A common question that we get asked is how often should office chairs be replaced. As with most office furniture, sooner or later it wears down and needs replacing.
Not all office chairs last forever, but they should last you a good 5 years before showing signs of extreme wear and tear.
Here at Order Office Furniture, we have an impressive range of executive office chairs for you to choose from that promote employee comfort and productivity.
You might be interested in our best budget office chairs, especially if you don’t have a high budget or want a new chair without breaking the bank.
However, let’s deal with the question on your lips - how often should office chairs be replaced?
How To Know When You Need a New Office Chair
First things first, you might not know when to replace your office chair. If it’s felt fine for you over the past few years and you don’t feel any need to replace it, this guide could help you realise that you need a fresh seat.
You don’t need more than one good reason to replace your office chair. Typically, an office chair should be replaced every few years, usually 5 plus.
Of course, if you want a new office chair just because you feel like it, by all means change it! These are just a few stand-out problems that could require changing your office chair.
Things you should look out for:
- There is damage to your chair or parts
- It has a flattened seat cushion
- The chair no longer feels right
- You’ve had an increase in back and neck pain
Signs Of Damage
An obvious sign that your office chair needs replacing is when it starts to show signs of significant wear and tear. If you have a leather office chair, for example, you might find that it begins to look old, and might even start to tear in places.
Flattened Seat Cushion
Over time, the foam in your seat cushion will begin to compress and flatten. This is an indication that it’s time for a new chair. When a seat cushion compresses, there is less support for your body weight and this can put stress on your lower back.
Doesn’t Feel Right
Sometimes there isn’t any scientific reason to replace an office chair. It could just come down to the fact that it no longer feels very comfortable or how it felt when you first got it. Choosing the right chair for you is extremely important, especially when you spend at least 70% of your working day sitting down.
Increase in Neck and Back Pain
In most workplaces, you should be able to work effectively and pain-free. However, this isn’t always the case. An increase in pain is one of the most alarming and serious signs that you need a new office chair. Don’t ignore this sign - you don’t want to cause more harm to yourself by not investing in a supportive and comfortable office chair.
How To Make Your Office Chair Last
These signs are extremely important to look out for, but we understand that office chairs are meant to have longevity and not everyone can afford to replace them every couple of years.
That’s why we have come up with a list of things you could do to ensure that your office chair lasts. Some of those things include:
- Regular cleaning
- Cleaning and lubricating wheels
- Tightening and screwing bolts
Let’s look at them in a bit more detail.
Regular Cleaning
Office chairs are subjected to significant wear and tear due to daily use, therefore they require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure they last. Wipe down the seat, backrest, and armrests with a cloth, and vacuum as much of the chair as possible. Avoid harsh chemicals as these could damage the chair’s fabric.
Cleaning and Lubricating Wheels
If your chair has wheels, regular cleaning and lubrication is needed in order to function properly. Flip your chair upside down and use a damp cloth to clean the chair’s wheels, base, and other moving parts. Once clean, spray with a silicone lubricant.
Allow the lubricant to set for at least 30 minutes before turning the chair back over and testing its functionality. Try pushing it around to ensure all joints move smoothly.
Tightening and Screwing Bolts
Having a wobbly chair is not only a safety hazard but is an indication that your chair has loose screws or bolts. If loose screws are left unchecked, a chair could collapse or break, resulting in injury. Therefore, you should perform a quick inspection to identify any loose screws.
Along with wobbling, the sound of creaking or cracking is also an indication that your chair screws need tightening. Use a screwdriver to tighten them so that the chair remains steady, and give it a gentle shake after to ensure that it is no longer wobbly.
Maintaining these few steps will provide your office chair with a longer life span, and ensure that it is comfortable for you all year round.
Order Your New Office Chair With Order Office Furniture: Visit Us In Store Today!
As discussed, using a good office chair is the key to maintaining a good posture and reducing the risk of ergonomic issues. Hopefully, we have answered your question about how often should office chairs be replaced.
If you’re looking for a chair that lasts, we have a great array of office chairs that are guaranteed to provide you comfort for a number of years. We offer a wide variety of delivery services enabling us to offer timed and premium delivery services if required.
If you want to talk to a member of our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively, you can see our full range of home office furniture in person by making an appointment at our showroom in Huddersfield.