If you’re looking for a crank standing desk frame, this post will save you heaps of time and money.
We’ve rounded up the top 5 models for under £250.
Perhaps you have an old desktop which is ready for a new and exciting life as a standing desk.
Or maybe you’re planning on buying a top separately. Or converting an unused door. Or any other funky DIY idea.
Whatever the case, we’ll help you to make the perfect pairing.
Before you make your final decision though, take a look at the Q&A section below, especially if you’re new to the wonderful world of standing desks.
Table of Contents
The Crank Standing Desk Frame Q&A
The Crank Standing Desk Frame Q&A
Q – What size desktop is best?
Whether you have an old desktop ready to re-use or you’re shopping for a new one, it’s important to make the right match with your chosen base.
We’ve given you the recommended desktop dimensions in the specs below for width and depth. For thickness, go for at least 2 cm.
Although you could deviate slightly from the recommended measurements, make sure that your desktop covers the frame completely and that the feet aren’t sticking out, causing a trip hazard.
Q – What’s the correct height for a standing desk?
Finding the right height desk is key to optimum ergonomic set-up. For shorter or taller than average users, it’s especially important to double check minimum and maximum heights.
Guidelines for seated and standing work can be found on the Inch Calculator site. Use these as a guideline but take your own measurements as well.
Remember that the height range of the frames we’ve featured does not include the desktop. Add your desktop thickness when doing your sums.
Also take into account factors such as footwear, an anti fatigue mat or even an under desk treadmill. These add to your height so be sure not to miss them out.
Q – What’s the difference between lift and weight capacity?
In the specs below, we’ve given you the lift capacity of each base. Note this the recommended maximum weight that each frame should accommodate whilst adjusting the height.
In some cases, frames are given a higher weight capacity which relates to them in a static position as opposed to when lifting or lowering. Where appropriate, we’ve included this info as well.
Another important thing to remember when working out how much lift or weight capacity you need is the top itself. Don’t forget to add that onto the weight of your equipment. Sounds obvious but this is an easy point to overlook.
Q – Is Warranty Important?
Although there’s less to go wrong with a manually adjusting frame than an electric one, things can still go wrong nonetheless.
Of course, a longer warranty is ideal, but you’ll generally find that a lower price means shorter cover.
Having said that, a couple of our top 5 have 5 year warranties which is a real bonus for the price range.
So it really comes down to you. If you’re buying a budget frame and only plan on using it occasionally for minimal / light equipment, a lower warranty should probably suffice.
But if you’re going for a higher price tag, will be using your frame / desk on a daily basis and supporting the maximum recommended weight, then it would be wise to opt for a better warranty.
Q – Where can I find live pricing?
As you’ll see below, we’ve given you the price range for each product. With seasonal sales, brand promotions and new products coming onto the market, prices can fluctuate.
Click on the product page link for the latest info. Here you’ll find live pricing including deals and offers, product availability, shipping times and so on.
Top 5 Crank Standing Desk Frames
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VIDA XL
Recommended top dimensions : W (120-180cm) x D (60-80cm)
Height range : 71 – 113cm
Extendable width : 102 – 160cm
Lift Capacity : 50 kg
Warranty : 2 years
Price range : £120 – £140
More about the Vida XL…
The Vida XL frame is a great choice for budget. There are no frills or spills but it’s a good, stable base available in black or white.
The height range or scope is the smallest within our feature at just 42cm, and the maximum height is the lowest. So if you’re taller or shorter than average this won’t be the best choice for you.
The crank handle on this model is on the side, so you’ll need to allow for a little extra width for adjustment. Be sure to measure up, especially if you’re placing in a recess or alcove.
The lift capacity is on the low side at just 50kg, but you can add an extra 20kg to that for static use. (Although this kinda defeats the object of an adjustable desk.)
The warranty is also on the low side at just 2 years, but this is an “OK” warranty. At under £150, what more could you ask for?
| PROs – great low-price budget option, suitable for average height users. |
| CONs – not recommended for shorter or taller than average users, low lift capacity, shortest warranty. |
VIVO
Recommended top dimensions : W (102 – 203cm) x D (61-91cm)
Height range : 73.5 – 122cm
Extendable width : 99 – 156cm
Lift Capacity : 70 kg
Warranty : 3 years
Price range : £115 – £130
More about the Vivo…
On the Vivo frame the crank handle is at the front, but it can be pushed backwards and out if the way when not in use.
It’s another great choice for budget at under £150, and it has a lot to offer for the price – a good weight capacity, a good warranty and a good maximum height.
Add to that, Vivo is a well-known company with a great reputation and you could be onto a winner with this frame.
On the downside, we could only find this model in black in the UK. (There’s a wider range of products available in the US.) But we’re pleased to see this base available here nonetheless.
| PROs – good all-rounder, great on price. |
| CONs – available in black only. |
AIMEZO
Recommended top dimensions : W (110 – 120cm) x D (60-70cm)
Height range : 69 – 113cm
Extendable width : N/A – fixed @ 100cm
Lift Capacity : 70 kg
Warranty : 3 years
Price range : £135 – £150
More about the Aimezo…
The Aimezo base is a great choice for shorter users as it has the lowest minimum height of our top 5. It’s available in black, white or grey, so you can make the perfect match with your chosen work surface.
Again, it has a good weight capacity and warranty, and although a little higher priced than the previous 2 models, you should still get change from £150.
The crank handle is located at the front of the desk. It can be placed either left or right, and can also be removed when out of use if you find it getting in the way.
With this model, though, you’re a little more limited moving forward. The width is fixed, so this base can’t offer you much in the way of growth.
| PROs – best for shorter users, good weight and warranty. |
| CONs – non-extendable so less options for changing the desktop width later on. |
ALLDREI
Recommended top dimensions : W (110 – 180cm) x D (65-85cm)
Height range : 71 – 121cm
Extendable width : 85 – 129cm
Lift Capacity : 50 kg
Warranty : 5 years
Price range : £130 – £160
More about the Alldrei…
The width range of the Alldrei frame is better suited for smaller desktops. It’s available in black, grey or white.
The crank handle is located at the front, but it folds away neatly when you’re not lowering or lifting.
The price is good, the height range is good, but with this model you can rely on an excellent 5 year warranty. Great to know if you like that extra peace of mind.
The lift weight is at the lower end of the scale, but as with the Vida XL frame, you can add an extra 20kg to the capacity when your desk is static.
| PROs – good for smaller desktops, good price, excellent warranty. |
| CONs – low lift capacity, choose a wider frame for larger tops. |
FLEXISPOT
Recommended top dimensions : W (120 – 200cm) x D (70 – 80cm)
Height range : 72 – 123cm
Extendable width : 110 – 180cm
Lift Capacity : 80 kg
Warranty : 5 years
Price range : £200 – £230
More about the FlexiSpot…
The final contender in our top 5 is from another well-known and trusted brand. The FlexiSpot H2 frame is towards the top end of the price range, but it has the best weight capacity and maximum height.
It can also extend upto 180cms, making it suitable for desktops up to 2 metres in width. So for taller users with a little more equipment, this is well worth the extra cost.
In addition, there’s a 5 year warranty on this frame, so you know it’s been well-made to last.
The crank handle is to the front of the desk, but it can be easily removed and re-inserted if you wish.
| PROs – best for wider desktops, best max. height, best weight capacity, excellent warranty. |
| CONs – top of price range. |
The Best Crank Standing Desk Sum Up
When choosing the right crank standing desk frame to suit your needs, there are some key considerations to bear in mind. These are :
- Check the recommended desktop dimensions.
- Check that your workstation will be high and low enough for seated and standing work.
- Be sure that your top and equipment won’t exceed the lift and / or weight capacity.
Of course, price will come into the equation as well. With regards to warranty, it’s always good to know that you’re covered if things go wrong. You’ll generally find that for a longer warranty you’ll pay a little more, but this isn’t always the case.
As you’ll see from our top 5 picks, there are some great options out there for under £250. So if you’re giving new life to an old top or are planning on creating something quite wonderful and new, we hope you’ve found the perfect pairing for your sit stand workstation.
If you’re not quite sure if manual is the way forward, take a look at our recommendations for electric standing desk frames as well.
Which do you prefer – manual or electric adjustment? Have you given new life to an old desktop? What other DIY ideas have you used to create a unique home office set up? Leave a comment or email jane@standingdeskuk.com.
