Legs, frames & lifting
152 products from 18 manufacturers in the catalogue.Browse all legs, frames & lifting →
Furniture legs, frames, and lifting systems form the structural and functional foundation of tables, desks, benches, and storage units. This category encompasses traditional fixed legs, adjustable bases, electric lifting columns, and hydraulic systems that enable both static support and dynamic height adjustment. These components directly impact stability, ergonomics, aesthetics, and durability. The right base system is invisible when working well but becomes painfully obvious when selecting furniture—wrong height, wobbling, or inadequate load capacity ruins an otherwise excellent desk.
Modern workspace demands have driven rapid innovation in electric lifting solutions. Height-adjustable desks with motorized columns allow workers to alternate between sitting and standing, improving circulation and reducing fatigue. Medical research consistently shows that prolonged sitting increases cardiovascular disease risk, while regular position changes improve focus and reduce musculoskeletal strain. These systems integrate controllers, actuators, and load cells to deliver smooth, quiet movement at variable speeds while protecting against overload and collision.
Electric systems offer convenience and health benefits but require reliable engineering: dual motors synchronize movement, collision sensors prevent injury, and sealed motors resist dust and humidity. Manual adjustable legs provide lower cost but require user discipline and physical effort. Fixed legs offer the lowest cost but lock furniture height permanently.
Beyond functionality, legs and frames establish the visual character of furniture—from minimalist tube frames to shaped wooden legs to industrial plinths. Material choice (steel, aluminum, composite) and surface finish affect both performance and aesthetic integration. Load capacity, stability geometry, motion speed, and electrical specifications must align with intended use and user safety. A 120 kg desk with a 100 kg child sitting on the edge creates dangerous instability; proper leg selection prevents this risk.
Specification of legs and lifting systems is complex, requiring knowledge of static load distribution, dynamic forces, material properties, and integration with electrical and control systems. Many organizations underestimate the importance of proper height adjustment for productivity; standing desks are not a luxury but an evidence-based investment in worker health. Understanding the parameters—maximum load, speed, motor type, and synchronization—ensures the system will reliably support years of daily use without premature failure or disappointing performance.
What to check before choosing
- Determine total static and dynamic load: add desk weight + typical content + user weight (assume 100+ kg for an adult) + any equipment to be mounted.
- Choose adjustment mechanism based on frequency: fixed for permanent height, manual for occasional changes, electric for frequent daily changes.
- Specify desired height range: measure from floor to desired standing work surface (typically 65–75 cm for desk work) and seated height (typically 50–55 cm).
- Select motor speed and control interface: faster actuators suit dynamic environments; remote or app control adds convenience but increases cost and complexity.
- For electric systems, verify electrical supply: standard 230V/110V outlet availability, and whether single or dual motors are needed for stability and synchronization.
- Check material and finish for the environment: stainless steel for wet areas, powder-coated steel for offices, aluminum for lightweight and corrosion resistance.
- Confirm mounting interface compatibility with desktop material (threaded inserts, bolt-through, or clamp systems) and desktop thickness.
Key parameters
- Maximum load (N)
- The force rating in Newtons that the leg, frame, or actuator can safely support. Higher values suit heavier desks and combined user + equipment weight. Verify that total system load (desk + contents + user) does not exceed this rating.
- Maximum speed (mm/s)
- How quickly the actuator extends or retracts, measured in millimeters per second. Faster speeds (50–100 mm/s) suit frequent adjusters; slower speeds (20–30 mm/s) allow finer control and reduce noise.
- Type
- Fixed leg, adjustable leg, electric actuator, hydraulic cylinder, or hybrid system. Type determines whether height is static or variable, and whether adjustment is manual or powered.
- Application
- Intended use: office desk, workshop table, medical examination bed, industrial workstation, or home furniture. Different applications have different stability, speed, and load requirements.
- IP rating
- Ingress Protection rating (e.g., IP54) for electric components. Higher ratings offer better dust and moisture sealing, important for kitchens, workshops, or outdoor settings.
- Material & Protection degree
- Steel, aluminum, or composite construction; surface finish (powder-coated, stainless, painted). Protection degree indicates resistance to corrosion and environmental stress.
- System & Opening mechanism
- Single-motor or dual-motor control, synchronization method (cable, electronic), and how the system is opened (foot pedal, button, remote, sensor). System design affects reliability and user experience.
Common types
- Fixed furniture legs
- Non-adjustable support for tables, benches, and cabinets; available in wood, metal, or composite; aesthetic styles range from sleek minimalist to traditional turned designs.
- Manual adjustable legs
- Height or tilt adjusted by hand-crank or screw mechanisms; low cost but require manual effort; suitable for occasional changes or space-limited settings.
- Electric lifting columns
- Single or dual motorized actuators that raise and lower desks via button or remote control; smooth, quiet, and fast; standard for sit-stand workstations.
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Pressure-based systems for controlled descent and lift; often used in medical, dental, and automotive furniture where safety and precision are critical.
- Pneumatic systems
- Air-driven actuators for lighter loads and rapid height changes; common in laboratory and industrial settings; require compressor infrastructure.
- Frame assemblies
- Complete steel or aluminum bases with integrated fastening points; used in modular systems or when legs are mounted as a complete subframe rather than individually.
Typical uses
Manufacturers in legs, frames & lifting
Example products
FAQ
What is the advantage of a dual-motor lifting system over a single motor?
Dual motors provide independent control of each column, enabling automatic leveling if the desktop weight is uneven. This prevents tilting and ensures smooth, synchronized movement. Single motors require careful weight distribution but cost less and use less power. For desks over 1.5 m wide or with uneven loads, dual motors are recommended.
Can I retrofit an electric lifting column into an existing desk frame?
Yes, most modern lifting columns are designed for retrofit installation. You will need to mount the column securely to the desk underside using the provided brackets, ensure adequate electrical supply, and verify that the desk top and frame can support the motor weight and dynamic forces. Professional installation is recommended for safety and warranty.
How fast do electric desk actuators typically move?
Standard commercial desk actuators move at 30–60 mm/s, adjusting from seated to standing height in 10–15 seconds. Premium systems may reach 100 mm/s for rapid changes. Slower speeds (20 mm/s) reduce noise and power consumption but extend adjustment time. Choose speed based on workplace culture and user preferences.
What is an IP rating and why does it matter for a desk motor?
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings measure resistance to dust and moisture. IP54 means dust-protected and splash-resistant; suitable for office and light workshop environments. Higher ratings (IP67) are needed for kitchens, laboratories, or outdoor settings. Office-only desks may use lower IP ratings to reduce cost, but kitchens and factories require robust protection.
Are hydraulic lifting systems better than electric for safety?
Both systems are safe when properly engineered and maintained. Hydraulic systems excel in medical and precision environments because they provide smooth, fail-safe descent under load—if power is lost, the weight is supported by trapped hydraulic fluid. Electric systems are faster, quieter, and lower-maintenance for office use. Choose based on application and required speed versus safety margin.