Installing your zero gravity workstation.

What to expect before delivery

Lead times in this category run from 3 days (Levus, Altwork standard configurations) to 90+ days (custom-sized ErgoQuest builds). After your order is confirmed, the typical sequence:

1. Order confirmation and freight quote — usually within 1–3 business days. Freight is typically quoted separately.
2. Build / production — varies by manufacturer. Custom-sized orders take longer than standard configurations.
3. Shipping notification— you'll get a tracking number and an estimated delivery window. Most freight carriers schedule a delivery appointment by phone.
4. Delivery appointment scheduling — confirm lift-gate service, inside delivery, and time window. Curbside delivery for a 250 lb workstation crate is rarely manageable solo.

Room measurement checklist

Measure before you order, not after. Confirm:

• Room length: minimum 5 feet for compact models (Levus), 7+ feet for premium configurations (ErgoQuest 7a) when fully reclined. Add 1–2 ft for getting in and out.
• Room width: minimum 3.5 feet for the workstation footprint, 5+ ft total to allow side access.
• Ceiling height:8 ft is typically sufficient. Workstations don't require unusual headroom.
• Doorway and entry path: measure every doorway from delivery point to final installation room. The crate will be larger than the assembled workstation. Verify both width and height. Tight stairs can require partial unboxing in a hallway.
• Floor type: hardwood, tile, and low-pile carpet are fine. Thick plush carpet may impede caster movement on workstations that need to roll. Concrete is fine.
• Floor weight rating: only relevant for upper floors of older buildings. Most workstations distribute weight adequately.

Electrical outlet considerations

Motorized workstations need power. Specifically:

• One outlet within 6 feet of the workstation base. Workstations don't move much (they recline in place), so once positioned, the power requirement is fixed.
• Standard 110V circuit is sufficient for the workstation itself. Motors draw small current.
• Plan for monitor power separately.Two large monitors plus a workstation plus a desk lamp can exceed the outlet's breaker if you're sharing with other high-draw devices. A surge-protected power strip rated for the combined load is the simple answer.
• Verify outlet height.An outlet behind heavy furniture you can't access easily is a problem if you ever need to unplug for service.

Monitor mounting and alignment

Monitor setup is the step where most self-installers introduce problems. The principles:

• Mount monitors before final cable routing. Easier to adjust mount tension and angle without cable tension interfering.
• Set initial monitor position with you in the chair. Eye level with the top of the monitor when in your most-common recline angle. If you change positions frequently, set for the position you spend the most time in.
• Check the full recline range with monitors mounted before final tightening — workstations with tilting masts (ErgoQuest 7a) and auto-tracking arms (Altwork Signature) need to verify range of motion is unobstructed.
• Use a torque-limited tool for VESA mount screws. Over-tightening cracks monitor mounting points; under-tightening allows wobble that gets worse over time.

Keyboard, mouse, and tray setup

The keyboard tray determines everything about how comfortable reclined typing is. Setup notes:

• Keyboard at elbow height when reclined. Not at your chest, not at your stomach. The tray should support your forearms parallel to the floor with elbows at roughly 90°.
• Use a split keyboard if available. The single largest comfort upgrade in a reclined setup. See our keyboard recommendations.
• Mouse on the same side as your dominant hand. For workstations with armrest-mounted mouse trays, confirm compatibility before buying — some armrests are right-handed only.
• Wrist rests are usually unnecessary in recline. Your forearms rest on armrests rather than a flat desk surface, so the wrist-rest geometry that helps at a desk is irrelevant.

Cable management

Cables travel several feet through the workstation's recline cycle. Failed cable management causes most post-install problems.

• Use 10–15 ft cables, not 6 ft. Standard cable lengths are usually too short.
• Use flexible cable spines, not zip ties. Spines bend; zip ties create fatigue points.
• Route through integrated channels. Premium workstations have engineered cable paths — use them.
• Test cable strain at extreme positions (full recline, full upright, transition midpoint) before considering installation complete.
• Leave a service loop. Excess cable bundled at the base allows future component swaps without re-routing the entire cable run.

When to hire professional installation

Hire it for:

• Premium motorized workstations (Altwork Signature, ErgoQuest 7a, fully-configured ErgoQuest builds). The $300–$1,500 fee is small relative to the cost of an installation mistake on a $7,000+ unit.
• Buyers with mobility limitations. Workstation installation involves lifting 50–100 lb components into position.
• Buyers without a second person to assist with heavy lifts. Some installation steps are two-person operations.
• Buyers with custom configurations where alignment tolerances matter — getting custom sizing wrong can compromise the ergonomic benefit you paid extra for.

Skip professional installation for:

• Levus and other manual entry-tier products — most handy buyers can self-assemble these in 2–3 hours.
• Altwork Flex — ships mostly assembled.
• ErgoQuest Economyif you're comfortable with standard furniture assembly.

Common installation mistakes

1. Final placement before testing recline range. Position the workstation, recline it fully, then verify clearance on all sides before considering placement final.
2. Skipping the level check. A workstation on uneven flooring will torque the frame and accelerate motor wear. Use a bubble level on the base.
3. Cable management as an afterthought.Cables that work upright don't work reclined. Test the full motion range with cables attached.
4. Tossing the freight packaging too quickly. Keep packaging for at least 30 days in case of warranty return — most manufacturers require original packaging.
5. Powering up before the manual's suggested initialization sequence. Some motorized workstations require a calibration routine on first power-up.
6. Adjusting personal sizing alone. Custom-sized workstations are calibrated to your measurements; sit in it with a second person to confirm lumbar contact, head support, and keyboard reach are correct before extended use.