Summary
In the ever-growing world of ergonomic furniture, finding the right sit-stand desk can be a challenge. If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly option, look no further than the IKEA Trotten Sit-Stand Desk (formerly known as the IKEA Skarsta)!
This in-depth video review dives deep into everything this desk has to offer. Want to see it in action?
The video walks you through everything from unboxing and assembly to a full demonstration of its features. Plus, there’s a handy summary to help you decide if this is the perfect adjustable desk for your workspace.
Product details
The brand: IKEA
The model: SKARSTA / TROTTEN
Pros
Easy to assemble – Other than the base’s weight, assembling this desk isn’t a complicated task. I assume it should take you about an hour (which is the time it took me – including shooting this video during the process).
Firm desk with no noticeable movements – The desk’s max recommended loading weight is 50 Kilos (110 lbs). I place a lot of stuff on it, and it is standing still. This applies to the min & max heights.
Overall quality – The desk looks and feels much better than the previous adjustable desk I reviewed. The upper part is wood, and the base is mostly from metal, and I’m happy with the overall quality (assuming you assemble it right).
Please note I still haven’t encountered the deterioration that was mentioned in other video reviews (that were excellent and thorough), so if my opinion changes over time I will update this info.
The levelers can be replaced with wheels – this was important to me personally when I considered this purchase because I needed a mobile desk.
You can check the photos at the bottom of this post to see how I modified this desk into a mobile desk.
You can replace the upper plate and keep the same base – This desk comes in several sizes, that differ only by the size of the upper surface. The base is identical, so if you want to replace it with a bigger/smaller/same upper plate, then it’s possible(and will save you money).
The manual handle grip to adjust the height of the desk is working well – I believe children will be able to rotate it easily. Also, it’s attached easily to the plastic housing that I attached to the bottom of the desk.
Price compared to other manual adjustable desks – It is pricier compared to a previous adjustable standing desk that I reviewed, and though it’s hard to claim this is the same type of product, the IKEA desk is by far a better product that is worth the price differentiation.
Cons
Price compared to electric adjustable desks – This is a tricky one, compared to electric adjustable desks the price is cheaper where I currently live, but it’s not as attractive as I would expect in other places.
Price compared to other IKEA desks – I thought it would be cheaper compared to other desks sold by IKEA, especially because it’s a manual desk. But the metal base is probably what makes it pricier.
When the desk is at minimum height you need to raise it a bit to place the manual handle back to its place – This is not a deal breaker, but I think it should be noted somewhere.
If you plan to adjust the desk several times a day, then you might be better with an electric standing desk – I think that’s the best justification to purchase the electric alternative for this kind of desk, except the price differentiation.
Though I was glad to learn that I can replace the levelers with wheels, I wish IKEA would offer this option on their own initiative.
No other colors other than white – at least from what I know, this desk is sold only in white.
Where to buy
Below are links to purchase the SKARSTA/TROTTEN sit/stand desk (or similar models):
Buy on Amazon
User manual
Additional links
Links to the IKEA SKARSTA/TROTTEN sit/stand desk:
FAQ
Q: Can I replace the plate on the desk?
A: Yes, you can. This desk has plates (upper surface) in several different measurements, so you can replace them if you want to while keeping the same metal base.
Q: Can I attach wheels to this desk?
A: You can replace the levelers with suitable wheels to transform this desk into a mobile desk.
Q: What is the maximum loading weight of this desk?
A: 50 Kg / 110 Lbs.
Q: What is the maximum/minimum height of this desk?
A: Max. height – 120 cm / 47.5″, Min. height – 70 cm / 27.5″
Disclaimer
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