The IKEA Idasen launches after a less than stellar Bekant product has been available to the masses for close to four years. With numerous electronic failures, poor reviews across the web and even on their own site, there was a bit of hesitation to believe the Idasen would be better.
Much to the delight for the customers that are IKEA faithful, they made a major upgrade in OEM to global leader Linak. With a shot in the arm (or leg), the IKEA Idasen instantly had an opportunity to improve over its predecessor. Let’s take a closer look to find out how improved it is.
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IKEA Idasen Review Links
– Specs / Pricing / Features
– Assembly Process
– Stability Testing
– Electronics
– Column, Foot and Frame
– Motor and Gears
– Glide Systems
– Testing The Specs
– What I Like
– What I Don’t Like
Idasen OEM Manufacturer
With the launch of the IKEA Idasen, a switch was made to what I believe is a better OEM provider than what had been used on the Bekant. Linak is a leading global manufacturer of linear actuator systems and control box mechanisms. Over the last 38 years, Linak has positioned themselves as one of the leading suppliers for high-quality linear actuator systems and control box mechanisms. Because they only produce the columns and electronics, companies that use them for a supplier are required to produce their own feet and desktops.
Idasen History
IKEA’s thoughts behind the Idasen was from visiting multiple old buildings with offices in them. Looking at these buildings for design ideas, the rounded tubes were used to match exposed venting and pipes found in the older buildings. They also decided to round the corners of all of the accessories, to soften the look and feel of the office. My own opinion is that they developed this to eventually replace the Bekant series, because of the overall poor performance that is well documents online.
Product Specs
Height Adjustment Range: 24” – 50”
Travel Speed: 1.48” Per Second (Surface Only) .98″ Per Second (100 lbs. load)
Noise Level: 58-60 (with only top) 60-63 (with 100 lbs. load)
Weight Capacity: 165 lbs.
Adjustable Foot Glides: 3/8” Adjustment
2025 Ikea Idasen Pricing
| Size | Price | Shipping |
| 27.5” x 47.25” | $749.00 | $379 |
| 31.5” x 63” | $799.00 | $379 |
Features
- Two-stage legs for 26″ travel range
- 155-165 lbs. weight capacity
- Wood veneer surface
- Linak DL11IC columns
- PIEZO collision avoidance system
- Bluetooth connectivity for height adjustment and activity tracking
Packaging and Delivery
The packaging that the IKEA Idasen came in was good, but not designed for shipping with ground carriers like FedEx or UPS. This is likely the reason they chose to ship with a freight carrier. To avoid any of the added headaches of deliveries from freight carriers, IKEA includes white glove service. This means the delivery days are limited to areas outside major metro areas. They will bring your desk up two flights of steps and deliver to a room of choice. This does not include an assembly service.
Assembly (60-120 Minutes)
The assembly of the IKEA Idasen was straightforward, as most would expect from an IKEA product. The allen wrenches required for assembly are included with the hardware package. If you want to speed the process up, I suggest using a cordless drill with allen bits. Overall, the assembly took me about an hour to complete. This included the assembling the frame, surface to the frame, connecting wires and installing the wire management system.
Idasen Stability
The stability of a standing desk is important and not something all new users consider prior to purchasing their desk. Having an unstable desk can create an annoyance that potentially could impact your work. If you are a heavy typist, pc gamer or like to lean on the desk, this could be a problem for you.
WobbleMeter Testing IKEA IdasenIf you would like to see the pictures and videos of us testing the IKEA Idasen on the WobbleMeter, please visit the WobbleMeter IKEA Idasen testing page. Below is the deflection score range guide for the WobbleMeter. How these results impact your experience will depend on your sensitivity to wobble and rocking motions.
WobbleMeter Score Range Guide
0-20 = Excellent Stability
Almost all of the desks tested at sitting height will score between 0-20. This is our baseline for excellent stability since most standing desks provide excellent stability at their lowest heights. Users in this range will not notice motion.
21-30 = Very Good to Good Stability
Between 20-30 most users will not notice the small amount of motion in this range.
31-40 = Good to Fair Stability
Between 31-40 some users may begin to notice the amount of motion in this range. This is especially true the closer the score is to 40.
41-50 = Fair to Bad Stability
Between 41-50 most users will notice the amount of motion in this range. This is especially true the closer the score is to 50.
51-60+ = Very Bad Stability
51-60+ all users will notice the amount of motion in this range. This is especially true for scores that are above 60.
Overall Wobble (Side to Side) Deflection Scores
Overall Rocking (Front to Back) Deflection Scores
Electronics
The IKEA Idasen features a similar system to the Bekant, with an inline or integrated controller system. While the system may be somewhat similar, the OEM’s that produce them are quite a bit different. With Linak as a new partner with Idasen, we have a much better feeling of how well this system will function over the life of the product.
Utilizing the Linak DL11IC columns, the IKEA Idasen has seen a major improvement over the ROL-ERGO system found on the Bekant. While this is a major improvement, it’s still important that we manage expectations, as even Linak labels this DL11IC series an economy series.
One of the first giveaways is the external power supply that is found on IKEA’s Idasen. With three different options available from Linak, and two offering significantly less power, the Idasen, unfortunately, features the SMPS002 system. This option has a significant drop offer in power after the desk’s load exceed 400N (90lbs). When you pair the average worksurface of 50-60 lbs., the drop off will occur with normal desk accessories such as monitors and a laptop.
The Integrated Controller system from Linak does simplify things, removing the need for a traditional control box system. This helps to keep the cost down and reduces some of the assembly required for the Idasen.
One major electronics perk with partnering with Linak, besides a boost to the overall quality of IC system, is the addition of PIEZO anti-collision technology in the columns. While Linak doesn’t openly discuss how this system operates, we have our own ideas on how it likely works. This hardware driven system is located between the motor mount and motor. It is designed to better detect hard collisions that the alternative software driven systems on less expensive products.
Column, Foot and Frame Build Quality
One of the first things most will notice when seeing the Idasen is the unique style of the frame. What we gathered from the interview of the Idasen designers was this was created from the look found in older factories that have been converted to offices. With exposed vents tubing and pips, the round design was made to mimic this look. I found this interesting as our VertDesk v1 one and v2 used this style, but I was never really a big fan of the rounded columns.
After taking the columns apart, we were able to get a closer look at their construction. In typical Linak fashion, they were well done. There weren’t noticeable weld marks from seams created by manufacturing the tubes with a nice consistent paint finish throughout. It was hard not to pay attention to how solid the round tubes were. They were heavy and after measuring we found they were 2.2mm thick. This was thick for the round column design.
The bottom third of the frame was a secondary structure that included the unique frame design, with the wedge or triangles that were so eye catching. These additional slanted pieces of the frame were welded to the upright and end of foot. From the bottom, you can see they are open. Because they are rounded and tied to the structure with welds, they greatly improved the front to back stability in the Idasen.
IKEA was able to do a good job tapering the vertical tube on the lower frame portion to snuggly fit the Linak DL11IC columns. They were then connected to the bottom with two additional bolts. I would highly recommend adding some Loctite to these bolts, as well as all bolts throughout the frame. Regardless, this section of the frame was solid and there was little movement, if any at all.
The upper cross support system used on the Idasen was much like the bottom, large and bulky, but solid. Overall, I was very impressed with the construction of the frame, just not so much the aesthetics which is purely based on my opinion and could work for many people.
Motor and Gears
With Linak as the OEM, I was excited to take a closer look at the motors and gears found on the Idasen. This is another area where Linak shines and after reviewing quite a few imported products from China, I like to see better quality being sold in the standing desk market.
The first thing I noticed when pulling the motors from the motor box was that they were fairly small. Fortunately, there are two, but with an already weak lifting capacity, this really shouldn’t have been a surprise. The motors on the Idasen felt like a cross between the higher end product we’ve found on products from Updesk Elements and lesser expensive Chinese products. This came as a surprise to me, since Linak has always proven to be a leader here.
Fortunately, the worm and worm gear were two areas that were on point for quality. These components require a high level of precision for the desk to be as efficient as possible and to help assist with back driving of the motors when the desk loses power.
Unfortunately, the downsides of the motor were linked to the encoder found on the end of the motor, with silicone caulk used to hold wires in place. This is like many of the lower quality motors that we’ve seen coming from China. Higher end motors will use better secured and cleaner wire connectors here.
A secondary issue I have with the motor is the external worm and worm drive found on the Electro-Parts motor. In order to keep these systems running smoothly and keeping out contaminants, I would like to see this system internalized, like we find on motors from Ketterer.
Taking a closer look at the gear systems found inside the IKEA Idasen, it was no real surprise to see a high-end gear. Like all the other Linak gears we’ve tested, there were very well done throughout. Unlike many of the Chinese gear systems, there wasn’t a spring coil on the end to help with back driving. The gears moved smoothly and were on par with some of the best we’ve seen come through the testing lab.
Glide Systems
Like the rest of the Linak column design, the glide systems found inside the DL11IC column were top notch. Featuring custom fit glides for the lower and upper glides, the Idasen had some of the tightest fitting columns we’ve ever tested. This made for the process of separating them a big of a difficult task.
Inside the columns, one of the unique things was how the rounded tube had been notches out for the lower glide systems to slide within. This design appears to have improved some of the twisting issues we’ve seen with other rounded tube designs, including our own on the original VertDesk v1 that has now been discontinued for over three years.
The upper glides were made to match the outer columns paint, which created a nice consistent look on the outside. These too were made from high quality plastics with custom sizes, ensuring the perfect fit within the columns.
My only concern with the columns being so tight is how much effort is required to move the columns. How will this impact the desk over time? Linak is very good at what they do, so I’m certain they have tested for this, especially with the collision avoidance system they are using.
Warranty
The IKEA Idasen comes with a very good warranty, which covers a period of ten years from when the desk is purchased. This warranty includes all components of the desk, including the electronics and frame.
Testing the Specs
Listed Height Adjustable Range: 24.75” – 50”
False. We found the Idasen had 24” to 50” range.
Travel Speed: Not listed
- With weight of surface only: 1.48” / sec.
- 50 lbs. 1.21” / sec.
- 100 lbs. 1.00” / sec.
- 155 lbs. .76” / sec.
Noise Level: 55 dB
False: 58-60 dB with only top and 60-63 dB with 50 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 155-165lbs
True.
What I like
Change to Linak as OEM for Idasen, from ROL-ERGO who made their Bekant
The change in OEM for the Idasen was a smart move, with Bekant’s issues well documented in our review and across the web. Linak is a global leader in linear driven systems and electronics.
They have a much better track record and IKEA gave themselves a better chance at being successful with the Idasen because of this.
High Quality Two Stage Gear System From Linak
In my opinion, there are two leaders in the field when it comes to manufacturing linear gear systems. Linak and Ketterer are the two that I feel are in a class of their own. The gears found inside the new Idasen table are on par with what we’ve found in other Linak gear systems. I believe these will run efficiently for the life of the product.
Column and Glide Quality
The column design on the Idasen is solid, with a 2.2mm thick steel used for the round tubes. Because of this, we didn’t find the Idasen to have any issues with bending or flexing when at mid to tall heights.
Inside the columns, the glide system used for the Idasen was unique, with a groove cut in the interior side walls of the column. This creates a track for the glides to follow and likely helps with reducing the twisting issues that can occur in round tube designs. They are also able to use a thicker glide, that should hold up better than some of the paper thin alternatives we’ve found in lower quality frames from JieCang.
Linak Electronics
While the Integrated Controller system is considered to be an economical solution for Linak, they still provide a major upgrade over what was found in the ROL-ERGO product. Linak is a proven provider of linear driven columns and are likely to work much better.
An additional perk of partnering with Linak was the PIEZO collision avoidance system that is found inside the DL11IC columns. This hardware driven system is better at detecting hard collisions than software driven alternatives found in most low cost standing desks.
While I like the Linak electronics, the external power supply system isn’t nearly as nice or powerful as the higher end products Linak makes. Because of this, there a significant drop off with performance with minimal weight on the desk.
Overall Stability
Rated as the most stable desk overall, the IKEA Idasen’s biggest advantage was with the front to back stability. The unique design of the foot, extremely tight column design and thick steel tubing all played a major part in its success with regards to stability.
10 Year Warranty
With a ten year warranty that covers all components, the IKEA Idasen has one of the best warranties in the standing desk category. While other companies offer a similar length warranty, be wary of their track record. We reviewed a product called the Vivistand two years ago that offered a similar warranty and they are no longer in business. It’s always important to find out who is backing the warranty and how well established they are.
What I don’t like
Low Weight Capacity
There is a lot that is good about the IKEA Idasen, but unfortunately, it isn’t perfect. One of the most glaring issues is the low weight capacity. With a max capacity of 155-165 lbs., this is well below the average for the mid-range electric standing desks.
Inconsistent Adjustment Speed
The low weight capacity isn’t the only issue we have with the underpowered IKEA Idasen. The power supply that they have decided to use has a significant drop off when only 90 lbs. is added to the desk. Considering that most surfaces, including the one paired with the Idasen, weigh 50-60 lbs., you aren’t left with much capacity before the desk starts to slow down.
Through our testing, we found that adding 50 lbs. Dropped the speed 20% to 1.21”/sec. Adding 100 lbs. dropped it 35% to 1.00”/sec and 155 lbs. Dropped the speed 50% to .76”/sec.
Doesn’t Offer Programmable Button Option
While the paddle system used for height adjustment on the Idasen is nice, it doesn’t offer easily accessed presets. Without question, the most frequently added accessory to standing desks is the programmable button option. Unfortunately, the Idasen doesn’t offer this option from Linak.
There is a Bluetooth app that is available for free with all Idasen purchases, which does allow for you to set up preset positions. The biggest miss here is there isn’t a one-touch functionality available, which means you have to press and hold the button down until the desk has reached your desired height. This might not be an annoyance if you don’t have much on your desk, but if the desk is at capacity it can take twice as long to move from sitting to standing.
Low Quality Hollow Core Surface
At first glance, the Idasen’s top looks nice, with the wood veneer finish. The issue is that when you start to touch and feel the surface, the hollow core design feels cheap and not as solid as alternative commercial grade laminates we’ve tested.
After cutting the surface open, we found that it used cardboard weaved throughout to provide strength throughout the surface. There was particle board around the exterior, to provide a place to screw the frame down. This is without question the cheapest top we have tested to date.
Something else to consider is that IKEA has better bamboo and butcher block top options that cost less than the standard Idasen surface. Pair that with the lack of durability we’ve found with the wood veneer and I would suggest looking at a different surface option from IKEA.
Expensive Shipping Option
If you are like me and don’t live close to IKEA, the shipping options offered can be expensive. With a flat rate of $199, the services offered are white glove to a room of choice, up a max of two flights of steps. This is a great service, but it comes at a steep price.
Many of the alternatives in the class are able to be shipped via ground carrier like UPS and FedEx. These services will still bring the items to your door and you’re able to save some additional cost.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the IKEA Idasen is a huge improvement over the Bekant launched by IKEA in 2014. Utilizing Linak provides IKEA with a trusted OEM partner that has a high likelihood of functioning for many years to come. If you live near an IKEA, this is an affordable option that you can try out before buying. An added perk with IKEA is that you have 365 days to make sure you love the desk.
Unfortunately, like all of the desks we’ve tested, the IKEA Idasen isn’t perfect. Much like the Bekant, the Idasen uses an integrated controlled with an external power supply. This has led to an underpowered desk, that has issues with loads as small as 90 lbs. (including desktop). If you’re looking for a customizable desk, with programmable button options and one touch functionality, the Idasen likely won’t be a good fit.
More Standing Desk Resources
Angel
Great review Greg! Thank you so much for this review and the one for IKEA Bekant! You definitely helped me a lot in choosing the right standing desk for my need.
Could you please suggest a solid table top for the IKEA IDASEN frame that would be able to hold a monitor arm and won’t be a problem to be screwed-in?
Thank you so much!
Donald
Can I get this desk with casters?
Arek
Would love to see whole table top opened (like on https://www.btod.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ikea-idasen-surface-01.jpg) with dimensions where stronger chipobard parts are located, so we know where we can screw thins under.
Vladimir Kozlov
Linak DPG1C Desk Panel could be added for 100 USD to have 4 memorized positions, a display displaying the current height, a reminder LED strip, and the one-touch functionality (auto-drive feature) for the app and physical paddles (should be enabled from the app).
RE Aldridge
I purchased this Ikea product several weeks ago and am very pleased with it.
I didn’t find this site and the review until today, so it is interesting to read that the up-down speed varies with the weight and power. For reference I have perhaps 30 pounds of weight (two laptops, 1 monitor, tray, and lamp), and it travels at about 1.3 inches per second.
The Ikea product comes with a convenient, strong net for cord management. I am able to tuck all of the cords into the net which runs the length (width) of the desk.
One addition I would like to see is an integrated cable tube that could be flexibly attached to either side of the desk. I was able to make my installation neat by purchasing grey extension cords to match the tubes, and then using gray wire wraps. I leave approximately two feet of cord as slack, so that it can flow as the desk rises or lowers.
Ed
Would the idasen frame fit on a 54″ x 28.5″ desktop? This desktop is from an older idea model I still use today. Thanks in advance for the response.
Greg Knighton
Ed,
The frame is width adjustable and should fit the smaller desk surface that you are using.
Scott
Ikea also sells the underframe only. Is it easy enough to add your own non-Ikea, table-top?
Greg Knighton
Yes, just get the correct hardware and you’re set. We bought a complete Idasen and surface for the first purchase. The second purchase was at a local IKEA and we only bought the frame.
Simon
First of all thank you very much for your reviews! Just checked my local Ikea and the delivery was quoted at $59CDN, so it’s not that bad. My question is about weight capacity. Is the spec including the table top or is it 165 lbs in addition to the table top?
Greg Knighton
You’re welcome. That’s great news! The capacity should be 165 lbs (the surface doesn’t count towards the total).
Pawel
If it’s possible to make some change in this desk to add programmable buttons like in other electric desk?
Greg Knighton
No, unfortunately you cannot update the switch on the desk. It doesn’t come with an app that you can run on your phone for preset heights. It won’t allow for one-touch functionality though.
Maciej
Hi Greg,
First of all, great review and good read! Going through full reviews of top10 sit/stand desks on BTOD really made me understand the technical nuances, differences between various desks and my own needs better. Thank you!
After studying the tech specs of IDASEN frame and comparing the test results in your reviews, I’ve decided to give it a try (anti-wobble frame design, LINAK as OEM and 10 years warranty is what I love about IDASEN) along with custom table top (premium full bamboo 1600x800x25 mm, weights 25 kg, so 1/3 of IDASEN capabilities already, but my huge PC tower case will remain on the floor so I am fine with low weight limit; rest is for the screens and the keyboard).
One thing I am not sure I will like is the desk control panel and no programmable buttons available. Since frame is fully based on the LINAK electronics and LINAK advertises various electronic parts as fully cross-compatible, I am curious if I could simply switch this simple 2-way button from IDASEN with more advanced DPG1C control panel – quite similar (same?) in shape, but offering memory for 4 heights and LCD display along with some nice additional features. This control panel is conveniently available as separate product here in Poland.
Do you know if it’s technically possible to use DPG1C (or any other DPG) control panel and connect it to IDASEN as a replacement? Or is the stock panel somehow hard-wired without usual LINAK connector?
I would simply link DGP1C from LINAK website to show you the exact model, but I am not sure if BTOD allows/supports linking external websites.
Your insights will be much appreciated!
Cheers,
Maciej, Poland
Greg Knighton
It could be possible, but we haven’t tried it. I would recommend reaching out to Linak support to see what their suggestion is for this. Because it is an IKEA Idasen, I don’t believe you will be able to turn one one touch functionality. This programming is designed for the IKEA product. Alternatively, the bluetooth DeskApp already comes with three programmable height options. This is available at no extra charge when you purchase the desk.
Andrew
Hey Maciej,
I’d want to let you know that today I installed the DPG1C control panel along with the SMPS006 power supply. Everything is working except auto-drive (well I don’t know if this is linked to the control panel or to the electronic within the table).
I installed my PC below the table (Fractal Design Define R6) and I’m using an Acer Predator 27″ Monitor. Don’t know how heavy the equipment is but the speed (or the power?) of the desk increased from the lowest position to the top position with the new power supply. Time (measured with a Smartphone) decreased from 25 to 19 seconds.
I don’t regret it. It looks much better and the Motor doesn’t sound as it’s dying anymore.
Only downside: expensive upgrade! It was 300€ for both.
tldr: DPG1C and SMPS006 are compatible to Ikea Idasen
Greetings from Germany.
Andrew
Henry
Hey Andrew,
Where did you buy the controller and the power supply from? I’m struggling to find any listing online. I’m in the UK but a delivery from Germany wouldn’t be too bad.
Andrew
Hi Henry,
I bought it from a local supplier where my company purchased 150 desks from. Usually they only do b2b but for me (since my company is a customer) they made an exception.
I googled a bit and I found a supplier in the uk which is selling at least the controller for around 115 pounds. Maybe they also sell the power supply?
Greetings
Andrew
carlos
Hi Andrew
I called Linak Australia, and they told me the DPG woulnd’t work with the idasen by Ikea…
Got a video with your set up to make sure I understood correctly what you did.
Regards
Spencer
Hi Andrew,
I’ve been using the DPG1C successfully for about 6 months now. If you didn’t already figure it out, you can enable auto-drive in the Linak desk app. Then a simple double-click up or down paddle will send the desk automatically to the next preset. (If the control has gone to sleep after 4 hours, you need to wake it up with a flick before you can double-click.) My next upgrade is going to be the SMPS006.
Spencer
N
An important thing to watch out with the DPG1C is that there are two versions, a full and a limited one, and only the full one supports automatic drive. The full one is the DPG1C32, the limited one is the DPG1C02. The full model name is DPG1C32-0000n6, n = 1 is the inch version, n = 0 is the cm version, but this shouldn’t matter, since you can change the unit. Many websites will only show DPG1C, so be careful not to buy the limited version. You also have to enable automatic drive and accept the disclaimer in the app.
The DPG1B and DPG1M don’t have a display and only have 2 favorite positions, but they do also support automatic drive if you get the full version (DPG1B30-000006 and DPG1M30-000006). The DPG1M is the same size as the custom Ikea one (DPG1I) and has the same mounting holes, the DPG1C and DPG1B are larger and require drilling a new hole into the desk since the holes are farther apart.
I also upgraded my Idasen with an SMPS006. Mine came with an SMPS001 (230V version, the 002 is the 120V version). The 006 makes driving up faster, and the sound the motors make when driving up is now the same as driving down, whereas with the 001 you could hear them struggling when going up. I don’t know if it increases the weight limit, but that wasn’t an issue for me. Overall the 006 isn’t a huge upgrade, but it’s still nice that it’s faster and doesn’t sound like it’s broken. The SMPS006 needs a separate mains cable too.
Alexander
Yes, it is possible.
That’s the first I did once I bought the table almost 2 years ago now.
I added – DPG1C32-000006
It was plug and play, for just 55 GBP you get totally different functionality
Walt
One missing element in this review, which I hope you will correct for this and future reviews:
When a sit/stand desk is a available as a frame-only option (bring-your-own-table-top, BYOTT), I would appreciate it very much if you could elaborate on a couple of things:
1: What is the maximum width and depth allowable for BYOTT?
2: The nearest IKEA store is 150 miles from here. Could you elaborate on what a customer has to do to arrange a BYOTT pickup before leaving home?