Standing Desks for Two Monitors or More

For many people, the ideal workstation these days requires two monitors (at least!) for maximum efficiency. What if you also want an ergonomic height adjustable desk? There are definitely ways to safely and effectively set up a standing desk for two monitors.

What is the weight rating for each type of standing desk?

One factor in choosing the best standing desk for dual monitors is whether the desk can handle the additional weight of a second monitor. Each standard monitor usually weighs less than 10 lbs, so each extra monitor only slightly increases the amount of weight on a desk. In addition to the monitors, factor in other items on the desk surface including a speaker, charging station, keyboard, mouse, books, documents, printer, laptop, tablet, and other items. The total may be as little as 35 lbs. or could be quite a bit more.

Once you have an estimate, look at the weight capacity of any type of standing desk you are considering. In general, there are several types of standing desks.

Electric standing desks can boast some of the highest weight capacity ratings, and offer powered assistance to lift the load.

Pneumatic standing desks generally have an “ideal use weight” averaging about 30-50 lbs, which should be sufficient for a dual monitor desk, although it may require a small amount of manual assistance with heavy lifting. Weight adjustable pneumatic desks can offer up to a whopping 150 lbs ideal use weight, which is more than enough to provide complete powered lifting for most multiple monitor setups.

Stand up desk converters that sit on a standard desk generally have lower weight capacities than a full adjustable standing desk. Some models would be challenged to handle the extra weight of multiple monitors and accessories.

Manually adjustable stand up desks also vary in their weight capacity. They generally are designed for lower weights than fixed standing desks because the manual adjustment mechanism limits the amount of weight that can be moved.

Fixed stand up desks, which are not adjustable, may be rated for anywhere between 5 and 500 lbs depending on their materials and construction. With no moving parts, their weight capacity could be almost unlimited, but it is usually undesirable to stand all day.

For a dual monitor sit stand desk, consider not just how much the desk can hold, but how it moves and provides lifting assistance. The smooth, powered lifting assistance of an electric or pneumatic standing desk ensures stability and easy transitions between sitting and standing.

Can you raise and lower the desk with multiple monitors on it safely?

The ability to safely raise and lower a dual monitor desk depends largely on the sturdiness of the desk. A commercial grade desk that is tested to industry standards should be able to handle the extra weight and stability requirements of multiple monitors.

How much desk space is left over after placing two or more monitors on the desk?

Multiple monitors require a certain amount of desk real estate, so look for a standing desk with the largest surface dimensions that your work area can accommodate. Generally, the smaller dimensions of standing desk converters make it harder to adapt them comfortably for multiple monitors.

Depending on the size of the monitors you use, a desk at least 48” wide is ideal for two standard 24” monitors when the monitors are oriented horizontally. You may prefer a V-shaped monitor configuration to prevent neck strain, or you may orient one monitor horizontally and the other vertically. In any case, the minimum dimensions of the work surface should still be similar.

Depth is important as well. Desks that are at least 30” deep allow the right amount of focal distance to help avoid neck and eye strain.

Standing Desks with Cable Management for Multiple Monitors

Multiple monitors equate to multiple cords. When you have cords for monitors, computers, keyboards, and other accessories, before you know it you can have cable chaos around your beautiful minimalist desk. Enter cable management – the way to beat cluttered offices and make sure your precious electronics aren’t inadvertently pulled off your desk.

What cable management accessories or options are available for the desks?

Cable management can be as basic as a series of zip ties to minimize the disarray of multiple cables. Taking it a step further, a simple yet elegant cable management system can be mounted with magnets along the desk leg to streamline cords to power outlets. This type of flexible cable management solution will corral the slack that occurs when the desk is raised and lowered, keeping cords from getting tangled in the process.

Which type of desk is best for two or more monitors?

The best standing desk for multiple monitors is generally a larger pneumatic or electric adjustable desk. If you want to live without limits, consider a Kloud weight adjustable pneumatic desk or an Oben brushless electric desk. With a 30″ x 48″ or 30″x 60″ work surface, these models are ideal for bigger projects or multiple monitors:

• The Kloud weight adjustable pneumatic desk can be adjusted to lift anywhere between 50 to 175lbs.
• The Oben brushless electric desk offers over 200 lbs lifting capacity.

Are stands or risers safe for multiple monitors?

Freestanding monitor stands have a tendency to tip over, even on a fixed desk, and particularly when used with a standing desk that does not have smooth movement when adjusting from sitting to standing. Free-standing desk risers also rely on gravity and a weighted base. Either of these free-standing options for raising monitors may be fine for some standing desks, but they lack stability, particularly for dual monitor configurations.

Desk mounted options are generally better suited for positioning dual monitors (or more) on a standing desk rather than free-standing risers and desk stands. An adjustable monitor arm offers the ability to make small adjustments to monitor positions when you sit or stand. These adjustments allow you to achieve the adjust to the best ergonomic position for your dual monitors – an arm’s length away, with the top of the monitor 2-3 inches above eye level.

A standing desk for two monitors sets the bar high in terms of ergonomics, efficiency, and ease of use. Try one for 30 days and see.