What is the strongest standing desk surface? We Tested Them.
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What is the strongest standing desk surface? This is a common question we get from customers wondering what will provide the best stability for their desktop. Is it laminate or is it bamboo?
The truth is, we didn’t know for sure until we did a test. Here’s what we found out. For context on how surface strength connects to overall desk stability, see our guide to why standing desks wobble.
Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture dealer and sell some of the products we review. To learn more about the products we sell, our review process and why you can trust us, please visit: Why we’re different. Who is BTOD.com and The Breakroom Blog?
What We Were Testing
To understand which top was the strongest, we wanted to eliminate any frame elements and look specifically at the surface itself. We added weight to the center of the surface and measured the amount of deflection that occurred from the weight. With the same test setup, we were able to score the deflection between tops. The greater the deflection number, the weaker the surface. Note: how these tests impact your actual use of the surface will vary. This test was done purely to look at surface strength in isolation.
Our Test Setup
Two stationary tables were set at the same height, 32″ apart. All surfaces tested were 48″ wide, leaving 8″ overhang on each side. Surfaces rested on their own – not held down. All surfaces were brand new and had never been attached to a frame.
We measured and marked the center point on each surface. Two 75 lb. dumbbells (150 lbs. total) were placed first. We then added two 50 lb. dumbbells for a total of 250 lbs. A deflection measurement was taken at both weights. Before any weight was added, we used a level to verify the surface was flat and noted any pre-existing deflection. Note: the wider the surface (60″ or 72″), the greater the deflection for each surface.
1. Test #1: Fully Jarvis .8″ Laminate
Pretest observation
The Fully Jarvis laminate arrived at our office with a 3/32″ bow in the surface. The surface was cupped – bent on all sides with the middle sunken in – likely due to the thickness of the material and how it was packaged. Over time, gravity pulled the center down while the outsides of the surface were supported. We reached out to Fully for replacements and the update is listed below.
Test Results
2. Test #2: Fully Jarvis .8″ Bamboo
Pretest observation
The Fully Jarvis bamboo arrived with a 3/32″ bow as well, just like their laminate. This surface was cupped with the same thickness and packing – likely the same cause. We reached out to Fully for replacements and the update is listed below.
Test Results
3. Test #3: Uplift Desk 1″ Laminate
Pretest observation
The Uplift Desk 1″ laminate arrived flat with no bowing or cupping.
Test Results
4. Test #4: Uplift 1″ Bamboo
Pretest observation
The Uplift Desk 1″ bamboo arrived flat with no bowing or cupping.
Test Results
5. Test #5: VertDesk / NewHeights 1.125″ Laminate
Pretest observation
The 1.125″ laminate arrived flat with no bowing or cupping.
Test Results
Update from Fully Jarvis
We reached out to Fully’s support team to get resolution on the bowed/cupped surfaces. The response was a bit surprising and suggested Fully didn’t view them as defective. Below are the actual emails from the exchange.
Their first rep apologized and suggested the bow was from incorrectly assembling the center rails. This wasn’t the case – they arrived bowed. I asked for new flat tops and was put in touch with a second support rep.
The second rep explained that bamboo is natural and adjusts to its environment (like a cold FedEx truck), and instructed us to screw the bowed surface down to flatten it out. Our two Fully surfaces had sat in our office for 11 days to normalize and were still bowed. The Uplift bamboo and laminate arrived via FedEx during the same time frame with no bowing.
My last reply asked again for a replacement and mentioned the laminate arrived the same way. I asked if this was normal. For tops that don’t come with a warranty, this is concerning. If Fully decides to send us new tops we will update this post and retest.
Source: btod.com
