Vernal height-adjustable desk test: Sophisticated, stylish, absolutely great

A height-adjustable desk offers the option of switching flexibly between a sitting and standing position, which promotes physical health and prevents back problems. The individual adjustment of the working height supports an ergonomic posture, which can increase concentration and performance. In addition, the movement provides more variety in everyday working life and can reduce signs of fatigue. The manufacturer Vernal offers an excellent and highly customizable height-adjustable desk. I took a closer look at it for the test.

Technical data

The product	Vernal height-adjustable desk
Sizes	120×60; 120×80; 140×80; 160×80; 180×80; 200×80 cm
Frame color	Black; White
Frame material	steel
Table top	Chipboard; Solid wood
Table top color	7 to choose from
Table top thickness	2.5 cm (chipboard); 2.8 cm (solid wood)
Motor	Double motor
Noise level	<50 dB
Speed of motor	38 mm/s
Height adjustment range	60 cm (63.5 cm – 123.5 cm)
Maximum load	160 kg (nominal load: 120 kg)
Frame weight	30.65 kg
Table top weight	13.9 kg – 30.9 kg (depending on size and model)
Guarantee	15 years
Special features	Socket holder; Headset holder; Coaster; Anti-collision protection; Child safety lock
Price from	from 399.99 euros

Vernal height-adjustable desk Review: selection and delivery

Anyone interested in buying a height-adjustable desk will find a pretty impressive selection at Vernal. Here you can choose between different models with and without side panels, in a corner shape or a version with a flip-top panel (ideal for cable management).

However, the “normal” desk is enough for me for this test, but it’s anything but normal. Here you first decide between a quickly installed and a stable version. The customization options are many and varied, including, for example

Frame color: Black or white
Table top: chipboard or solid wood
Table top color (chipboard): Walnut, light walnut, white, natural bamboo
Table top color (solid wood): cherry wood, maple wood, walnut wood
Size: 120 x 60 cm, 120 x 80 cm, 140 x 80 cm, 160 x 80 cm, 180 x 80 cm or 200 x 80 cm

Many different options to choose from. (Image: Vernal)

So plenty of choice. If you like, you can also order accessories. You can choose from a desk tray, PC holder, drawer keyboard tray or a filing and office cabinet.

Once you have made your selection, it’s time to place your order. According to the manufacturer, the delivery time is currently around 3-8 working days, depending on the model. In my case, however, it took considerably longer.

The delivery is made in two parts, as the table frame and table top are delivered separately by two different courier or delivery services. While the frame arrived after a few days, the table top took around 14 days – which is okay.

Vernal height-adjustable desk: Assembly

Numbered scope of delivery
Comprehensible instructions
Assembly: approx. 1.5 hours

For my test of the Vernal height-adjustable desk, I opted for the sturdy version with a white frame and a chipboard tabletop in a walnut look. And in a size of 180 cm x 80 cm.

Anyone who now thinks that the chipboard is light and not very robust will be proven wrong on delivery at the latest. The approximately 25 mm high table top weighs almost 30 kg and the frame weighs over 30 kg. In total, the Vernal table weighs around 60 kg. So we heaved both boxes into the office and got down to unpacking.

What really stands out here is that all the individual parts of the height-adjustable desk are numbered, as are all the screws and tools, which makes assembly pleasingly simple – even if you ideally need a second person to help you, especially at this size.

Also included are detailed assembly instructions in German (!), which guide you through the installation on 23 pages. Alternatively, a video tutorial is also available.

Another positive aspect is that the instructions also provide information on the direction in which the feet should be installed, for example. There are also well thought-out details in the scope of delivery, such as a screw guide sleeve that prevents the screws from falling into the end piece of the cross strut.

Honestly, this is now the fourth height-adjustable desk I’ve tried. And no other manufacturer has put so much (sensible) thought into the assembly. High praise for Vernal.

Two of us assembled the table in around an hour and a half. The assembly is so simple and self-explanatory that you can’t really make any mistakes here. The only annoyance is that there were two screws too few of one screw variant, but two too many of another.

The first impression

Clever details
Impeccable workmanship
Socket and headset holder

And then it finally stands, the height-adjustable desk from Vernal. What immediately catches the eye is the incredible attention to detail. This begins, for example, on the underside of the desk: this is where the power supply unit is mounted, which is used to adjust the height.

To prevent the three power cables from dangling freely in the air, the manufacturer includes cable ties and a cover plate for the power supply unit so that the cables can be neatly secured in the middle. This ensures a clean, tidy look under the desk.

Also included is a “power carrier holder”, which is mounted on the back of the desk. This offers enough space for one or even several multiple sockets and additional space for larger power supply units, such as the one for my monitor.

The headset holder, which is also included, can be used either on the left or right side. Although it is kept very simple, it fulfills its purpose perfectly. There are also magnetic covers with the manufacturer’s logo on the left and right – this not only looks stylish, but also conceals the screws underneath on the outside.

The control element for controlling the height-adjustable desk from Vernal can be mounted either on the left or right side, depending on which suits your setup better.

As far as the build quality of the Vernal desk is concerned, the height-adjustable desk outshines everything I have been able to try out myself so far. All components and elements are of extremely high quality and precisely manufactured. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Nice bonus: Vernal also includes a coaster on which you can place your glass or cup. To avoid unsightly stains on your new desk. It also comes with a QR code that you can use to claim up to 30 euros as a reward.

Features of the height-adjustable desk from Vernal

Height adjustment by up to 60 cm
160 kg load capacity; wide and robust legs
Fast and smooth adjustment; very quiet
15-year guarantee

Now it’s time to get down to business. The height-adjustable desk from Vernal looks stylish. It also has a high-quality finish and is robust. But what does it have to offer?

Well: the stable version can be adjusted between a height of 66 cm and 126 cm and is therefore aimed at people between 1.60 m and 1.98 m tall. The quick-install version offers even more leeway with an adjustment range of 58 cm to 123 cm.

The manufacturer specifies the maximum load capacity of the desk as 160 kg (nominal load 120 kg), whereby the load is distributed over two robust, individually motorized legs. Both legs measure 59 mm x 59 mm, which ensures excellent stability and high robustness. The Flexisport E7 Pro (our test), for example, achieves similar values.

Compared to my last height-adjustable desk from Desktronic, the Vernal model is much more stable – nothing wobbles at all. The Vernal desk also works much faster and more quietly:

The lifting speed is 3.8 cm/s, which is on a par with Flexispot. In terms of noise level during movement, the Vernal table is even ahead of the Flexispot at around 48 dB. In any case, it works very quietly and comfortably, and the height adjustment is very smooth and stepless.

There is also anti-collision protection. If you bump into something when adjusting the height, the desk moves back again immediately to prevent damage.

Top: If you choose a height-adjustable desk from Vernal, you can look forward to a 15-year manufacturer’s guarantee and a 30-day right of return if you don’t like the desk.

Operation and height adjustment

Practical, reliable operation
3 presets to save
Child lock, timer and much more

Operation using the touch panel works perfectly. For example, it is possible to adjust the height individually or switch between one of three presets at the touch of a button.

For example, I have set my sitting height to “1” and my preferred standing height to “2”. One press is all it takes for the desk to change position automatically. The height can be adjusted up to a value of 100 cm to the nearest decimal place (e.g. 75.5 cm), while adjustments in the centimeter range are possible from 100 cm.

Other functions of the control elements include

Height limit: Setting a maximum / minimum height of the table
Child safety lock: Locks the controls to prevent accidental operation
Timer function
Adjustment of display unit (metric / imperial) and sensitivity to obstacles / power interruption

Many practical functions and flawless, very precise operation. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Vernal height-adjustable desk Review: Conclusion

With an entry-level price starting at 399.99 euros, the height-adjustable desk from Vernal undoubtedly plays in the upper price range and is on a par with the competition, for example from Flexispot.

But what you really get here is an outstanding desk that impresses with its excellent design and impeccable workmanship. Even the version with chipboard is so robust and extremely stable that even the heaviest equipment remains securely in place.

I have high praise for the simple assembly, which is child’s play thanks to the numbered parts and clear instructions. The clever details such as the included cable ties, covers, socket strip and much more – which you have to buy separately from many competitors – also make an excellent impression.

In combination with the excellent operation, the quick and smooth height adjustment and the quiet motors, the overall picture is absolutely harmonious. The Vernal height-adjustable desk is absolutely worth the money and is one of the best (and most versatile) models on the market. If you have the necessary change, you will be excellently served here.