How Often Should Office Chairs Be Replaced?
How often should you replace office chairs? It’s among the most common questions our customers ask, and it’s one of the most difficult to answer.
Deciding when to replace your office chairs isn’t as simple as seeing how long you’ve had them. There are so many reasons why a chair reaches the end of its lifespan, ranging from material and build quality to level of use. It’s not the age of the chair that matters – it’s how it feels and functions on a day-to-day basis.
With that in mind, don’t just look at the date you bought your office chairs. Instead, keep an eye out for the signs that suggest it’s time to replace them. Some are instantly visible, while others require a more thorough inspection to discover. Want to know the key things to look out for? Our guide is here to help.
How Long Do Office Chairs Last?
It’s a simple question, but almost impossible to answer. Typically, office chairs last from 5 to 10 years but it very much depends on how often they’ve been used and how well they’ve been cared for.
The price you paid for the chair is another contributing factor. An entry-level desk chair with basic features won’t offer the same durability as a heavy duty office chair with reinforced frames and high-quality components.
In addition, chair durability also varies greatly depending on the materials and upholstery. Below is a rough guide on how long materials will last before showing signs of wear and tear, but remember – looking after your chair with regular care and maintenance will greatly increase its lifespan!
Fabric
Typically lasts around 7-8 years. Visible wear and tear includes thinning patches, pilling or exposed foam. Stains and odours can also degrade the fabric over time.
Mesh
Usually lasts around 3-5 years. Mesh can stretch, sag or lose its bounce over time. It’s also prone to damage from sharp objects like zips or keys in pockets.
Bonded Leather
Typically lasts 3-5 years. Prone to damage from friction or sweat, which can cause flaking and peeling over time. Cracked layers can also leave unsightly patches.
Leather
Incredibly durable and lasts 10+ years, often outlasting the structural components of the chair. Requires regular protective treatment to prevent cracking.
TOP TIP: The manufacturer’s guarantee is always a good indication of the chair’s quality. The longer the guarantee, the longer your new chair should last. And with regular care and maintenance, you’ll often far exceed the guarantee period.
How to Tell if an Office Chair Needs Replacing
If you’re wondering how often you should change office chairs, there are several issues you should look out for. Some damage may be easily visible, but others will require a deeper dive – carry out a close inspection on the frame, components and base (including castor wheels) for any signs of damage.
Maybe the chair is causing you pain and discomfort. Or perhaps it’s looking a little tired and having a negative impact on the professional appearance of your office space. Either way, these are the important things to look out for when it comes to replacing your office chairs.
Wear and Tear
The easiest signs to spot. Visual wear and tear is often found on the material or upholstery. Look for thin patches or excessive fuzz balls on fabric, or rips and tears.
Leather finishes are prone to cracking, while mesh that is permanently stretched out will no longer support your weight evenly. You should also keep an eye out for exposed staples – they can snag clothing or cause injury.
Structural Instability
Is your office chair wobbling when you’re sitting on it? Or is the seat height slowly lowering throughout the day? That’s a clear sign the gas lift or base is failing.
It’s also worth inspecting the frame and base for cracks or hairline fractures. Even a small crack can shatter suddenly without warning.
Physical Discomfort
You won’t need to inspect the chair for this one – your body will tell you. If the chair doesn’t feel as comfortable as it used to, it’s probably time to replace it.
Do you find you’re having to shift, stretch or stand up more often due to stiffness? This is a sign your seating is reaching the end of its lifespan.
Lack of Support
Can you feel hard plastic or wood beneath your thighs when you’re sitting down? Bottomed-out cushioning is always a giveaway that the foam has lost its density and your seat pad is no longer fit for use.
Check for other posture-related issues too. Has your lumbar support flattened? Does it no longer align with your spine? Are your lever adjustments or tilt tension control changes not as effective as they once were? If these features aren’t working effectively any more, you’ll lose essential ergonomic support.
Incorrect Size
Sometimes, the chair might be in good condition but just doesn’t fit the user properly. Taller or larger body sizes may not be suited to a standard desk chair, so it’s a good idea to replace it with a bariatric office chair – these are heavy-duty alternatives with wider seat designs and reinforced frames to provide better support for users of 25 stone (160kg) or more.
How to Extend the Lifespan of an Office Chair
Like any furniture, office chairs last longer if they’re properly cared for. To ensure you’re getting maximum value for money on your investment, carry out regular cleaning and maintenance on all your chairs. Follow these simple tips to keep your chairs performing at their best for even longer.
- Vacuum regularly – remove any dust, debris or dry dirt from the surface
- Deal with spills instantly – spills will leave stains and odours if unattended
- Lubricate – treat the castors, swivel base and tilt mechanisms once or twice a year
- Tighten fixings – check bolts and screws every six months and tighten if needed
- Unlock the recline – don’t keep the backrest locked in one position for too long
- Add upholstery protection – some materials like leather will benefit from conditioners
- Avoid direct sunlight – UV rays can cause fabric to fade and leather to crack
How to Clean an Office Chair
Top tips on how to keep your leather, mesh and fabric office chairs feeling fresh and looking as good as new.
In Summary
Chairs that are well cared for and used less often will typically last longer than those subjected to daily, demanding use. So if you’re wondering how often your office chairs should be replaced, focus less on their age and more on their condition.
Visual wear and tear such as upholstery damage is an obvious sign that it might be time to replace your chair. But other problems can only be discovered by carrying out regular inspections. Check for structural damage or adjustable features that don’t work as well as they used to. If the chair is making you feel more uncomfortable or less supported than it once did, it’s probably time to invest in a new one.
Need to Replace Your Office Chairs?
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