Since even before the lockdowns, standing desks have been quite the rage. We gave Woody Lab’s stunning standing desk, the Suar, a go — and here’s what we think.
Our desks are safe havens — a place to sort work, get some kills (in a game, of course), or catch up on the daily news. However, due to our modern work habits, we’re often hunched over our desks, leading to whole generations of stiff necks, chronic back issues, and sluggish workdays.
That’s where height-adjustable standing desks come in. But we’re not going to bore you with the whole “standing up for work” routine. You’ve probably heard it enough. Standing = healthier, better posture, better focus, better mood and more energy.
And here in Malaysia, if you were in the market for a standing desk, you’d be spoilt for choice. You see, all standing desks perform the same basic function. Rise when you need to stand. Fall when you feel like sitting. The real difference between standing desks lies in appearance, and so the real choice to be made is: how good do you want it to look?
Enter Woody Lab, a premium hardwood standing desk maker based in Kuala Lumpur. These desks come with the standard fare sit, stand, or lean functions with 4 customizable height presets. But it does so while looking ever so stylish to boot.
Woody Lab’s standing desks come in 4 hardwood types: Rubberwood (a neutral, light-blonde wood tone), KSK (sleek and dark accents), Suar (single-piece Suar wood slab), and Teak (solid Teak wood) desks.
Suar: A functional art piece
We got to work on Woody Lab’s stunning whole-piece Suar with natural “live edge” corners. We were excited to use this functional art piece (to the point we even clocked in OT mind you!). As writers we typically work long hours on desks and laptops — so our lifestyles are as sedentary as they come.
This changed with the Woody Lab Suar standing desk. The sweet spot, to us, is to stand for about 10 minutes after sitting for 30 minutes. And with this new routine of standing every now and then, we found our back muscles relaxed a little more. We were also more focused, likely the result of better blood circulation. The icing on the cake? The fact that it just takes a tap on the LED screen to alternate between sit-to-stand heights, given the desk’s memory presets.
But the real magic of Woody Lab’s Suar desk is that it’s a deco dream come true – with its unique single Suar wood slab and minimalist touchscreen control panel. The tabletop boasts beautiful wood grain patterns and various earthy colour tones – just as you’d see in nature. It’s safe to say that there is nothing more beautiful than the look of natural wood. And since every piece of timber has a different, distinctive grain pattern because of the way that wood grows, two tables will never be the same!
Purchasing a desk with Woody Lab is also hyper-personalised — potential owners get to select slabs they like (selection is available for Teak and Suar), and no two slabs are alike. You’re essentially buying a one-of-a-kind furniture. One that stands. Woody Lab also offers customization for slabs if you need specific dimensions or would like a different wood finishing to match your decor. As we understand it, altering the finishing for their Suar and Teak options is not recommended (and rather frowned upon among premium hardwood enthusiasts). It’s best to let its original patterns pop out.
But don’t be fooled by its looks — this functional piece of art is as sturdy and wobble-free as can be, withstanding hours of desk work, and rounds of desk adjustments to find a standing or sitting position that best suits our mood at a given moment. The desk is powered by a dual- motor system capable of lifting up to 100kgs. Given the fact that the frame is supporting a hefty piece of natural wood, one might expect some sluggish moans of disapproval when it moves, or when extra weight is placed. But there were none, not even as we leaned on it at its highest setting, which is approximately 120cm, or decided to move the desk to a brighter spot in our home. Just because we could. Not only that, but its motorised frames also generates up to 45dB during height adjustments (which is really, really quiet!).
The future of work
Standing desks are here to stay. Not only is it more flexible, comfortable and healthier for you, but it can also help increase work productivity. And if you’re on the market for one, why not amp up your space with one that oozes woody elegance.
Woody Lab’s Suar standing desk is absolutely stunning on the eyes and rock solid when in use. And if you need an extra nudge, there’s lifetime warranties for the slabs (Teak and Suar), and 3- year warranties for the height adjustable desk frame. There’s also the fact that wood slabs carry secondhand value.
At the end of the day, it’s an investment worth making; particularly for your wellbeing and household aesthetic value.
To check out Woody Lab’s desks and make your order of The Suar, visit their online store HERE. Orders typically take around 7-14 days to reach your doorsteps, and if you’re in Klang Valley, delivery and installation, which comes with an additional charge of RM300, is free. If you’d like to see these desks in real life, Woody Lab also has display locations at their office showroom in Bukit Jalil, Mid Valley Megamall, Lowyat Plaza, and IOI City Mall Putrajaya.
(Photos by Woody Lab)
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