A sit to stand desk is really two products: a worksurface and a lift system. The surface is easy to judge by eye. The lift system is where a used desk earns or loses its value. This page lays out how Office Station grades pre-owned height-adjustable desks, what they cost to get installed, and what you should check before you commit to a quantity.
What you are actually buying
Most commercial sit to stand desks fall into a few base types. Knowing which one you are looking at tells you a lot about how it will hold up.
- Dual-motor electric bases. One motor per column. Smoother, better at carrying heavier loads like multiple monitors, and generally the most durable choice for all-day use.
- Single-motor electric bases. One motor driving both columns through a shaft. Lighter duty and often slower, but fine for a single monitor and laptop setup.
- Counterbalance or crank bases. No electricity required. Useful for spaces where you do not want cords, but adjustment takes more effort and they tend to see less frequent use.
- Height-adjustable desks within workstation systems. Lift bases paired with panels or screens, often from a single manufacturer's system. These are best bought together so finishes and attachment hardware match.
We carry pre-owned furniture from brands including Steelcase, Herman Miller, Knoll, Haworth, Humanscale, Teknion, Allsteel, Kimball, AIS and Friant. Availability of any particular model changes with what comes in, so ask for current stock rather than assuming a specific base is on hand.
How condition grades work on a lift desk
Every piece we sell carries one of three grades. On a height-adjustable desk, the grade reflects both the surface and the base.
| Grade | What it means | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|
| A, like new | Minimal or no visible wear on surface or frame | Client-facing areas, executive and private offices |
| B, very good | Light wear such as minor scuffs, clean functional operation | Open office rows, most team spaces |
| C, good | Visible wear on surfaces or frames, still sound and usable | Back-office, call centers, training rooms, budget-first projects |
A cosmetic mark on a laminate top is a very different issue from a column that hesitates on the way up. When you review a quote, ask which grade applies to which component, especially if tops and bases came from different sources.
Checklist before you buy used standing desks
Whether you are inspecting in person or reviewing photos and notes, run through this list.
- Full travel test. Run each desk from lowest to highest and back. Listen for grinding, clicking or uneven speed between columns.
- Controller and presets. Confirm the buttons respond and any memory presets save. A missing or cracked controller is a common gap.
- Height range. Check the minimum and maximum heights against your tallest and shortest users. Some bases do not go low enough for seated work at shorter heights.
- Power cords and control boxes. Make sure every desk has its power cord and control box. Mismatched parts can cause error codes.
- Wobble at full height. Lateral wobble at standing height is the most common complaint about lift desks. Crossbars and base width both affect it.
- Top size and mounting. Verify top dimensions and that the pre-drilled holes line up with the base. Swapping tops is possible but adds labor.
- Load needs. Count monitors, arms and any hardware you plan to mount. Match that to the base type.
- Power at the floor. Each electric desk needs a nearby outlet. Our furniture prices exclude electrical work, so plan any new circuits or power poles with your electrician.
Ask for current sit to stand stock
Lead times by tier
How quickly you can have desks in place depends on which tier you choose and how many matching units you need.
| Tier | Typical lead time | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Liquidation-grade | As little as 72 hours when in stock | You need desks fast and can accept as-found cosmetics |
| Remanufactured | Usually 7 to 14 days | You want refreshed finishes and a more uniform look |
| New | 4 to 6 weeks | You need a specific model, finish or a long uniform run |
Large matching quantities of a single sit to stand model can be harder to source used than smaller mixed batches. If uniformity matters, tell us early so we can check stock before you lock in a move date.
Installation, delivery and pricing
We keep the extra costs as separate, visible lines so you can compare quotes fairly.
- Installation: $95 per workstation, with a $495 minimum. This covers professional assembly and setup of the furniture.
- Greater Phoenix delivery: $195 for central zones, $295 for the wider metro.
- Everywhere else: nationwide freight quoted per project.
- Volume pricing: 5% off at 20 or more stations, 8% at 50 or more, 12% at 100 or more.
- Space planning: free.
Furniture prices exclude electrical, delivery and professional installation. If you are putting lift desks into a full 6' x 6' workstation layout, our furniture-only benchmark is $615 per station liquidation-grade, $1,245 remanufactured and $1,920 new. Height-adjustable bases can change those numbers, so use them as a starting point and let us quote your exact configuration. You can build a workstation estimate on our used cubicle quote builder.
Pairing desks with seating and systems
A standing desk only helps if the chair next to it works too. Users who switch positions often benefit from a task chair that adjusts quickly. Browse pre-owned office chairs to match your desks, or see the wider pre-owned office furniture range for storage and tables.
If your company is on the other side of the equation, with an office full of desks to clear out, our office furniture liquidation service provides a written net offer: the resale value of your furniture minus the cost of removal. When that number is positive, you get paid.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Are used sit to stand desks reliable?
A well-built commercial electric desk is designed for years of daily cycles, and many come out of offices with light use. Reliability depends on the base, so check the lift columns, motor noise and controller function before you buy. Every unit carries an A, B or C grade, and you can ask what condition notes apply to the desks you are considering.
Do manufacturer warranties transfer on a used height-adjustable desk?
Generally, no. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and manufacturer warranties usually do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Ask us what support applies to the specific desks in your quote before you order.
How fast can I get used standing desks?
In-stock liquidation-grade furniture can be ready in as little as 72 hours. Remanufactured pieces usually take 7 to 14 days, and new product typically runs 4 to 6 weeks. Actual availability depends on the quantity and matching you need.
Do you install sit to stand desks?
Yes. Professional installation is $95 per workstation with a $495 minimum. Prices for the furniture itself exclude electrical, delivery and installation, so those appear as separate lines on your quote.
What does delivery cost?
In Greater Phoenix, delivery is $195 for central zones and $295 for the wider metro. Outside Greater Phoenix, nationwide freight is quoted per project based on quantity, weight and destination.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
