An office is not complete without an office chair. Considering the staggering USD $58 billion value of the global office furniture market in 2018, it’s hard to imagine anyone never sitting in an office chair. Most office chairs are considered investments; therefore, many wonder how often should office chairs be replaced?
How long should an office chair last? Generally, an office chair should last between five to ten years if you buy one from a reputable manufacturer. However, longevity depends on a number of factors, including material, build quality, and how much time you spend on the office chair.
Because office chairs come in different shapes and sizes, some will be more durable than others. In this post, we will take a closer look at how long an office chair should last, taking important factors like brand and material into account. By the end of this post, you should understand your office companion a little better.
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How Long Should an Office Chair Last?
As we’ve mentioned earlier in this post, there are many considerations in determining how long office chairs can last. Obviously, the same chair that is used 4 hours per day should last longer than if it is used 8 hours per day. All things being equal, most office chairs should last between 5 to 10 years.
Material is a contributing factor to the chair’s longevity. An office chair made with leather or fabric may break down and come apart. Dirt and grime may also affect the chair’s upholstery. To extend your office chair’s life expectancy, be sure to clean and maintain the chair with proper technique regularly.
Another telltale sign that it is time to get a new office chair is when it becomes uncomfortable to sit in. After several years, you may feel discomfort sitting in your office chair. This is due to the chair’s decreased structural integrity. However, certain brands are known to be more durable than others.
Signs You Need a New Office Chair:
It can be obvious that an office chair with cracks and rips needs replacement unless you want to suffer back pain after work.
An improper office chair can negatively affect your body and overall productivity. Like any other tool, an office chair will need to be replaced. There are some telltale signs to decide if it’s the time to buy and replace your office chair with a new one. Here are three signs you need a new chair:
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The chair is damaged – Loose or non-working components like armrests, knobs, and wheels often go overlooked. If you notice visible cracks and rips in your chair, or it is being held together by tape or glue, it might be time to replace your office chair with a new one.
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You don’t feel comfortable – Sitting for a long period of time can wreak havoc on your body. If you notice increasing pain as the day progresses, the best thing you can do is to buy a new office chair built with proper ergonomics. Listen to your body; it knows best whether or not your chair is right for you.
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You become less productive – Did you know that an ergonomic office chair can help increase productivity? If you become less productive as the months go by, it might be time to consider changing office furniture. Moving freely when sitting will require less time for you to physically compensate for poor sitting posture. This saves up to 30% more energy which can then be channeled elsewhere.
Sometimes there is no scientific explanation to replace an office chair. It could simply boil down to your overall comfort level. If you feel like buying a new office chair, then by all means, buy one. Just be sure to choose the right chair to make your investment worthwhile.
Related Questions to How Long Should Office Furniture Last
1. Do office chairs wear out?
To determine the answer to this question, let’s first look at the definition of ‘wearing out.’ According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the term “wear out” means: to become useless from long or excessive wear or use. Simply put, it means that the office chair cannot be used properly anymore.
With the above definition in mind, answering: do office chairs wear out becomes very simple. Yes, office chairs do wear out with time, especially the materials covering the upholstery. If an office chair is used often over a long time, the materials and the base may wear out, rendering it useless.
2. Do mesh chairs wear out?
Do mesh chairs wear out? A tightly woven mesh chair won’t lose its shape and is very strong. However, this largely depends on the overall design and the brand of the chair. Often, what you pay is what you get. A softer mesh may give a better sitting experience initially but may stretch and sag over time.
Mesh office chairs may offer better breathability and more durability than leather or fabric.
Durability is one of the advantages that mesh chairs offer. Unlike most types of fabric, which feature closely-woven textures, mesh is woven loosely, which results in thousands of tiny holes being present in each mesh material. These tiny holes provide excellent breathability, making them the perfect material for sitting for long hours.
If you’re looking for a long-lasting office chair, you should consider a chair made with mesh. Not only is a mesh chair highly durable, but it offers amazing comfort as well. Oh, and they look sleek too! Some mesh chairs are designed to support your lower back, making them the ultimate investment.
3. How often should office chairs be replaced?
On average, office chairs should be replaced once every five years. An office chair can last anywhere from three months up to ten years, depending on the chair you buy. If you buy an office chair from a questionable supplier, you may be disappointed that the chair breaks down after a month or two.
To get the most out of your investment, the goal is to get your office chair as close to the ten-year mark as possible. This can be done by doing two things:
- Invest in high-quality office chairs – Certain manufacturers like this one have been perfecting the craft of creating outstanding office furniture for over a century. If you want the best that the world has to offer, consider investing in office chairs made by reputable brands.
- Maintain office chairs regularly – If you handle your chair with care, chances are it will last a long time. Office chairs that look attractive and are comfortable to sit in for long periods are more likely to be well-maintained and have a much longer lifespan.
With that said, deciding how often you should get a new office chair will largely depend on the purpose of use.
If you buy for many employees at your office, getting a more affordable chair once every five years should do the trick. However, if you’re working from home, buying a more expensive office chair that you can rely on for ten years can make your Monday mornings something to look forward to.
I have owned our Herman Miller Aeron Chair for over 17 years, and it is hardly worn. It is an expensive chair, but not when you factor in how long it has lasted and how long it may go for! It has been so good that when the business did well, we reward ourselves with a second Aeron Chair!
PRO TIP: Think of your office chair as an investment for your well-being. You wouldn’t want to experience back pain after a day of work now, would you? Choosing the best ergonomic office chair can not only boost your productivity, but it can have a tremendous impact on your overall health over the long term.
Final Verdict
And there you have it, a simple post to answer the question: how long should an office chair last? At the end of the day, choosing the right office chair can make a world of difference in your overall productivity. Whether you work from home or the office, buy a reliable chair to make your work day more meaningful. 🙂
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