried but feel the wood is solid enough to support the monitor arm.

      • soan papdi on 15/07/2022 - 14:49

        I will share a few observations about bekant

        • I have the need to rest my forearm on the table and my keyboard is pushed in a bit. The monitor is close to the wall. This setup works well for me. However after 2+ years of use, I feel the table has started rocking a bit if I let it go. Suspect it's due to the imbalance in the weight (monitor at the back all the time plus my arms on the front during the day). It's not terrible but it is noticeable. This would not occur with four legged tables.

        • If you're after the lowest height it's fine but if you repurpose the table to be a bit higher for someone else. the height adjustment is very awkward and takes two people and a spirit level indicator to get it right. I have it set at 72cm but would like to make it 74, can't be bothered. Again, it's not terribly bad but something to keep in mind when comparing with other tables.

        If buying now, I'd prefer getting a four legged table instead of two legged.

  • Pbm33 on 15/07/2022 - 14:27

    Anyone using the BEKANT table system (non sit/stand) with a clamp style monitor arm? If so, how is it holding up?

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join