Why Are Office Chairs So Expensive?

There was a time when there was only one style office chair for everyone. It had a wood back and seat and after sitting in it all day, everything hurt. Chairs slowly evolved through the years by the addition of casters, a swivel and tilt mechanism, and a height adjustment. Most recently, the study of ergonomics, or the study of how people move in space, has created many new chair features that meet the specific needs of an ever-changing workforce.

As with all products, there are ways to reduce the cost of office chairs. The lower priced chairs have a lighter weight metal base, frame and mechanism, all designed for short periods of sitting. The manufacturers warranty on these chairs is usually 30 to 90 days and the cost reflects their disposable nature.

As the cost of a chair goes up, the base, mechanism, and frame are made with stronger metals for longer life. The seat and back foam is of a higher density for increased comfort and the upholstery, leather, or surface covering is more durable and comfortable to sit on. The manufacturers warranty on these better chairs is usually 5 years to a lifetime so you pay more for this one-time investment rather than the on going expense of lesser chairs