When To Replace Office Chair? Office Chair Replacement Guide

The importance of an office chair isn’t discussed enough. What is discussed even less is office chair replacement. Most people don't know when to replace office chair. By default, people keep office chairs way past their time. It results in aches, pains, and overall discomfort.

To help you know when it is time to replace office chair, we’ve put together a helpful guide.

How Long Do Office Chairs Last?

The first thing to understand is that office chairs, like food, have expiry dates. Of course, you know to replace broken office chair, but what about when it isn’t broken beyond use? Well, the average life-span of an office chair is seven to ten years.

Despite their longevity, not all chairs are built the same. Depending on the type of material and frequency of use, your office chair may not last all ten years. For example, leather or fabric chair needs to be replaced when they start to fray excessively. In contrast, a normal reception chair can last until it breaks.

When Should You Replace Office Chair?

Coming to the age-old question that isn’t discussed enough, when should you replace office chair? Well, it depends on multiple factors. Here are some reasons you might have to replace office chair.

Back Pains

When you’re sitting for long periods of time, you’re bound to experience some aches and pains. An ergonomic chair or any other type of office chair is meant to reduce your back pains. However, a worn-out chair that needs to be replaced will exacerbate your pains.

With increased back pain comes excessive fatigue, so if you find yourself exhausted, then your chair just might be the issue. Make sure to replace the office chairs quickly, so that the issue can be rectified quickly.

Wear And Tear

Office chairs are not impenetrable. As time goes on, your office chair starts to age as well. What was once a sturdy, comfortable, and new office chair will start to wear down into nothing. If you’re using the chair regularly, then you’ll start to see the materials fray, the controls become less effective, and it’ll stop giving you the support you require.

Once you can no longer recognize the chair you once bought, you know it is time to replace the chair. This advice also applies to broken chairs. If your broken computer chair is still being used, then know you’re doing more damage to yourself.

Flattened Cushions

Wear and tear isn’t the only issue you’ll find as time goes on. Since you’re seated on the cushions for long periods of time at a stretch, the seat and back cushions get compressed. Both cushions are integral to providing you support and comfort.

A flattened seat cushion causes tension in your spinal area that can cause severe problems at a later date. When it starts feeling like you’re sitting on hard ground, you know that it is time to replace your beloved modern ergonomic chair.

Feeling

Much like a gut feeling, listen to your body when it tells you the chair isn’t working for it. Your body is the best judge of an office chair. When you aren’t comfortable in a chair you spend a chunk of your day in, you know it is time to change it.

This doesn’t just apply to old office chairs, but new ones as well. Make sure you take into account how comfortable your chair is. If you find yourself struggling to get comfortable even after multiple adjustments, then exchange it quickly.

What Should You Look For In Your New Chair?

Once you’ve gotten rid of your old chair, it is time to start looking for a brand new office chair. Much like a mattress, there are several factors that you need to look for in your new chair. 

Height Adjustability

An office chair that cannot adjust is not an office chair you want. Being able to customize the height of the chair for you is integral to comfort and your health. The best height for your chair is one where your feet are flat on the ground, and your thighs are parallel to the ground.

Tilt Control

Nobody spends all their time sitting ramrod straight at their office desk. At times, you’ll want to rest back. Studies show that a slight tilt to your position might even protect your spine! So, for the sake of your comfort and spinal health, look for a chair with a little tilt.

A chair with tilt controls is even better. This allows you to customize the tilt you require without sacrificing your spinal health in the process.

Lumbar Support

Lumbar support in office chairs is the contoured part of the backrest. This part supports your spine and prevents any back pains and issues from cropping up throughout your day.  The ideal lumbar support keeps your lower back slightly arched. A slight arch prevents you from slumping forward as the day goes on.

If you want to keep your spine happy, look into an office chair with the right lumbar support for you. Adjustable lumbar support can also be extremely useful and is a great feature to look for in an office chair.

Large Seat

Short or tall, nobody wants to sit in a seat that is too small. But, sitting on a raised seat is also not the most comfortable feeling, however wide it is. The solution to the problem you hadn’t considered is looking for an office chair with the right depth and width.

Ideally, there should be two to four inches between your knees and the seat. You should also be able to sit your back against the backrest of the chair. If you’re taller, then look at an office chair with a deeper seat.

Correct Material

No matter how perfect your lumbar support or how large your seat, if you get a chair with the wrong material, you’ll never be comfortable. Fabric is a great option for office chairs and widely available.

Also, make sure that your chair has enough padding to make it comfortable to sit on. It shouldn’t feel like you’re sitting on a surface that is too hard or too soft.

Armrests

Armrests are a must for any office chair. They add to the overall look of the chair and also relieve your neck and shoulders of some stress. Being able to adjust your armrests is also extremely important. With adjustment controls, you can make it the ideal height for you!

Endnotes

You start your workdays with your chair and spend enough time in them that you need a good office chair. Getting yourself the right ergonomic chair can make you more productive, healthy and leave you in a better mood.