When choosing a stand up desk, stability is often the deciding factor. Although the price matters, a desk that wobbles at standing height quickly becomes frustrating, no matter how good it looks.

At HADO, we have desks with both raw steel frames and standard steel frames, each designed to suit different work styles, spaces, and preferences. Understanding how they differ helps you choose the right desk for how you actually work.

Why the Choice of Frame Matters 

All height adjustable desks rely on their frames to stay stable while moving and while fully raised. On more affordable desks, the frame is where quality differences show first.

A well-designed frame should:

• Remain stable at standing height
  
• Provide excellent support for monitors and accessories
  
• Be easy to lift and lower
  
• Remain reliable in the long-term
  

This is why HADO focuses on engineered stability, not just materials or appearance.

Raw Steel Frames: Strength-First Design

HADO’s raw steel frame options are built with strength and rigidity in mind. These frames typically use thicker steel components and a more industrial construction style.

Why Some Buyers Prefer Raw Steel Frames

• A solid, weighty feel at standing height
  
• Excellent support for heavier setups
  
• A bold, industrial look that suits modern workspaces
  

Raw steel frames are ideal for anyone who wants maximum confidence when working at full height, or who run multiple monitors and heavier equipment.

Standard Steel Frames: Balanced and Versatile

HADO also offers standard steel frames, finished with high-quality powder coating. These frames are designed to balance stability, appearance, and flexibility.

Why Standard Frames Are So Popular

• Clean, modern finishes that suit home offices
  
• Strong performance for everyday sit-stand use
  
• More freedom when choosing desktop finishes
  

When engineered properly, standard frames deliver excellent stability without feeling bulky or overly industrial.

Stability Is About Design, Not Just Material

What the materials are made of isn’t the full story. Stability also depends on:

• Leg shape and width
  
• Crossbar positioning
  
• Motor quality and synchronisation
  
• Desktop thickness and overall weight
  

This is where HADO’s approach stands out. Whether raw steel or standard, each desk is designed to perform reliably at standing height.

The Flyga 2: A Practical Example of Smart Design

The Flyga 2 height adjustable desk shows how a well-built standard steel frame can deliver everyday stability while staying affordable.

It features:

• A sturdy steel frame available in black, white, silver, or anthracite
  
• A wide range of desktop finishes, including Anthracite Sherman Oak, Cascina Pine, Concrete, Dijon Walnut, Graphite, Black, Timber, Grey, Oak, Maple, Beech, White, and Grey Nebraska Oak
  
• Smooth electric height adjustment designed for daily use
  

Rather than locking buyers into one look, HADO allows you to tailor the desk to your space without compromising performance.

Customisation That Enhances Everyday Stability

HADO desks, including the Flyga 2, can be configured with:

• Cable ports or a clean, port-free desktop
  
• Optional cable trays
  

Good cable management helps reduce pulling, uneven weight, and movement during height changes. It also keeps the desk feeling solid over time, especially in multi-monitor setups.

Raw Steel or Standard Frame: Which Is Right for You?

Both options have clear advantages.

Choose a raw steel frame if you:

• Prefer an industrial or minimalist look
  
• Use heavier equipment
  
• Want a more weighty, solid feel
  

Choose a standard steel frame if you:

• Want more choice in desktop finishes
  
• Are setting up a home office
  
• Value a clean, modern aesthetic with reliable stability
  

With HADO, neither choice is a compromise. Both are built to deliver confidence at sitting and standing height.

How the Desktop Influences the Stability of the Frame 

The design of the frame plays a major role in stability, but the desktop itself also has a noticeable impact, especially on affordable stand up desks. 

Weight, thickness, and surface material all affect how a desk behaves when it’s raised to standing height.

At HADO, desks like the Flyga 2 are available in a wide range of finishes, from Concrete and Anthracite Sherman Oak to Dijon Walnut, Maple, Beech, and Grey Nebraska Oak. While the visual difference is obvious, the physical characteristics matter too. Heavier finishes can help lower vibration by adding mass, while well-finished wood surfaces distribute weight more evenly across the frame.

Thickness also plays a role. A sturdier desktop reduces flex and helps the frame do its job properly. When paired with a well-engineered steel frame, the result is a desk that feels more planted, even when fully extended.

This is where HADO’s customisation options become practical, not just cosmetic. Choosing the right desktop finish allows buyers to balance appearance, weight, and stability based on how the desk will be used. For everyday home offices, it’s a subtle but worthwhile consideration that can improve the overall sit-stand experience.

When comparing raw steel vs standard frames on affordable stand up desks, stability comes down to design, not just materials. HADO’s range proves that you can choose the frame style that fits your space and still get a desk that feels solid, smooth, and dependable.

Explore our latest collections of stand up desks today.