In January 2020, the company Steelcase was recognized as one of 2020 World’s Most Admired Companies in the Home Equipment and Furnishings industry sector by Fortune. This is a testament to the excellence of a brand that creates excellent ergonomic furniture. However, are Steelcase chairs worth the price?
Why are Steelcase chairs so expensive? Steelcase chairs are expensive because they arguably offer the best furniture design and architecture. In addition to top-of-the-line ergonomics, the company prioritizes sustainability in the environment and the people, thus creating meaningful, lasting change.
That said, there’s more than just a track record that makes up for its price. In this post, we will take a deep dive to answer the question: are Steelcase chairs worth it? Be sure to read the full article to find a simple trick to help you save money while getting the best Steelcase chairs. Let’s get started, shall we?
We hope you love our tips & how-tos. Office Solution Pro is supported by its readers. This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The Brief History of Steelcase
Steelcase is a United States-based furniture company founded in 1912 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Currently, it is the largest office furniture manufacturer in the world. Their comprehensive portfolio is anchored by three core brands: Steelcase, Coalesse, and Turnstone. The most well-known of the three is Steelcase.
If there’s one word that Steelcase focuses on, it’s sustainability. Protecting the environment is in the company’s DNA, driving sustainable social, economic, and environmental change through simple decisions and actions. This is apparent in their products. Most of their chairs are made with high-quality recycled materials.
Why are Steelcase chairs so expensive?
1. Strongest warranty in the industry
Steelcase claims they have the strongest warranty in the industry (their words, not ours). The company believes in the quality of its products so much that they’re willing to give its customers a limited lifetime warranty. This means that if you buy from the Steelcase store, your warranty is valid regardless of shift usage and covers the original purchaser for products delivered in the Americas: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Think about it, once you buy a Steelcase chair, you wouldn’t have to worry about the chair breaking down anytime soon. The company won’t give its customers a long-lasting warranty if their chairs aren’t built to last. If the chairs are poorly built, then Steelcase would replace chairs every day. Not many companies have such confidence.
2. Extensive ergonomic features
Think of an ergonomic office chair as an investment for your long-term health. When you consider the fact that most adults spend more than 8 hours a day sitting, having a work chair that properly supports your posture becomes much more important. This is where the extensive features of Steelcase chairs come in.
Consider both the Steelcase Leap and Gesture chairs, for example. As two of the most popular products of Steelcase, not only are the chairs greatly customizable, but each chair allows you to adjust both the backrest and seat accordingly. It’s designed to mimic the natural curve of the spine, providing you with a healthier way to sit.
This is the complete list of Steelcase Leap’s adjustable features.
For example, having the ability to adjust the firmness of the lower back support can help provide different users with different sitting experiences. This is not something you can find in a regular office chair. If you’re serious about longevity through proper ergonomics, we highly recommend investing in a well-built ergonomic office chair.
3. Focus on sustainability
For over a century, Steelcase has been recognized by many as one of the few furniture companies that focuses on sustainability and is corporately responsible. This is done through three main avenues: investing in renewable energy, strengthening communities, and partnering with customers.
Simply complying with standards isn’t enough for Steelcase anymore. They’re working to conserve more, use less, find better ways, source more responsible materials, and leave a legacy of positive change that benefits us all. Such laser focus on a higher purpose is one of the reasons that separate Steelcase from other companies.
Are Steelcase chairs worth it?
So, are Steelcase chairs worth it? The answer will depend on each individual’s preferences, including the purpose of buying and budget, among many others. However, we believe investing in a Steelcase chair that will last for a long time is worth it compared to buying a cheap chair that will break down in 6 months.
PRO TIP: Whether you’re working from home or looking to equip your office for many people, having an ergonomic office chair can work wonders in not only your health but overall productivity. Check out our list of the best ergonomic office chairs to help you find the perfect chair for you.
How much are Steelcase chairs?
So, how much does a Steelcase chair cost? Generally, a Steelcase chair can cost between $300 to over $2,000, depending on the chair model. The most well-known Steelcase chair, the Leap chair, can cost more or less $1,000 at the official store. However, you can find a better price on Amazon.
The Steelcase Leap WorkLounge can cost more than $2,200, a considerable investment should you be interested in Steelcase’s finest executive office chair. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Steelcase Series 1 only costs around $350. With just a fraction of the price, the Series 1 office chair is one of their most budget-friendly chairs.
How to Get the Best Steelcase Chairs Value for Price
1. Buy a used Steelcase chair
If you’re looking to buy a Steelcase chair without having to break the bank, one option you should consider is to buy a used one. While most may question the quality, most retailers nowadays offer ‘looks-like-new’ products at a fraction of the price. It’s exactly like buying a high-quality used car.
Amazon is a good place to start if you want to buy used Steelcase chairs. With the Amazon Renewed Program, you can purchase excellent unboxed and refurbished items (tested and certified to work and look like new by a qualified technician) for a lower price. Sometimes even more than half its original price.
2. Find one in outlet stores
If you really want to be sure of the quality or how it feels when sitting in the chair, the best thing you can do is to look for deals at furniture outlet stores. By physically checking the chair yourself, you can be sure which chair fits your needs, especially if you’re shopping for an adjustable chair like the ones from Steelcase.
Most outlet stores offer outstanding quality at reduced prices. Not only will you get the same level of service when buying a new chair, but you’ll also be able to ask questions with the employees to find which chair is best for you. Give them a visit. Who knows, your perfect office chair might be a call away.
PRO TIP: Before shopping for a new office chair, know what to expect from the chairs. Two of Steelcase’s office chairs, the Leap chair and the Amia chair, might provide you with better comfort due to their adjustability and high-quality materials. We hope our review can help you make the best decision.
Bottom Line
So, why are Steelcase chairs so expensive? In our opinion, Steelcase chairs offer one of the best ergonomics in the industry. If you’re looking to equip your office with exceptional and functional furniture, Steelcase chairs are definitely worth the investment. Making your workday more enjoyable is surely the way to go. 🙂
You may also want to read:
