How Long Do Office Chairs Usually Last?

William Adams
 min read

How long do office chairs usually last? is an important question for estimating the actual cost per year of your office chair.

How long do office chairs usually lastThe lifespan of an office chair should be taken into account when making a purchasing decision!

How long do office chairs usually last? Introduction

You might not realize it, but virtually everyone has sat in an office chair at one point in their life.

Sometimes cost and color are the only factors determining your purchase, but now people are more aware of the importance of getting the right chair and how often an office chair should be changed.

If you’ve done your homework and gone to a well-established name, you should be able to get anything between five to ten years.

A chair’s lifespan depends on different things, such as the brand, construction materials, and the time spent using it.

Several of the best desk chairs for a large person come in various shapes and sizes.

So we thought it pertinent to look into what will make your office chair last for a good time to come.

What influences the lifespan of an office chair?

Let’s look at what contributes to the lifespan of your office chair.

We’ve already said that a good office chair will last you between 5 to 10 years.

Naturally, a chair used for 4 hours a day instead of 8 will last longer, so we know that usage comes into play here.

The textiles used for upholstery also contribute to the chair’s longevity. To avoid cracking or tearing, make sure you clean the chair as indicated in the user manual.

Suppose your chair is no longer offering the original comfort. In that case, consider getting a brand-new workplace chair, especially if you’re feeling any back or hip pain.

Your desk chair’s stability is seriously compromised, and you’re going to end up with physical issues if you don’t change it.

Reasons why you could use a new office chair

The wrong chair can actually hurt and will seriously influence your overall productivity.

Are you’re experiencing any pain and discomfort sitting down?

Then your chair needs to be changed if you want to avoid back and lower body issues both during and after work.

Happily, there are some other indicators that it’s time to draw the curtain on your chair.

Here are some of them:

Lower efficiency and productivity 📉

It may seem silly, but an ergonomic office chair will help you work better.

If you’re experiencing aches and pains, which at best are distracting and, at worse, debilitating, then you need to change your chair.

Make sure that whatever the case, you need to move around from time to time.

Uneasy sensation 😤

Sitting for an extended time can be detrimental to your overall health.

For example, if you notice that your discomfort increases in direct correlation to the amount of time spent sitting down, then the chair has to go.

Listen to your body! It will tell you whether the office chair is good enough or not.

For example, you could start experiencing annoying lower back pain. That could be the sign you need to buy a brand new heavy-duty office chair!

Tip: If you suffer from chronic back pain as a plus-size individual, read our other article to help you find a good office chair for your back pain.

Damages such as ripped fabrics and broken elements 🩹

Non-working or loose components such as knobs, armrests, and wheels are often overlooked.

If you’re seeing cracks and rips in your chair, or worse, you need to duct-tape it together, you don’t need us to tell you that it’s time to change your chair.

Because you feel like it 😎

In some cases, there is no specific, scientific reason for needing to change a chair.

It could just be your general comfort level.

If you want to buy a new office chair, who’s to stop you?

Make sure you make the right choice. Otherwise, it’s just a waste of time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions about the lifespan of workplace chairs

What kind of wear can you expect on an office chair?

Yes, office chairs wear out over time, particularly the textiles in constant touch with your body.

Over time, you’ll find that the chair frame itself is starting to go, and the result is quite simple… You just can’t use it anymore.

What about the wear and tear on mesh chairs?

We’ve mentioned textiles, but what about mesh? Believe it or not, a tightly woven mesh chair to reduce perspiration in the office chair seat will not lose its shape and is, in fact, surprisingly strong.

It has a loose weave, which leads to thousands of small spaces to allow breathability.

Mesh is more resilient than most materials, especially if you’ve gone for a top brand, and is an ideal choice if you’re using it for hours at a time due to your sedentary lifestyle.

And that’s not even considering the super smooth look a mesh chair has. You usually get what you pay for.

A softer mesh will initially give you a better sitting experience, but over time, you’ll find it sagging and stretching.

Durability is one of the benefits that good quality brings.

How frequently should office chairs be changed?

On average, office chairs should be changed once every 6 to 10 years. Depending on the chair, it could last anywhere from three months to 11 or even 12 years.

We seriously urge you not to buy a chair from a questionable supplier as you’ll only be changing it within the year.

The best heavy-duty office chair should take you as near to the ten-year mark as possible.

How, we hear you wonder? Read on…

Routinely maintain your office chairs

Maintenance will go a long way to keeping your chair in good working order.

Office chairs made with care and precision, and well taken care of, will have a longer lifespan.

Of course, the amount of time a chair is used will also play a big part in its longevity.

We understand that if you’re furnishing a whole office, the financial part plays a huge role.

And if that’s the case, you might want to look for sturdy office chairs that will last around 6 years, or at least the number of years your accountant will apply to depreciate this investment in the books. 🤓

On the other hand, if you’re working from home and budgeting for just one chair, then you should choose one that can last at least a decade and make your hours at a desk less tedious.

Purchase office chairs of high quality

Specialist plus-size furniture makers have been honing their craft for over a century.

If you want to find your best option, then this is the time to buy by brand.

Your office chair is an essential financial investment.

It will enhance your productivity and, even more importantly, your well-being over the short and long term.

Who wants to suffer back pain after a long day’s work? Indeed, nobody!

How long do office chairs usually last? Conclusion on the lifespan of office chairs

So really and truly, it’s not too hard to answer your question about chair lifespan.

At the end of the day, choosing the right workplace chair can significantly impact your overall productivity.

Whether you work from home or office, be sure to buy a reputable, durable and comfy office chair to make your workday worth more.

About William Adams

I’m an engineer and a happy plus-size individual myself. I love to blog online if I can have a positive impact on the lives of others. I help other plus-size people with in-depth product guides to make shopping for products and services less stressful in their busy lives. Read More