How can we determine value for money in ergonomic office chairs? One thing is certain: the expense of an inappropriate chair may exceed the initial purchasing price. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to tell whether you're getting your money's worth. Understanding the features that affect the price of ergonomic office chairs is critical for making informed decisions that benefit your health and productivity. How Much Should You Budget for an Ergonomic Office Chair? Drawing on my 27-year experience in office furniture, I will now walk you through the 4 main features that affect the price of ergonomic office chairs, namely:
- Materials
- Design and ergonomic features
- Warranty and customer support
- Brand and customer reviews
At the end of this article, you will gain a clearer insight of the relationship between the features of an ergonomic office chair, and its price.
1. Materials
The materials used to manufacture ergonomic office chairs are a fundamental differentiator between cheaper chairs and their more expensive counterparts. Behind the Scenes: How Ergonomic Chairs Come To Life. Pricier chairs typically have:
a. Premium upholstery including modern mesh materials that provide improved breathability, durability, and comfort.
b. High-strength frames made from aluminium or reinforced polymers that have a higher weight rating and can withstand extended use.
c. Improved padding and high-density moulded foam that holds its shape over time and provides better support. Ergonomists, occupational health experts, and medical professionals have long appreciated moulded foam's capacity to provide ideal support and cushioning.
Cheaper chairs frequently use materials that deteriorate rapidly, reducing the chair's lifespan, thereby leading to premature replacement. In addition, sitting on a worn-out chair can be very uncomfortable!
2. Design and Ergonomic Features Affect the Price of Office Chairs
Ergonomics in the workplace focuses on how a chair can adapt to your body, offering support and comfort. More expensive chairs usually offer:
a. A high degree of adjustability. The seat height, armrests, lumbar support, and mechanisms are adjustable to meet different body types and preferences. A seat depth adjustment, or seat slider, is particularly beneficial for taller individuals. This feature allows you to move the seat forward or backwards, ensuring your thighs are fully supported without cutting off circulation behind your knees. By adjusting the seat depth, you can achieve a more comfortable and customised seating position that better fits your leg length and promotes a healthier posture. How to Set Up your Office Chair and Workstation
b. Advanced ergonomic designs that encourage movement and dynamic sitting. Seating that allows movement stimulates the muscles and improves blood circulation and the flow of oxygen throughout the body. This relieves muscle tension and the improved oxygen flow to the brain aids concentration.
c. High-end ergonomic office chairs are equipped with features that improve stability and minimise accident risks. Large 5-star bases and high-quality casters or wheels contribute to both improved stability and maneuverability.
Less costly chairs may lack these features, resulting in discomfort and possible health and safety risks.
3. Warranty and Customer Support
Investing in a more expensive chair usually comes with superior customer service and longer warranties.
a. Office chairs at the lower end of the scale have limited warranties, typically lasting only 6-12 months. In contrast, higher-end chairs come with warranties that extend to 5 or 10 years. Like any product with a long warranty, this offers peace-of-mind and reduces possible repair expenses.
b. Customer support representatives are usually more competent in resolving issues and providing user and maintenance advice.
Cheaper chairs, specifically if they are imported via local agents or online distributors, often come with shorter warranties and less reliable customer service. If any issues arise, this can be costly, frustrating and extremely inconvenient. Hidden Costs when Buying Ergonomic Office Chairs Online
4. Brand and Customer Reviews
The quality of a brand's products frequently influences its reputation. Known brands have a track record of producing high-quality ergonomic chairs and are more likely to support their products. When assessing a chair, consider the following crucial factors:
a. Customer reviews on both the supplier and the actual office chair. Positive feedback and high ratings are a good indicator of superior quality and customer satisfaction.
b. Industry certifications, like BIFMA and SABS, guarantee that chairs meet safety and durability standards.
Comparison Table
To give you a better understanding of the various features that affect the price of ergonomic chairs, here are 3 chairs in different price ranges.
At the lower-end we have the Brando which is a basic office chair, in the middle range we have the Leila which is a standard chair, and finally the Alya is a premium product.
Conclusion
There are numerous features that affect the price of ergonomic office chairs, and selecting the best chair involves more than just price. Higher-priced chairs typically feature better materials, advanced ergonomics, and longer warranties, and come from reputable manufacturers with excellent reviews. While cheaper options may be tempting, investing in a quality chair can enhance comfort, productivity, and overall wellbeing in the long run. Cheap Office Chairs: How they impact your health. When shopping, prioritise the features most important to you and balance them with your budget. Remember, a good chair is an investment in your health and productivity.
