Height adjustable desks have moved from a perk to an expectation in many offices. Buying them new for every employee adds up fast. Pre-owned sit-stand tables let you give people the option to stand without paying new pricing, as long as you know what to inspect.
Office Station sells pre-owned furniture from brands including Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth, Humanscale, Teknion, Allsteel, Kimball, AIS and Friant. We are an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and we grade every piece so you know the condition going in.
Types of sit-stand tables
Electric single-motor bases
One motor drives both legs through a shaft. They are simpler and usually lighter, but can be slower and carry less weight than dual-motor designs.
Electric dual-motor bases
A motor in each leg gives smoother travel, higher weight capacity and better stability at standing height. This is the most common choice for commercial offices with dual monitors.
Crank and counterbalance bases
These need no power. Crank tables are slow to adjust, so people tend to adjust them less often. Counterbalance tables move quickly but must be tuned to the load on top.
Workstation-integrated tables
Some panel systems accept height adjustable worksurfaces inside a cubicle footprint. If you are pairing them with used cubicles, confirm that panels, overhead storage and screens will clear the desk at full height.
Condition grades explained
| Grade | Label | What you should expect |
|---|---|---|
| A | Like new | Little or no visible wear on the top or base. Smooth, quiet travel. |
| B | Very good | Light cosmetic wear such as minor edge marks. Fully functional. |
| C | Good | More noticeable cosmetic wear on tops or legs. Sound function, priced for value. |
Grades describe appearance and function. For shared or back-office areas, Grade C tables can be a smart buy. For executive or client-facing spaces, Grade A or B usually makes more sense.
What to check on a used sit-stand desk
- Full travel. Run the desk from lowest to highest setting and back. It should move without stalling or jerking.
- Noise. A steady motor hum is normal. Grinding, clicking or uneven sound between legs is not.
- Level travel. Both legs should rise at the same rate so the top stays level.
- Stability. At standing height, push lightly on a corner. Some movement is normal, but a pronounced wobble will bother a typist.
- Controls. Test every button, including memory presets if the switch has them.
- Cables and control box. Look for pinched or spliced cords and confirm the control box is mounted securely.
- Top condition. Check for delamination, swollen edges and damaged mounting holes.
- Size and range. Confirm the top size fits your space and the height range suits your shortest and tallest users.
Lead times
How quickly you can get tables depends on the tier:
- Liquidation-grade: as little as 72 hours when in stock.
- Remanufactured: usually 7 to 14 days.
- New: 4 to 6 weeks.
If you need a large matched set, give yourself some flexibility. Pre-owned inventory arrives in lots, and a matched count in one finish is easier to plan when you are not buying the week before a move-in.
Volume pricing and added costs
For larger workstation orders, volume pricing is 5% at 20 or more stations, 8% at 50 or more, and 12% at 100 or more. If sit-stand tables are part of a workstation order, ask how they count toward those tiers.
Plan for the costs that sit outside furniture pricing:
- Electrical. Electric bases need outlets within reach. Power work is not included.
- Delivery. In Greater Phoenix, $195 for central zones and $295 for the wider metro. Elsewhere nationwide, freight is quoted per project.
- Installation. Professional installation of workstations is $95 per station with a $495 minimum.
Space planning is free, which is useful for sit-stand tables because they need clearance at full height and room for cable management.
Tips for a smooth sit-stand rollout
A few planning steps prevent most problems when you add height adjustable desks across a team:
- Leave cable slack. Monitor, power and data cables need enough length to reach full standing height without pulling.
- Check clearances. Windowsills, shelves, overhead bins and panel toppers can block travel.
- Pick one top size per zone. Consistent sizes make rows line up and simplify future moves.
Pairing tables with the right chair
A height adjustable desk only helps if the seated position is right too. A good task chair with adjustable seat height, depth and armrests lets people move between sitting and standing comfortably. Browse pre-owned office chairs or the wider pre-owned office furniture range to complete each station.
Replacing fixed desks?
If new sit-stand tables are replacing a floor of fixed desks, Office Station can give you a written net offer on the old furniture in its Southwest liquidation markets. The offer is resale value minus removal cost, and if it is positive, you are paid.
Estimate what your old desks are worth
Email hello@officestation.com with your quantity, preferred top size and timeline to get started.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Are used height adjustable desks reliable?
A well-built commercial sit-stand base is designed for years of daily cycles, so a pre-owned table can have plenty of life left. The key is testing the full travel range, listening for motor strain and checking for wobble at standing height. Condition grades help you know what to expect before delivery.
Do used sit-stand desks come with a manufacturer warranty?
Generally, no. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Ask about the condition grade and inspect the base and controls so you are comfortable with what you are buying.
What do the condition grades mean?
Grade A is like new, with little or no visible wear. Grade B is very good, with light cosmetic wear. Grade C is good, with more noticeable cosmetic wear but sound function.
How fast can I get pre-owned height adjustable tables?
Liquidation-grade pieces can be available in as little as 72 hours when in stock. Remanufactured furniture usually takes 7 to 14 days. New furniture typically runs 4 to 6 weeks.
Do I need electrical work for electric sit-stand desks?
Electric bases need a standard outlet within reach of each desk, and furniture pricing excludes electrical work. If you are adding many desks to a floor, confirm circuit capacity and outlet locations with your building before delivery.
