No matter what product or item that we have, it is all bound to be replaced. Whether it broke or it is no longer functional, everything around us is fleeting. Even our office chairs cannot escape this. True enough, our office furniture has a lifespan of its own.
Your office chair surely has value in your life. You extensively use it when you are focusing on delivering your work responsibilities. It has been your long-standing partner for everything, from meetings, video calls, and client negotiations.
In this article, let us tackle the topic of how long you should use your chair and until when does it stay with you. Is it already the time for you to let it go?
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a Chair
Several factors influence how long a chair can last and these are:
Make and Model
The overall build, quality, and materials utilized to create your chair will have a significant impact on its life. A chair constructed of low-cost plastic will break down faster than one made of aluminum. Metal or wood-based ones will survive longer, albeit they are less frequent. Even when it comes to plastics, certain types last longer than others.
Durability and Functionality of Chair Material
Some fabrics are more durable than others. Leather chairs may survive for decades or even centuries if properly cared for. Faux-leather chairs, on the other hand, do not. Fabric chairs, depending on the quality of the fabric, can last a long time. Some mesh compositions are quite durable, while others are prone to tearing and running overtime. You should also consider stain and odor resistance.
Frequency of Usage
Your chair's structure is not everything; how it is utilized has a direct impact on its lifespan. A chair used for four hours a day, five days a week will last longer than one used for eight hours a day, seven days a week, and that chair will last longer than one used for several shifts from numerous individuals, 20 hours a day, around the clock. More use equals more wear and tear, which equals more damage over time, which equals a shorter lifespan.
Type of Environment It Revolves Around
A chair that spends most of its time in a dirty factory or warehouse will live longer than one that is kept in a tidy office. At the absolute least, dirt and grime can seep into a chair's materials and cushions, making it uncomfortable to sit in. Dirt and filth can infiltrate the chair's systems, such as the gas spring, casters, and adjustment levers, causing them to stiffen and fail over time. The type of persons who use the chair is another environmental element.
How Often it Gets Cleaned
The more cared for a chair is, the older it will last. Replacement of casters before they break, replacement of the gas spring as it wears out, lubrication of components, and keeping the fabric clean can all affect the chair's lifespan.
Few Indications that Your Chair Needs to be Replaced
Some signs that a chair needs to be replaced are self-evident. You will need a new chair if a leg falls off, the back mechanism malfunctions or another serious mechanical fault ruins the chair. It is straightforward.
Other indicators are more subtle, and you may be able to correct them. Even if your chair has a fixable problem, it is still an indication that parts of it are wearing down and further problems are on the way.
● The appearance of the chair is deteriorating. While the appearance of chairs is unrelated to their function, in some circumstances, a ragged appearance reflects poorly on the company. If your chairs are used for key meetings with clients, for example, you do not want to come off as a company short on resources, so utilizing chairs that appear like they are about to break apart will be a red flag.
● Your chair is no longer a pleasant place to sit. Subjective judgment is one of the most prevalent methods for determining whether or not a chair needs to be replaced. Is the chair no longer relaxing? A chair can degrade in subtle ways that you may not notice over time. It can be tighter or looser than when you first acquired it, depending on how you tweaked it. It can squeak or creak if it is loose. Wheels tend to squeak. All of this contributes to a less pleasant experience, one in which you are more likely to be anxious, sit in a less ergonomic posture, and experience decreased productivity and back pain.
● The chair has apparent cracks or tears in it. Tears and holes in the fabric of a chair indicate that the fabric should be replaced at the absolute least. A leather chair can usually be mended, albeit high-quality leather may be expensive and difficult to repair if it has been damaged. Because of its popularity, mesh, such as the mesh backs of some high-end office chairs, is frequently the last fabric to be used on a chair. It can, however, shred and run. A tear can ruin the ergonomic capabilities of some chairs when the mesh is set to be supportive.
Take Note That Your New Chair is a Long-Term Investment
Invest in what is between you and the earth, a sound piece of advice you may or may not have heard previously. Anything that keeps you out of the dirt is a good investment. Shoes, mattresses, and automobile tires are all crucial components in numerous facets of your life.
A chair is no exception. It keeps you from collapsing to the ground, thus it is well worth the money. You use this piece of furniture every day and spend hours of your life in it, so you want to make sure you get the most out of it.
FlexiSpot's Soutien Ergonomic Office Chair might be the one you want to buy as a new member of your workstation.
Final Thoughts
Indeed, the amount of money you put into an office chair determines how long it lasts. Some chairs may only survive a year or two. Some chairs may survive five to six years. With proper care and upkeep, certain chairs can live for decades.
If your chair is running into any of the problems listed above, chances are it is a fine opportunity to replace your chair. When you decide to replace a chair, you might want to decide what to do with it. If it is still in reasonably good shape, donating it to a charitable cause might be a good idea. If it is falling apart, you may consider finding a furniture recycling center in your area. Some organizations will also take donor chairs that they can use for parts to repair other chairs.
If no such resources are available in your area, it might just be fine to throw the chair away. This is why buying from a company like FlexiSpot is a good idea. This way you do not have to worry about too much.