Grovemade Standing Desk Review: Design, Assembly, and Performance Breakdown

Upgrading your setup is always exciting, especially when adding a premium workspace like the Grovemade Standing Desk. After assembling and using this desk, here’s a detailed review of its standout features, ease of assembly, performance, and overall value.

Disclaimer: This desk was provided to me for free by Grovemade in exchange for content creation. However, all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

1. Ease of Assembly

The assembly process was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the beautifully designed instruction manual Grovemade included. The manual featured helpful illustrations guiding every step. However, with five different boxes to unpack—one for the desktop, two for the frame, one for the drawer, and another for the power panel—it’s important to know where to start.

I recommend beginning with the drawer box since it contains the instructions. After that, move on to the frame boxes to attach the motorized legs. One key tip: lay out a rug or towel to avoid scratching the wooden surface during setup. While assembly was mostly smooth, I had one minor complaint. The included Allan keys were almost identical, which made it hard to know which one to use without labeling. Adding stickers with corresponding labels would have made this process much easier.

2. Build Quality and Materials

The Grovemade Standing Desk is one of the most solid desks I’ve ever used. The frame is made from powder-coated steel, which feels smooth and high-quality. The desktop itself is available in six different wood options; I went with American Solid Black Walnut, one of the more expensive options, and it did not disappoint. The wood feels rich and sturdy.

The materials used in the desk drawer are equally premium, featuring brushed 5052 aluminum, natural cork, walnut dividers, and a soft merino wool felt lining. This combination of high-end materials elevates the overall experience of using the desk.

3. Adjustability

Adjusting the height of the desk is simple and intuitive, especially with the programmable control panel I chose. The controls feel like a sleek mouse and can be screwed underneath the drawer for easy access.

However, I was disappointed to find that it only allows for two preset heights. For a premium desk, I expected more flexibility in height customization. The lock and limit settings are useful, particularly for setting upper height limits to avoid collisions with wall shelves above the desk.

The desk has a wide range of motion, from 64 cm to 128 cm, which should cover most users' needs for sitting or standing work.

4. Ergonomics

From an ergonomic standpoint, the desk excels in many areas but has some minor quirks. The aluminum drawer, while stylish, can feel cold when touched—especially if you’re wearing shorts. During colder months, this likely won’t be an issue. The drawer also adds some thickness to the desk, which could be a hindrance for those who want to use clamp-style desk accessories, like a microphone boom arm.

The desk provides ample depth, and my 27" monitor fits comfortably. However, I wish the desk were a bit wider to allow more space for accessories like speakers.

5. Motor Performance

The motor performance is impressive. It operates quietly, with noise levels under 45 dB, even quieter when lowering the desk. The height adjustment is smooth, though the desk doesn’t start moving instantly when you press the buttons, leading to slightly slower adjustments. While not a dealbreaker, a quicker response would have been appreciated.

6. Aesthetics

The design is where Grovemade truly shines. The desk is a work of art, with a sleek, minimalistic appearance that fits perfectly into modern or professional settings. The integration of the cable management tray and the drawer makes it a standout in terms of functionality and streamlined organization.

7. Workspace Size and Layout

While I found the desk’s depth to be perfect for my needs, the width could be a limiting factor if you’re used to having a larger workspace. If you have a desk shelf or larger accessories like studio monitors, you might find yourself running out of space on the sides. Overall, it feels spacious enough, but I personally prefer a larger desk.

8. Cable Management

Cable management is a bit of a mixed bag. The desk includes a built-in cable management tray (the "power panel") and a pass-through channel at the top of the desk. However, the pass-through channel is only 8 mm wide, which limits its usefulness for larger cables like power cords. In the end, I had to route some cables behind the desk, which felt like a missed opportunity for cleaner organization.

The built-in power panel includes a power strip with six AC outlets and multiple USB ports, which is a nice addition. Unfortunately, since I’m based in Spain, I had to replace the power strip with a European version.

9. Price vs. Value

This desk is undoubtedly an investment. For its price, I expected more polish in certain areas, like better cable management and more height presets. However, the desk's premium materials, innovative design, and high-quality build make it a worthwhile purchase if you’re looking to elevate your workspace. Small improvements like a smoother drawer closing mechanism or a fully enclosed power panel would enhance the desk's luxury feel.

Conclusion

Overall, the Grovemade Standing Desk delivers on most fronts, offering a beautiful blend of functionality and aesthetics. It’s not without its minor flaws, but the thoughtful design and premium materials make it a standout choice for anyone serious about upgrading their workspace. While the price may be steep, the experience it offers justifies the cost for those who value form and function in equal measure.