FlexiSpot vs Custom Desk Tops: Which One Is Right for You?

Are There Other Woods Worth Considering?

While oak is a favourite for many, other hardwoods are also popular choices for custom desktops. Ash has a similar grain and lighter tone, making it ideal for airy spaces. Walnut offers a darker, more luxurious finish with rich variation. Beech is a slightly softer wood but works well for light to medium duty desks.

Each type brings different tones, textures and costs. Most are compatible with FlexiSpot frames when cut to the right size. If you are choosing based on colour or design theme, these alternatives might suit better than oak depending on your space.

How Do FlexiSpot and Custom Tops Compare for Everyday Use?

Each top offers something different depending on how you work. Stock FlexiSpot tops are smooth, easy to clean and well suited to general use. Oak tops are better at hiding small marks and can be sanded or oiled to refresh the surface over time.

Oak also adds a natural warmth and subtle texture that many people find pleasant to work on. If you spend long hours at your desk, the feel of real wood can make a difference. It helps reduce noise from typing or accessories too. This contributes to better workspace comfort, especially in home offices shared with others.

Solid wood is heavier, but FlexiSpot frames like the E7 are built to support the extra weight comfortably. For those looking to build a sturdy, lasting setup, this makes oak a strong choice.

Can You Fit a Custom Top on a FlexiSpot Frame?

Yes, you can. Most custom tops work with FlexiSpot frames, provided the bolt layout is right or can be easily adjusted. Many users transfer hole placements from the original top, or drill pilot holes for accurate fitting.

Threaded inserts or wood screws help fix the top securely. Be sure to check screw length so it does not poke through the surface. Allow for an even overhang so the frame gives proper support.

Solid tops in the 25 millimetre to 40 millimetre range are ideal. If you want a step by step breakdown, check out our guide to installing a solid wood top on a height adjustable frame. This ensures better alignment, smoother setup and reduced movement over time.

Which Looks Better in a Design Led Home Office?

If design matters in your workspace, a real wood desktop often feels like the finishing touch. Oak brings natural detail and weight to a room, and fits nicely into both minimal and cosy interiors. It works well with wood floors, neutral walls and soft furnishings.

FlexiSpot’s own tops, particularly bamboo and laminate, have a clean and modern look. While they may be more understated, they blend in well with simpler setups and offer consistency in finish.

Custom oak tops, however, often become a feature in the room. Their texture and tone bring a level of depth that many stock materials do not. For anyone creating a space that supports wellbeing, focus and long term comfort, oak is an excellent match.

How Much Do FlexiSpot and Custom Tops Cost Over Time?

Stock FlexiSpot tops range from around sixty pounds to one hundred and fifty pounds. Custom oak tops usually start at two hundred pounds and vary based on size and finish. While oak costs more upfront, it tends to last much longer and can be refreshed rather than replaced.

Manufactured surfaces may need swapping after a few years, especially in busy spaces. Oak can handle wear better, and most surface marks can be cleaned up with a light sanding or re oil. That adds up to lower lifetime cost and reduced waste.

If you spend a lot of time at your desk, the extra cost of oak often pays off over time in both function and appearance. It offers a balance of durability, aesthetic value and upgrade worthiness that makes it a common upgrade for remote workers.

Who Are Custom Solid Oak Tops Best Suited For?

Oak tops work well for people who spend most of their day at a desk and want something that feels solid and personal. Creative professionals, home workers and anyone using a desk for long hours often find the quality reassuring.

If your desk sits in a visible part of the home or needs to match existing furniture, a solid oak top offers warmth and visual continuity. It is also good for people who enjoy a tactile surface that improves with age.

For budget conscious setups or temporary spaces, a FlexiSpot top still offers excellent value and ease of use. These tops are also ideal for first time standing desk users who want something ready to go with no adjustment needed.

So Which One Is Right for You? A Quick Recap by User Type

Choose a FlexiSpot stock top if:

• You want something affordable and ready to install

• You need a lighter setup

• You might upgrade later on

Choose a custom oak top if:

• You want a workspace that lasts and looks good over time

• Your desk is part of your interior design

• You prefer a natural, tactile surface to work on

Both options are compatible with FlexiSpot frames. The right choice depends on your day to day routine, your space, and how much long term value you want from your desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is oak too heavy for a standing desk?
Most FlexiSpot frames, especially models like the E7, are designed to support solid wood tops with ease. Always check the frame’s weight capacity, but oak within standard size ranges is generally well supported.

Can I re oil a solid oak top myself?
Yes, maintaining a solid oak top is simple. Use a lint free cloth and Danish oil or hard wax oil every six to twelve months, depending on use. Light sanding may help if the surface becomes rough or marked.

How do I check if a custom top fits my FlexiSpot frame?
Measure the mounting hole pattern of your current top, or download the technical spec from the FlexiSpot website. Most custom makers can drill holes to match, or you can drill your own using the original as a template.

What thickness should I choose for a solid wood top?
A thickness of 25 to 40 millimetres offers a good balance of strength and appearance. Thicker tops add visual weight and rigidity but may cost more.

Are other hardwoods like walnut or ash just as good as oak?
Yes, walnut, ash, and beech are all solid choices depending on your budget, colour preference and room style. Each offers a different look and grain pattern while still being durable.