Putz's DeskHaus Buying Guide

Just posted this as a comment reply but figured it would help out as a post.

***I will continue to update this with further thoughts as we progress, but this is about a 30 min quick write up***

Zenith Bases: These are by far the best bang for your buck! They are the cheapest because we import them directly. We do not source from the US entities of these Chinese manufactures.

They are Bifma G1, and UL 962 Rated so there are no cut corners. The motors are made by a company called maruni which has a long reputation for making hospital bed motors. They are tested for a 48-72" Top. We put 80" tops on them all the time but you have a larger overhang. No big deal if you like living on the edge. You can use a 24" foot on a 30x60 top but you can't use a 30" foot on a 24x48" Top. I mean you can but the feet would stick out. Also stability wise it would be better to use a 30" foot for a 30x60 top. We do have a furniture manufacture we support that strictly uses the 24" foot for all tops. With that said full disclosure....the feet are not 24" and 30"...GASP. They are 23.5 and 29.5 ;) Range of travel is 22.5-48.5 without the top. We only bring them in with a programmable switch so that's all ya get.

The zenith base is super stable up to about 44" and then I think it gets a little more wobbly. It's got three columns and theres wiggle room for them to squeeze by each other. That at full extension allows for some play. That said your monitors are not going to be rocking as you type but if you give it a nudge it's gonna move.

Apex Bases: For the day one folks. This is the base that can not be named. The manufacture behind these bases is by far the biggest manufacture of Height Adjustable bases out there. I'd estimate 3 out of every 5 bases comes from them. What's cool about my bases from them is they are "made" in michigan. The motors, controls, and some metal components still come from china, but the feet and columns are made in Michigan. So it is GSA compliant for all you narks out there. This base is also Bifma G1 and UL 962 rated. Because they have a facility in Michigan, it gives us plenty of options for switches. You've got your standard up/down, basic programmable, basic paddle, and paddle programmable. I don't uncharge switches so most people get the paddle programmable. You can get the foot in 22.5, 27.5, and 32". So this is a great option for people that want to take a larger top they sourced from Home Depot, ikea, etc that's over 30" deep.

I think up to 44" it's stable but just like the zenith it starts to move more. I would say a little less but wobble is wobble and I'm a firm believer that all bases will do it. BTOD does have a great desk that's probably the most stable. We currently have it in the warehouse and are putting it through some highly scientific test (not really). But even it too will move.

OMT: They are kinda the old guard. They've been doing it for very long time. Technically they are OMT-Veyhl. OMT and Veyhl are both German base manufactures that partnered up for their USA operation. Made right in Holland, Michigan where I live. You'd think they would be all about quality but lately I believe OMT stands for ONE MORE TIME because of the amount of QA issues I've had. They have since fixed those issues. They use Bosch and Ketterer motors. They use logic data for controls and some inline actuators. All really good companies. However, they are all really big companies and well they've got a lot of employees to pay so they are expensive. I had a really interested talk with a fellow Redditor that had some insight on Bosch Motors.

We carry the Bold (Vertex) and the Slim (Summit). Bold is the same platform that Haworth Planes and Herman Miller renew are based off. It's a really beefy base and it's my go to recommendation when someones asks about stability. It's pricy but you get what you pay for in this case. The Summit is probably one of my favorite bases. It uses logic data's inline drive system so the motor is in the column. Not at the top off to the side. Does this do anything? Not really. It does allow it to go from 21" - 47" so it's got a ton of travel. Supper stable as well. I just like the frame, foot design and angled end plate.

My favorite thing about OMT bases are the color choices. Over 150+ options! It's kinda like that colorware company. If you want a custom color ya gotta pay so that's one of two reasons I justify OMT. Stability and color options.

Kessebohmer: They offer pneumatic and coutnerbalance bases. Great because you don't need power for the desk. They come from Germany and boy can they be expensive. We don't sell much so my overall opinion is kinda meh. You'd think they would be cheaper since they are not electric but that's not the case. I would love them way more if they were.

Rol Ergo: They make the ikea height adjustable so that's all the needs to be said. At least their instructions are easier than most everything ikea. The Compact 2 is a super light base so it lacks a lot of stability.

Our Tops: They are not currently predrilled. We offer too many bases to pre-drill. They would look like Swiss cheese if so. All the bases come with wood screws so for the laminate tops you can just take a drill and screw away. Sometimes its frustrating when the screw pops out as you start...sorry. We did purchase a CNC so we can put it at the warehouse and pre-drill once we know what base the customer wants. This is still about two months out. More to come on that.

Casters: All of the bases except the 24" Zenith can have casters put on.