How to Unpack, Assemble and Care for Artiss Office Desks

Artiss office desks are supplied flat-packed for safer transport and efficient delivery. Careful unpacking and assembly will help protect the desktop, prevent missing hardware and ensure the finished desk is stable.

This guide provides general advice for Artiss computer desks, desks with drawers or shelves, and electric sit–stand desks. Designs and assembly steps vary between models, so always follow the instruction manual supplied with your desk. The manual and product listing take priority if they differ from this guide.

Before opening the cartons

Check the model number on the carton against the product you ordered.
Move the cartons close to the assembly area before opening them.
Use two adults to move long or heavy cartons.
Choose a clean, level area with enough room to lay out every component.
Protect hard floors and the desktop with the flattened carton, a rug or a clean blanket.
Keep children and pets away from plastic bags, foam, straps, tools and small hardware.

If the carton has substantial impact, crushing or water damage, photograph it before opening. These photographs may help if a component inside has been damaged during transport.

How to unpack your Artiss desk

Open the carton carefully. Use scissors or a safety cutter with only a small amount of blade exposed. Cut away from yourself and do not push the blade deeply into the carton, as the desktop may be directly below the packaging.
Remove the instruction manual and hardware first. Place screws, bolts, washers, brackets and fittings in a container so they cannot roll away.
Lift components out individually. Do not drag finished panels across staples, cardboard edges or other parts.
Remove protective material gently. Avoid using a blade against painted metal, timber-look panels, cables or upholstered components.
Separate and identify the parts. Match each panel, frame section and hardware packet with the diagrams in the manual.
Inspect every component. Check for cracks, deep scratches, bent frame sections, damaged cables, loose electrical fittings or missing hardware.

Do not begin assembly if a structural part, lifting column, motor, controller, power lead or desktop is damaged. Keep the carton, internal packaging, labels, manual and unused hardware until the desk has been assembled and tested successfully.

Prepare for assembly

Read the complete instruction manual before fitting any parts. Some components that look similar may face different directions or use different screw lengths. Installing a long screw in the wrong hole can damage the finished surface or push through a desktop panel.

Lay out the hardware in labelled groups and compare the quantities with the parts list. Use the tools specified in the manual. Avoid using a powered drill or impact driver unless the instructions expressly permit it; excessive torque can strip threaded inserts, damage particle board or overtighten the frame.

Most office desks are easier and safer to assemble with two adults. A second person can support long panels, align holes and help turn the completed desk upright without placing excessive force on the legs.

Assembling a fixed-height computer desk

Position the desktop safely. Place it face-down on a clean, padded surface unless the manual shows another orientation.
Identify the left and right frame sections. Check the hole positions and diagrams before attaching them.
Install brackets, rails and legs in the stated order. Begin each screw or bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading.
Leave fasteners slightly loose during alignment. This allows the frame and pre-drilled holes to line up without force.
Fit drawers or shelves as directed. Check that runners, shelf supports and side panels face the correct way before tightening them.
Square the frame. Once all components are correctly positioned, tighten the fasteners evenly using the supplied tool or the tool specified in the manual.
Turn the desk upright with two adults. Lift and rotate it carefully. Do not pivot the entire weight on one leg or drag it across the floor.
Level and test the desk. Adjust the levelling feet if fitted, then confirm that the desk does not rock and that drawers or shelves operate freely.

Do not overtighten screws in timber-look or particle-board panels. Tighten them until the connected parts are secure, then stop. Continued force can strip the fixing point or damage the panel.

Additional steps for an electric standing desk

Electric Artiss desks include powered components that require extra care. Keep the power lead disconnected from the wall outlet during mechanical assembly and cable connection unless the manual specifically instructs otherwise.

Protect the lifting columns. Do not drop them, force them to extend by hand or place them where dirt can enter the moving sections.
Install the frame and motors exactly as shown. Pay attention to the orientation of each leg, drive shaft, motor housing and centre rail.
Connect only matching plugs. Connect the motors, handset and power supply to the labelled controller ports shown in the manual. Never force a plug or modify a connector.
Secure the control panel. Position it on the nominated side or pre-drilled holes without driving screws too deeply into the desktop.
Route cables before turning the desk upright. Keep cables clear of screw points, sharp edges, lifting columns, crossbars and moving joints.
Allow movement slack. Leads must remain loose enough for the desk to reach its maximum height without pulling plugs or lifting the power board.
Turn the desk upright with assistance. Lift it by the frame and desktop as directed. Never lift it by the control panel, cables or motor housings.
Complete the model-specific initialisation. After the desk is upright, level and connected, follow the reset or initialisation procedure in its manual. Controller procedures differ between models.

Before the first full movement, check above and below the desktop for shelves, windows, cabinets, chair arms, power points and loose cables. Keep hands, clothing, children and pets away from the moving frame.

First-use checks

After assembly, inspect the desk before loading it with equipment:

Confirm that every fastener required by the manual has been installed.
Check that the desktop is centred and securely attached.
Make sure the feet sit evenly and the desk does not rock.
Open and close drawers without forcing them.
Check that shelves and accessories are secure.
Confirm that no cable is trapped, stretched or rubbing against a moving part.
For an electric desk, operate it through a short movement first and listen for unusual scraping, clicking or straining.
Once movement is normal, test the complete height range while the desktop is clear.

Stop immediately if the frame moves unevenly, a cable tightens, a component catches or the desk makes an unusual mechanical noise. Disconnect the power and recheck the assembly against the manual.

Positioning and loading the desk

Place the desk indoors on a dry, level surface. Leave enough clearance for the chair and, on adjustable models, the full vertical movement of the desktop. Do not place the desk where it blocks a doorway, emergency exit or frequently used walkway.

Distribute monitors and other heavy equipment across the desktop rather than concentrating all weight on one edge. Stay within the load limit stated for your exact model. The limit includes the combined weight of monitors, computers, arms, shelves, books and all other items that move with the desktop.

Do not sit, stand or climb on the desk. Do not use it as a step, workbench or lifting device. Avoid placing very hot objects directly on the desktop.

Caring for the desktop and frame

Dust the desktop and frame regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
For routine cleaning, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with water, then dry the surface immediately.
Clean spills promptly, especially around panel joins, cable openings, controls and powered components.
Do not soak the surface or allow liquid to run into joins, drawers, motors, control panels or power equipment.
Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders, solvents, bleach and harsh chemical cleaners.
Use coasters, desk mats or suitable protectors beneath drinks, hot items and equipment that may scratch the surface.
Lift equipment when repositioning it instead of dragging it across the desktop.

Test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area first and follow the care instructions supplied with the desk.

Ongoing maintenance

Check accessible fasteners periodically and after the desk has been moved. Normal use and floor movement can allow some connections to settle. Tighten only loose fasteners and avoid overtightening fixings in desktop panels.

Keep drawer runners, lifting columns and frame joints free from dust and obstructions. Do not apply oil, grease or spray lubricant unless the manual for your model specifically instructs you to do so.

For an electric standing desk:

Keep all electrical components dry.
Inspect accessible cables for pinching, cuts or excessive tension.
Keep the area around the lifting columns clear.
Do not interrupt or repeatedly reverse the desk while it is moving unless needed for safety.
Do not exceed the operating cycle or load limit stated in the manual.
Disconnect the desk before moving it or checking cable connections.
Do not open or attempt to repair motors, control boxes, power supplies or handsets.

Moving the desk

Remove computers, monitors and loose objects before moving the desk. Disconnect the power and accessories, secure drawers, and use two adults to lift it from strong frame points. Do not drag the desk or lift it by the desktop edge, handset, cables, drawers or shelves.

If the desk must be partly dismantled, follow the assembly manual in reverse order where appropriate. Label the hardware and protect each panel before transport. Never force electric lifting columns to retract or extend by hand.

Common problems after assembly

The desk rocks or feels unstable

Move it to a firm, level surface.
Adjust the levelling feet if fitted.
Check that the frame is square and all required braces are installed.
Confirm that all frame fasteners are secure.
Make sure heavy equipment is distributed evenly.

A drawer does not open smoothly

Check that the left and right runners are installed in the correct positions.
Confirm that the cabinet or desk frame is square.
Look for transport material, loose hardware or an overtightened panel obstructing the drawer.
Do not force the drawer, as this may damage the runners or fixings.

An electric desk does not move

Check that the wall outlet is working and the power connection is secure.
Disconnect the power before checking the motor, handset and controller plugs against the manual.
Make sure no cable is trapped or damaged.
Remove excessive desktop load.
Follow only the reset or initialisation procedure supplied for the exact model.

The electric legs move unevenly or an error appears

Stop using the desk and disconnect it from power. Do not continue operating an uneven frame or attempt to force either leg. Record the model number, displayed error and behaviour, then consult the model manual or contact Habitura support.

When to contact Habitura

Contact Habitura before continuing assembly or use if:

a component or electrical cable arrived damaged;
hardware or a listed part is missing;
pre-drilled holes do not align after the parts and orientation have been rechecked;
the frame remains unstable after correct assembly and levelling;
an electric desk will not initialise using its supplied instructions;
the lifting columns move unevenly or unusual mechanical noise continues; or
a motor, control box, handset or power supply appears damaged.

Provide your order number, product model or SKU, a description of the problem, and clear photographs or a short video where helpful. Do not dismantle or modify an electrical component.

Important: Keep the instruction manual for future adjustment, maintenance, moving and troubleshooting. If you no longer have it, contact Habitura with the product model or SKU so the correct information can be identified.

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