Monitor arms can be a great addition to your home office or gaming setup. They allow for easily adjustable monitor positions, a cool desk aesthetic, and even cable management with some products.
Many setup gurus such as myself have thought about getting a monitor arm, but are worried about damaging their desk. While it is possible to damage your desk with a monitor arm mount, in this article I will break down all the precautions you should take to avoid this from happening.
How to Prevent a Monitor Arm From Damaging Your Desk?
To keep your desk safe from damage caused by a monitor arm, you can distribute the weight more evenly. One way to do this is by using a sturdy piece of wood or a thick material underneath the monitor arm. This helps spread out the pressure and reduces the risk of your desk getting damaged over time.
Will a Monitor Arm Damage an Ikea Desk?
If you have an Ikea desk, you might be wondering if it can handle the weight of a monitor arm. While some Ikea desks might be able to support a monitor arm without any issues, others might not be as sturdy. It’s important to check the construction of your desk before installing a monitor arm to avoid any damage.
Will a Monitor Arm Damage a Glass Desk?
Thinking about mounting a monitor arm on a glass desk? Think again! Glass desks are not the best choice for monitor arms because the weight and pressure from the arm can cause the glass to break. This could lead to both your desk and monitors getting damaged. It’s best to avoid using a monitor arm with a glass desk to prevent accidents.
Mounting Options: Grommet Mount vs Clamp Mount
When it comes to mounting a monitor arm, you’ll typically have two options: grommet mount and clamp mount.
- Grommet Mount: This option involves drilling a hole (grommet) into your desk to secure the monitor arm. It provides a stable attachment but requires drilling, which may not be suitable for all desks.
- Clamp Mount: Clamp mounts attach to the edge of your desk using a clamp mechanism. They’re easy to install without drilling but may concentrate pressure on a specific area, potentially causing damage to thinner desks.
Desk Composition: Hollow Desk vs Solid Desk
The type of desk you have can also affect whether a monitor arm will cause damage. If you have a solid wood desktop or a desk with a metal frame, you shouldn’t have any issues mounting a monitor arm. However, if your desk is made of a hollow material like particleboard, the monitor arm could end up punching a hole through it.
In conclusion, while monitor arms can be a great addition to your setup, it’s essential to take precautions to prevent damage to your desk. By distributing weight evenly, choosing the right mounting option, and considering your desk’s composition, you can enjoy the benefits of a monitor arm without worrying about damaging your desk.
The Desk Arm I Use
I personally use this HUANUO Dual Monitor Stand from Amazon for my Desk Setup. This desk mount is sturdy and provides internal cable management.
