Vintage Industrial Adjustable Height Writing Desk 60 x 36 in. Cast Iron Base | Otis

Knox Deco adjustable-height tables use a manual hand-crank mechanism to raise and lower the tabletop—no electricity is required.

Important: Your table base arrives in the locked position. With the exception of the Knox, Crescent, and Trolley bases, there are two locking bolts on each end of the base. These bolts secure the risers and must be unlocked before cranking the table up or down.

Once the table reaches your desired height, the locking bolts can be tightened again to secure the table at that position. Always unlock the applicable locking bolts before attempting to crank the table again.

The exact height range varies by table base, with most Knox Deco adjustable tables providing approximately 10–11 inches of height adjustment.

Our crank tables are designed for both ergonomic adjustment and dining-to-bar-height versatility, allowing you to transition from standard dining or desk height toward counter and bar height.

For each product page, the exact minimum and maximum height of that particular table will be listed here.

Yes, absolutely! Approximately half of our clients purchase our adjustable tables to use as an executive desk in a commercial or home office.

The oversized work surface, substantial construction, and adjustable height make these tables especially versatile for executive offices, creative studios, collaborative workspaces, dining rooms, and entertaining.

Yes. The crank mechanism raises and lowers the tabletop while keeping the work surface level when operated properly.

For additional stability and protection, the locking bolts can be tightened after you reach your desired height. Think of the locking system much like putting the emergency brake on your car—it provides an additional level of security once the table is positioned where you want it.

Always unlock the applicable locking bolts before adjusting the table height again.

Knox Deco tables are available with smooth solid hardwood and rustic reclaimed mixed hardwood tops.

Our rustic reclaimed tops are made from hardwoods that have been reclaimed and recycled from sources such as old buildings, boats, roofs, and other structures. Rather than discarding these materials, the wood is given a new life as a distinctive furniture surface.

Our smooth solid hardwood tops may be crafted from acacia, parota, or mango hardwood, depending on the particular top and finish.

Please refer to the individual product specifications for the tabletop offered with your table.

Our smooth solid hardwood tops provide a more refined, even surface while retaining the natural grain and character of real hardwood.

Our rustic reclaimed mixed hardwood tops are intentionally much more rustic. Because the wood has had a previous life, you should expect variations in grain, color, knots, markings, texture, grooves, and other characteristics.

These variations are intentional and are part of what makes every reclaimed hardwood top unique.

Our writing desks are designed to provide a substantial workspace while maintaining a more compact footprint than our larger dining and conference tables.

Desktop dimensions vary by model and top selection. Common configurations include 60" × 36" solid hardwood tops, 72" × 30" tempered glass tops, and 65" × 36" riveted steel tops.

Want an even larger workspace? These versatile bases can also be paired with one of our 80" × 40" dining tabletops, giving you an oversized executive desk or a surface large enough to use as a dining table.

Please refer to the individual product page for the standard top sizes offered with your desk, or contact us if you would like help creating a writing desk with an 80" × 40" top.

Seating capacity depends on the tabletop size, table base, and the size and style of your chairs.

As a general guide:

80" × 40" tables: approximately 6–8 people

96" × 48" tables: approximately 8–10 people

120" × 40" conference/communal tables: approximately 10–12 people

Actual seating capacity can vary based on the base design and size of your chairs, so we recommend considering both when planning your seating arrangement.

Yes. Due to their size and substantial construction, Knox Deco adjustable tables require assembly at their final location.

Most tables arrive with the tabletop and assembled base as separate components.

The exceptions are the Trolley, Knox Dining, and all conference-size tables, which arrive in multiple components consisting of the stretcher, base sides, and tabletop for assembly at the final location.

Our adjustable bases range from approximately 150 lbs. for the Knox base to 450 lbs. for the Craftsman base. Tabletops range from approximately 80 lbs. to 220 lbs., depending on the type and size of the top.

Because these pieces are large and heavy, we strongly recommend measuring doorways, hallways, stairways, elevators, turns, and the final room location before ordering.

No. Due to the substantial weight of the bases and solid hardwood tops, we strongly recommend having at least two capable adults available for assembly and placement. Some models and sizes may require additional assistance.

Never attempt to lift or move one of our heavier tables alone.

For customers who prefer professional delivery and setup, white-glove delivery may be available. Please feel free to contact us for a white-glove delivery quote.

For everyday care, clean the wood tabletop with a soft cloth and use a quality furniture polish or wood oil as appropriate. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, excessive moisture, and allowing liquids to remain on the wood for extended periods.

The moving crank and gear components should also be lubricated periodically. We recommend applying a small amount of bicycle lubricant approximately once every six months to help prevent the moving components from drying out and to keep the mechanism operating smoothly.

Always follow the locking and unlocking procedure for your particular base before adjusting the table height.

The Otis combines substantial cast-iron construction with distinctive iron casters, giving it the authentic character of a vintage factory worktable or piece of early industrial machinery. Its sculptural base, exposed mechanical details, and functional hand crank make it one of the most recognizable writing desks in the Knox Deco collection.

The manual hand-crank mechanism allows you to raise or lower the desktop to create a comfortable working height without electricity. Its substantial construction makes the Otis an impressive choice for an executive office, home office, creative studio, or collaborative workspace.

For customers looking for a writing desk with true old-world industrial character, the Otis combines a heavy cast-iron base, vintage-inspired iron casters, and functional height adjustment to create a workspace that feels as much like a statement piece as it does an office desk.