Most offices buy monitor arms after the fact, when someone complains about neck strain or a laptop stand topples. It is easier and cheaper to plan them into the workstation order. The desks, the screens and the arms all have to agree on dimensions, and that is much simpler to sort out on paper than on install day.
Why monitor arms belong in the workstation order
A fixed monitor stand puts the screen at one height and one distance for everyone. People are not one height. An arm lets each person set the top of the screen near eye level and push it back to a comfortable viewing distance, then move it out of the way when they need worksurface.
That last part matters on compact layouts. On a 6'x6' workstation, lifting two screens off the desk frees real space for paperwork, a second laptop or a document holder. It also makes hot-desking more workable, because each new user can readjust in seconds.
- Posture: screens set at eye height instead of propped on books or boxes.
- Space: the footprint of two stands returned to usable worksurface.
- Flexibility: quick adjustment for shared or rotating seats.
- Cable control: most arms route cords along the arm and off the desk.
Fit guide: what to measure before you choose
Monitor arm returns almost always come down to one of five mismatches. Check each one against your actual desks and screens.
| Check | What to look for | Common problem |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor weight | Screen weight without its stand falls inside the arm's rated range | Light screens on a heavy-duty spring float upward; heavy screens sag |
| VESA pattern | 75 x 75 mm or 100 x 100 mm holes on the monitor back | Slim or curved displays with no VESA mount need an adapter |
| Desk edge thickness | Clamp opening covers the worksurface thickness | Thick tops or modesty panels block the clamp |
| Rear clearance | Open space behind the desk edge for the clamp or grommet base | Panel systems and walls leave no room to clamp |
| Worksurface depth | Enough depth to push screens back to a comfortable distance | Shallow desks put screens too close even at full reach |
Single, dual or multi-screen arms
Single arms
The right fit for laptop-and-one-monitor setups, reception desks and most private offices. Easy to install and easy to reposition.
Dual arms
The most common choice for task seating in operations, finance and support teams. A shared post with two independent arms keeps both screens aligned. Check that the combined screen width fits the worksurface without overhanging into a neighbor's station.
Three or more screens
Trading desks, dispatch and monitoring roles. These put real load on the desk, so a grommet mount or a heavier base is usually the safer choice. Confirm the worksurface and its support brackets can handle the leverage.
Clamp vs grommet vs freestanding
- Clamp: no drilling, quick to move. Needs an exposed desk edge and a clamp opening that matches your worksurface thickness.
- Grommet: bolts through an existing or drilled hole. Stronger on thin tops and better for heavy or multi-screen loads.
- Freestanding base: no hardware into the desk at all. Takes up some worksurface and is less stable for heavy screens, but useful when you cannot modify the furniture.
Add arms to a workstation quote
New or pre-owned monitor arms
Good monitor arms last a long time, and brands like Humanscale make arms that often come back into circulation when offices close or consolidate. A pre-owned arm can be a sensible buy if it is complete.
Before accepting a used arm, check that:
- The tension adjustment still holds the screen where you leave it.
- The mounting hardware (clamp or grommet base, bolts, VESA screws) is included.
- Joints move smoothly with no grinding or loose play.
- Cable management clips are present.
Office Station sells pre-owned furniture as an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer. Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned products, so judge a used arm on its condition and completeness, not on a warranty you may not receive.
Planning the full workstation budget
Arms are a small line item next to the workstations themselves. For reference, a 6'x6' workstation, furniture only, runs about $615 liquidation-grade, $1,245 remanufactured or $1,920 new. Those prices exclude electrical, delivery and professional installation.
Installation is $95 per workstation with a $495 minimum. Greater Phoenix delivery is $195 central or $295 metro, and freight elsewhere in the country is quoted per project. Volume pricing on workstations starts at 5% for 20 or more stations, 8% at 50 or more and 12% at 100 or more.
Space planning is free, and it is the right moment to settle screen count per seat. Lead times follow the workstation you choose: liquidation-grade can be ready in as little as 72 hours when in stock, remanufactured usually takes 7 to 14 days, and new runs 4 to 6 weeks.
Quick ordering checklist
- Count screens per seat and note each monitor's size and weight.
- Confirm VESA holes on every monitor model.
- Measure worksurface thickness and depth.
- Decide clamp, grommet or freestanding for each desk type.
- Note whether arms should be mounted during installation.
Pairing arms with seating? See our pre-owned office chairs, or browse the wider pre-owned office furniture range. If you are replacing old furniture at the same time, our office furniture liquidation service can take the outgoing pieces.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add monitor arms to a used cubicle or workstation order?
Yes. The simplest way is to list your screen count and sizes when you request a workstation quote. Planning arms alongside the desks lets us check worksurface depth, edge thickness and panel clearance before anything ships.
Do monitor arms fit every monitor?
Most business monitors have a VESA pattern on the back, usually 75 x 75 mm or 100 x 100 mm. Some slim or curved screens lack VESA holes and need an adapter. Always check the monitor weight against the arm's rated capacity, since an underloaded or overloaded gas spring will drift.
Clamp or grommet mount, which is better?
A clamp is faster and needs no drilling, but it needs an open desk edge and enough clearance behind the worksurface. A grommet mount goes through a hole in the desk and is more secure on thin or shared worksurfaces. On panel-based workstations, a clamp is often blocked by the panel, so check before ordering.
Are pre-owned monitor arms covered by 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 products. Ask about condition and included hardware on any pre-owned arm before you buy.
Do monitor arms change installation pricing?
Installation is quoted at $95 per workstation with a $495 minimum. If you want arms mounted during install, tell us up front so the scope is written into your quote rather than added on site.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
