Are you in the market for a new office chair but are flabbergasted by the current prices? Do the prices seem so ridiculous that you are actually thinking about just sitting on the floor? Well, don’t be too hasty. Modern office chairs are expensive, but there is a reason for that. Actually, there are a couple.
In today’s article, we’ll talk about different factors that can determine the price of an office chair.
Why Are Office Chairs Expensive?
1. Comfort
One of the most important things, if you are an office worker, is to have a comfortable chair. Most office workers spend their work hours sitting in a chair. Depending on their schedule and workload, this could mean spending 8+ hours of a workday or sitting in a chair. Thus, having a comfortable chair became very important.
And, as we all know, comfort doesn’t always come cheap, as it’s the case with modern office chairs. High-end office chairs have a special seat cushioning that resembles memory foam used in mattresses. This type of foam can contort to your body’s natural shape and help you sit comfortably.
Cheap office chairs might look like a good idea at first, but over time their cushioning tends to compress, making them uncomfortable to use. And, if you spend 8 hours a day in a chair, the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable.
2. They Take Years to Develop
High-quality ergonomic chairs are expensive, and there’s a good reason for that: It takes years to develop these kinds of chairs. The hefty price tag includes research and development. It may seem unfair, but that’s the price of preventing back pain.
3. Quality
Another thing that affects the price is the quality of materials used in chair production. They are made to withstand the test of time and prolonged everyday use. Quality chairs are designed to last anywhere between 10 and 15 years
Expensive office chairs are usually made from materials such as wood, aluminum, or high-quality plastics. They also feature a high-quality mesh that improves temperature regulation and airflow.
Compared to this, low-cost, low-quality chairs are, in most cases, made from cheap plastic and without any special padding. Most of them tend to break down after a couple of years.
4. Adjustability Features
The staple of any expensive office chair is adjustability. You can adjust pricier models to sit more ergonomically and comfortably.
The general rule is- The more adjustability features an office chair has, the more expensive it will be. Why? Well, it’s really simple. More adjustment features mean more parts, and more parts mean more money is spent on manufacturing, thus making the chair more expensive.
Cheaper office chairs typically have one or two adjustment options, which for most people is not nearly enough.
5. Customization and Design
Making a chair ergonomic and comfortable is simply not good enough in today’s world. The chair also needs to be modern-looking, pleasing to the eye, and fit with many different office designs.
Customization and design are the most common reasons why office chairs are expensive. To follow all the latest trends in interior decoration, you need to spend a lot of money on designers, and they don’t come cheap, especially if they are good.
6. Lengthy Warranties
Warranty is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing an expensive office chair. Make sure you cover all the bases and check out everything that a warranty covers and, more importantly, what it does not cover.
More expensive office chairs on the market typically come with a lengthy warranty that covers various things. These chairs are made to last, and that’s why an average warranty for a more expensive model is around 10-12 years.
Some companies offer lifetime warranties that cover different repairs and replacements. These include replacing individual parts, repairing mechanisms, or refurbishing the entire chair.
Cheaper chairs, in most cases, don’t come with a warranty or have a limited-time warranty, around 1-2 years on average, and don’t cover many things.
7. Ergonomic
Sitting in a chair for an extended period is extremely uncomfortable and can damage your body and physical health. That’s why most expensive chairs are ergonomically designed and offer enough comfort and support for your back, shoulders, and neck. So, ergonomic design is included in the final price tag of an office chair.
8. Inflation
Inflation affects the price of most things, office chairs included. The reasons for it are varied, but on average, stuff gets more expensive as the years go by. For example, a movie ticket in the 1980s cost around $3. Nowadays, the price of an average movie ticket usually exceeds $10.
Conclusion
Expensive office chairs are made from high-quality materials and can last for years. They are designed for your comfort and health. These good qualities, however, come at a cost.
If you don’t have the budget for an expensive chair, you can check out our best office chairs under the $100 list. We also listed the best options for under $200 and $300.
If you don’t mind paying more for a comfortable office chair, check out our best office chair guide. They’re expensive but worth it.
