Ever wonder why some office chairs cost more than others? There are many factors that affect the price of an office task chair, including durability and ergonomic features.
You might be tempted to go with the cheapest office chair if you are in need of one. It’s important to remember that office chairs with more ergonomic features and customization options can be more costly.
Egyptian Workspace Partners believes that expensive task chairs are well worth the price. We understand that sometimes what is best for another person may not be right for you.
This article will discuss the main reasons to choose a higher-end task chair and provide examples of some of our favorites.
Why are Office Task Chairs so Expensive?
1. Seat Comfort
You should place the same importance on your workday as comfort in your sleep.
The seat cushions of high-end office chairs are usually made from commercial-grade foam. This foam is similar in design to memory foam, and it adjusts to your body for a custom-made seating experience.
The Steelcase Series 2 features a dynamic cushion seat that conforms to each user’s unique shape and provides instant comfort.
These chairs can be more costly, but they will provide you with the comfort you need while you work. The seat cushions are durable and won’t shrink or crack over time.
Although low-budget office chairs can be very comfortable initially, the cushioning will eventually wear down.
2. Research and Development
Years of research and development have gone into creating the best ergonomic task chairs.
These chairs can be more costly because of the added cost of research and development. You’re also paying for a chair designed to relieve stress and pain.
The Steelcase Gesture was, for example, inspired by the global study which examined the postures and movements of more than 2,000 people across six continents.
Steelcase found nine new positions that other office chairs were not addressing in this study.
They responded by spending years creating the Gesture. It was designed specifically to support modern workplace interactions with technology and a wider range of postures.
3. Qualitative Construction
A chair that is shaky or easily breaks is not something anyone wants. No matter what your budget, you need a chair made from quality materials that will last the test of time.
Because they are made from high-end materials like wood, aluminum or high-end polymers, some office chairs can be more expensive. These chairs have more fabric options and finishes, as well flexible mesh backs that allow for better airflow.
These ergonomic chairs are made to last between 10 and 15 years. This is why they are more expensive than other task chair models.
The Series 1, a Steelcase product is made from quality materials. It can support users up to 400 pounds. It has been tested at greater weight capacities than BIFMA standards.
Low-budget office chairs made from cheap plastic are used to cut costs. These chairs have very few adjustments and have weak mechanisms.
4. Adjustments
Higher-quality office chairs allow you to adjust your chair to your preference.
Ergonomic chairs are more expensive because they can be adjusted more easily. A chair with more adjustments will be more costly.
These expensive office chairs can be adjusted to adjust the height, back, depth and tension of the seat and lumbar support.
Other adjustments will also be available, but they will incur more cost as the chair will need more parts. If you require additional support, these optional features might be helpful.
The Steelcase Leap has standard adjustments like a seat depth, height, and upper-back force. Optional features include a height-adjustable or adjustable lumbar.
The standard adjustment for office chairs is one or two, but this is all that is available on cheaper models. Also, you won’t have the ability to add features to achieve the support you require.
5. Warranty
You should consider what the warranty covers and what it does not cover when buying an office chair.
The warranty on a chair is more expensive than the price. The most expensive office chairs are made from high-quality materials and built to last. They also come with extended warranties that cover nearly everything.
Office chairs with higher end features usually come with 10-year, 12 year, or lifetime warranties. These warranties cover repair and replacement of mechanisms, cylinders and fabrics.
Steelcase’s limited worldwide warranty covers the Think. While structural elements are protected for the life of the owner, textiles are covered from 5 to 12 years.
The warranty on low-budget office chairs is either a limited or null warranty. These chairs may be warranted for only a few years and not all parts.
6. Customization Options
Everybody deserves an office chair that is customized to meet their specific needs. There are many customization options available for office chairs.
The more expensive office chairs can be customized to your specifications. These chairs are more expensive because they can be customized in many colors, bases, frames, and back styles.
They also offer literally thousands options for fabric, vinyl, leather and mesh upholstery.
The Steelcase Amia offers five upholstery options: fabric, fabric with soil retardant treatment, 3D knitting material, leather and vinyl. There are also three frame finishes and two back options.
The cheapest office chairs are straight from a catalog. They usually only have one or two fabric options.
Are Expensive Office Task chairs Worth it?
Although you might be tempted to purchase a cheap office chair and forget about it, it is worth noting that more expensive office chairs can be much cheaper than you realize.
You can actually save money if you invest in a higher-end office chair that lasts 10 years or more, rather than buying a $200 chair that you need to replace every few year.
These chairs also offer more customization options and are easier to adjust than low-budget chairs. These chairs also have better warranties, which cover almost everything.
It’s worth spending the extra money on a better office chair if you have the funds.
