The Lifespan of an Office Chair
A closer look at the lifespan of an office chair
One of the most important pieces of office furniture you should take careful consideration of is the Office Chair. Finding a chair that offers both comfort and proper support is important for a few reasons; keeping staff happy and comfortable, in turn preventing any unnecessary pain and discomfort which can also help reduce sick leave.
How long can an office chair last per user and when should you look at replacing them?
Office chairs, like all furniture, has a life span. Whether it be functionality or fashion/style. Any decent office chair will last around 7-8 years, depending on the quality, components and material. More expensive doesn’t always mean better, but there are a few things to consider when purchasing an office chair.
Material –
- Fabric office chairs provide hardwearing qualities and doesn’t have to cost a fortune where budgets are concerned, however it should be considered that they can age quicker due to marks, rips etc from over use.
- Mesh office chairs offer more breathable, lighter alternatives to other chairs with more padding and heavy material. The longevity of this option is much shorter and would probably suit a user who only uses the chair part time.
- Nothing lasts longer than a leather office chair. However, leather can shoot the price of a product up in comparison to standard fabrics. A good quality leather alternative, such as vinyl, can look, feel and last as well as leather but keep your costs down.
Use – Multiple users of a chair can have an impact on the longevity of the product. Is the chair to be used for short periods of time? Or is it more likely to be used for longer periods? Small, basic chairs can work if they are to be used for max 1-2 hours at a time. For longer uses, you can source chairs that can be used for an entire day (6+ hours) or even for more solid use you would look at 24hr use chairs.
User – It’s important to match the weight capacity of the chair to the user. The height and weight of an individual will determine how that person benefits from the chair and its functionalities.
Getting the most out of your office chair for longer
- Keeping the leather in a good condition is essential for getting the most out of the longevity of your chair. You can buy oils and creams for the leather that will prevent cracking, and tears along the way.
- Regular maintenance and cleaning of your chair will help to reduce build-up of dust and debris which can reduce the plumpness of the chair foam and make the fabric look grubby. Light vacuuming is recommended to keep on top of this.
- Fixing any loose parts, i.e., wobbly wheels or arm rests early can help to increase the life span of your chair. If left these things can worsen quickly and create bigger problems.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Office Chair?
- If the chair is damaged beyond repair, especially on the back of the chair that you lean into.
- If the chair has a flattened seat cushion or back cushioning is damaged, this can cause serious detriment to your posture over time and cause long term issues.
- If the chairs wheels are worn, making sure you are as mobile as possible and the wheels are in good shape to support weight and support the structure of the chair correctly.
To discuss your office furniture requirements, please give us a call on 0141-880-6600 and to see some of the ranges of office furniture we can supply and install, or pop in to our Glasgow Showroom for a look around.
Office seating options at Chrystal & Hill can be viewed online HERE.