Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk Review: Eco-Friendly Excellence
The Fully Jarvis has been a top-ranked standing desk for years, earning accolades from Wirecutter, Tom's Guide, and Laptop Mag. Now owned by Herman Miller, the Jarvis combines sustainable bamboo construction with a rock-solid frame and the ergonomic credibility of one of the world's most respected furniture brands. But is the eco-premium worth it?
The Verdict
Full Specifications
| Desktop Sizes | 30×24" to 72×30" (7 sizes) |
| Desktop Shapes | Rectangle and Contour |
| Height Range (Extended) | 25.25" to 50.75" |
| Height Range (Standard) | 29.75" to 49" |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Motor | Dual motor system |
| Lift Speed | 1.5" per second |
| Noise Level | <50 dB |
| Memory Presets | 4 programmable heights (OLED handset) |
| Frame Colors | Black, White, Silver, Alloy |
| Desktop Finishes | Natural Bamboo, Dark Bamboo, Laminate options |
| Warranty | 15 years (frame/motor), 5 years (desktop) |
The Bamboo Difference
🌱 Sustainability That's More Than Marketing
The Jarvis bamboo desktop is made from sustainably grown Mao Zhu bamboo—a material that releases 35% more oxygen than equivalent trees and reaches maturity in just 5 years (compared to 20+ years for hardwood). No pesticides or fertilizers are used in cultivation, and the plants are harvested by hand to preserve root structures for regrowth.
The desktop is finished with a German UV-cured, water-based polyurethane coating that's wear-resistant and low in chemical emissions (GREENGUARD Gold certified for laminate options). The entire desk ships in 100% recyclable, EPE-free packaging.
This isn't greenwashing—Fully (now part of Herman Miller) is a Certified B Corporation, meaning they meet verified standards of social and environmental performance.
Desktop Quality That Stands Out
The bamboo desktop isn't just eco-friendly—it's genuinely beautiful. The natural grain patterns give each desk a unique character that laminate can't replicate. T3's review noted the finish is "durable enough to prevent scratches or coffee stains and smooth enough for most computer mice to work without a mat."
The Natural bamboo top is 0.75" thick; the Dark bamboo is a full 1" thick. Both are solid bamboo—not veneer over particle board. Predrilled metal inserts make assembly easier and allow for disassembly/reassembly if you move.
350 lb Capacity — Handle Anything
The Jarvis frame supports 350 lbs—more than most competitors and enough for multi-monitor setups, desktop PCs, and all your accessories. T3's review specifically praised this: "The Fully Jarvis Bamboo offers the largest weight capacity of any of the standing desks we'd recommend right now."
The Jarvis and Uplift V2 share the same manufacturer (JieCang) for their frames—they're essentially siblings. The real difference is in the desktop. The Jarvis bamboo top is premium quality that develops a beautiful patina over time. If sustainability matters to you or you simply want a desk that doesn't look like typical office furniture, the Jarvis bamboo wins hands down. If you want more desktop finish options, the Uplift V2 has more variety.
Where It Falls Short
Assembly Is a Project
The Jarvis arrives in five boxes, and assembly takes 45-60 minutes with a Phillips screwdriver and patience. Tom's Guide noted it took "about twice as much time as it did to assemble the Vari desk." The instructions are clear, and components are well-labeled, but this isn't a quick setup. Consider having a second person help—the final stage of attaching the desktop to the frame is easier with two.
Height Range Is Narrower Than Competitors
With the standard frame, the Jarvis goes from 29.75" to 49"—adequate for most users but less range than the Uplift V2 (25.5" to 51.1") or Vari (25" to 50.5"). If you're under 5'4" or over 6'2", consider the Extended Range frame, which goes from 25.25" to 50.75". This matters most for very tall users who need higher standing heights. See our standing desks for tall people guide for recommendations.
Limited Desktop Finishes
The bamboo top comes in Natural and Dark finishes—that's it. Laminate options expand the choices, but if you want the eco-friendly bamboo, your aesthetic options are limited. Compare to Uplift's 22+ finishes. If matching existing furniture is critical, check dimensions and colors carefully.
Pros and Cons Summary
✓ Strengths
- Stunning bamboo desktop quality
- Genuinely sustainable (B Corp certified)
- 350 lb weight capacity
- 15-year frame/motor warranty
- Quiet operation (<50 dB)
- Contour shape option available
- Herman Miller backing and support
- Wire management grommets included
✗ Weaknesses
- 45-60 minute assembly required
- Narrower height range (standard frame)
- Limited bamboo color options
- Frame ships in 5 heavy boxes
- Premium price for bamboo top
- Extended range frame costs extra
Jarvis vs. Competitors
Who Should Buy This Desk?
Look elsewhere if: You need quick assembly (get the Vari), you're on a tight budget (see our budget guide), you want maximum height range without paying for the Extended frame, or you need more desktop finish options.