The last desk you’ll ever buy

It may seem more natural to sit while working, but researchers have been pondering whether standing is a better alternative. FlexiSpot’s Pro Plus (E7) Standing Desk lets you decide what works best for you with a simple design, thick leg columns, and 25.6-inch height adjustment.

The design is little more than 2 carbon steel legs, a matching frame, and a scratch- and stain-resistant 55 x 28-inch chipboard desk, but the Standing Desk Pro Plus (E7) can be a game changer. Durability and heavy weight aside, the height adjustment from 22.8 to 48.4 inches turns this desk into a versatile, multi-use workstation that benefits you in several different ways.

There are some minor improvements that could help with the aesthetics and functionality of the E7. However, its simple design and high-quality construction results in a desk that’s good for both workflow and comfort.

A simple and durable design

When I first opened the box containing the solid black chipboard desk, I was a bit disappointed. It is very basic, providing just a large flat surface with no options for tiered shelving or additional storage. Then I thought back to life before I was spoiled by Bestier’s 55-inch gaming desk, complete with LED lighting, monitor stand, and controller mount.

I had to reprogram myself to my office days when I appreciated the 55-inch footprint of the Pro Plus standing desk. In fact, I had to measure both the 55in Bestier and the Pro Plus as there seems to be a discrepancy with the former. Turns out, when you strip away all those added “features,” you have plenty of room for things that help with productivity and organization.

So even though I was put off by the basic layout, I quickly found the benefit and started transitioning to the larger surface as a permanent workstation. FlexiSpot desks also stand out for their solidity. The chipboard surface (made up of small pieces of wood bonded together and pressed at high temperatures) is actually the cheapest material the Pro Plus Standing Desk is available in, and it still feels like a solid wood desk. It doesn’t have the revealing creases and gaps around the edges that pressed desks often have. The black surface arrived and has remained scratch and scuff free, despite its daily abuse.

Carbon steel for long-lasting use

While the desk is made of chipboard, FlexiSpot uses carbon steel for the frame and legs. According to the manufacturer, the metal used is “automotive material grade” which is sure to remain durable for years to come. However, he wonders if it was the only plausible material, and if not, how much cheaper would the desk have been if built with the next best?

Of course, having that promise of long-lasting robustness offers peace of mind and has severely limited any shaking that might occur during normal use. But would another metal, perhaps a little less durable, offer the same user experience at a lower cost? Longevity and stability are certainly not things to complain about when it comes to furniture, it’s just a matter of necessity.

It is worth noting that durability and stability are not the only advantages that carbon steel offers. The legs and frame have been laser welded to give the desk a seamless look, and it really does lead to a sleek design scheme. Even if you’re not overly concerned with the look of your office furniture, it’s hard to miss how simple and clean the frame looks, especially against the solid black desk.

Note: The frame features built-in cable management routing to prevent unsightly cable cobwebs.

The solid construction of the individual components of the Pro Plus E7 means it will last for years, but it also added a bit of a challenge to assembly. Every component of the desktop is heavy. Flipping the entire desk over was stressful, and I was sure a screw or two would rip out of the chipboard. However, everything held up well, and despite working alone (which was a bit reckless), assembling the E7 was simple.

Taking your work to new heights

Adjusting the desk height couldn’t be easier. A small programmable panel screws into the bottom of the desk, facing you. Its seven-button layout is pretty advanced with memory for four height presets. You can set two custom heights, designated “1” and “2”, along with your preferred heights for standing and sitting.

The panel is responsive and easy to use, and an additional USB charging port only adds to the convenience. According to FlexiSpot, the keyboard included with this desk is the Premium keyboard. There’s also an advanced keyboard with four presets, a sit and stand reminder, and an anti-collision sensor. The Premium keyboard also features a child lock feature for added security.

But is it comfortable?

As simple as the FlexiSpot E7 is, there is only one real factor that determines whether it is a comfortable desk to sit on: the height of the user. As long as you adjust to the highest and lowest ranges, you should have no problem working at this standing desk. There are no unsightly jagged edges or unsightly ridges to catch on; it is a very smooth construction.

As for whether standing while working is better than sitting, I can attest that I have experienced a decrease in leg stiffness and have felt a slight but noticeable change in tension in my lower back. After switching to the E7 adjustable desk, it has been much less frequent.

There has been no impact on my workflow or productivity, and I see no harm in standing while working, as long as your body is physically capable.

Personalization: building the desktop of your dreams

One of the best things about the Pro Plus E7 is that there is a wide variety to choose from. I chose a standard 55-inch black-on-black desk to match the size and aesthetic of my office, but you have the option of a bamboo desk, fiberboard, solid wood texture, or solid wood desk. And from that decision, there is a varied selection of sizes, colors and styles.

For example, you can purchase a 60-by-24-inch white woodgrain desk that has a curved cutout in the front for an even more comfortable fit. Of course, the price is determined by the material and size of the desk. There are options at entry-level price tags ranging all the way up to those that rival the best standing desks.

If you want a little more functionality with your desk, you can also purchase a selection of accessories, such as an under-mounted desk drawer or a pegboard that screws directly into the preset holes. Cable routers, clamp-on power strips, additional under-desk storage, a monitor arm or stand, and a keyboard tray can all be added after the fact if you decide you want to customize your desk.

However, as it stands, the standard desktop is more than enough for the average user.

Should I buy the FlexiSpot Pro Plus E7 standing desk?

You absolutely can get an adjustable desk for up to $300 less than the entry-level 55-inch Pro Plus E7 chipboard. However, this is very much a case of you getting what you pay for. The E7 is one of the most stable desks I’ve ever sat at, and every aspect of its construction, from the surface to the cable management tray, is of a high quality.

Looking at the different settings can be intimidating, but once you customize every detail, you begin to appreciate what FlexiSpot thought of. Of course, factor in the cost of individual components and upgrades. Playing around with a few options that I would have added to my unique build, I quickly added $400 to the final price. To get the exact desk you wanted, which consisted of a solid wood desk, dual-monitor arm, pegboard, cable router, and drawer mounted underneath, you’d spend upwards of $1,000. The chipboard-to-wood upgrade is $100 on its own.

Other than a few drawbacks, like a cramped undermounted cable tray that came standard and overall weight, there’s little to dislike about the E7. FEZiBO offers similar configurations at a marginally lower cost, but there is one area where FlexiSpot absolutely excels, and that is in its warranty. The E7 is clearly intended to be a lifetime desktop with a 15-year warranty on the frame and motor, which is a decade longer than what FEZiBO and many other competitors offer.

FlexiSpot’s E7 standing desk may be more expensive and a bit heavier than other desks, but the dual motor and carbon steel frame help ensure you won’t be looking at desks again any time soon, if ever. to do. It would be nice not to have to pay for every extra feature, but it’s a small price to pay considering you can build the perfect desktop to fit your needs.