On average, most office chairs will need to be replaced every 6 to 8 years. However, it ultimately depends on the type of material the chair is made of. For instance, leather office chairs are more durable, so can last 8 to 10 years!

Of all of the furniture found in the average office, perhaps none is used quite as extensively as the trusty office chair. We rely on our office chairs every day to ensure we can remain comfortable throughout the entire working day. They’re truly the unsung heroes of the working office!

But much like any other kind of furniture, an office chair will only ever last so long. Eventually, there will come a time when you will have to replace your office chair with a new and fancy model.

However, it can be tough to tell when it’s the right time to replace an office chair. How long do office chairs tend to last? And is it worth repairing one?

Want to know if it’s time to invest in some new office chairs? Our Reliant tech experts have done the research, to find out how often you should replace your office chair. You won’t want to miss out on the tell-all below!

How Often Should You Replace An Office Chair?

The answer to this question will ultimately depend on the type of chair you’re looking to replace. As well as how long each type of chair tends to last. Let’s take a look at 3 of the popular office chair types!

Fabric Office Chair

Fabric office chairs tend to last for around 8 years of frequent use. Fabric is a popular office chair material, as it is durable, yet comfortable. These chairs are also incredibly affordable.

Fabric office chairs are the most common type. Fabric office chairs tend to last around 8 years. This means you might want to replace yours every 8 years. However, with good care, they can last longer!

However, you should be sure to take good care of fabric office chairs. The fabrics used on these chairs can easily be worn down over time. Be careful with sharp objects near these chairs! A torn fabric office chair will quickly become very uncomfortable to use, as the stuffing will begin to spill out!

Mesh Office Chair

Mesh is also an incredibly popular office chair material. Mesh is able to easily support the curvature of the spine. This makes it very comfortable. Mesh is also incredibly breathable. This makes mesh office chairs very comfortable for use during those warmer summer months.

However, the problem with mesh is that it is a very thin material. While this adds the benefit of breathability, it also means that it’s very easy to tear. When mesh tears, it directly impacts the overall structure of the chair. Over time, a ripped mesh office chair will be less and less comfortable, as the tear becomes larger.

Because of the more delicate nature of mesh material, you should aim to replace a mesh office chair every 6 years.

Leather Office Chair

Leather office chairs are some of the most durable on the market. Leather is incredibly durable. This makes leather a very popular option for creating the perfect office chair. You shouldn’t need to replace a leather office chair more often than every 10 years!

The lifespan of a leather office chair will partly depend on the quality of the leather, and how well it is cared for. Higher-quality leather is softer and more flexible. This means it’s also more durable. Cheaper leather, on the other hand, is a little tougher. This means it could be damaged at a faster rate.

You can help leather to last even longer than 10 years by keeping it moisturised! Special creams and oils are available that can be used to keep the leather of your office chairs flexible and soft. When leather dries up, it runs the risk of cracking and tearing.

How Do You Know If An Office Chair Needs Replacing?

It’s Deformed

Eventually, the padding of your office chair may become slightly deformed. While this may not seem like much of an issue on the surface, it can have larger-reaching consequences. When the padding of your chair is deformed, it’s less equipped to provide catered support to your posture. This means you will be more likely to develop aches and pains across the body.

If your posture is ever compromised as a result of the age of your office chairs, you should seek a replacement!

It Looks Wrong!

If the damage to your chair causes it to look unsightly, there’s no reason not to upgrade to a new office chair. After all, your office environment should be an inviting and visually appealing space to work. As soon as you notice visible tears, scratches, and other unsightly signs of wear and tear, it’s worth seeking a replacement!

It’s Squeaky

Office chairs are made up of all kinds of mechanisms and joints. Over time, these mechanisms will begin to tire. This may result in squeaking, as the mechanisms grind against one another. Luckily, office chairs are designed specifically to prevent squeaking or other operational noises.

There’s nothing worse than an office chair that squeaks with every slight movement you make! If your office chair has started squeaking, it’s a sign that it’s maybe too old!

If you notice that your office chair is beginning to squeak, then it may just be time to find a replacement!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should You Replace Your Office Chair?

On average, you’ll likely need to replace your office chair around every 8 years. However, some office chairs do last much longer. For instance, leather office chairs are prized for their durability. Leather office chairs can easily last more than 10 years. Especially if they are made of high-quality leather, which is more durable!

How Do I Know If My Office Chair Is Bad?

There are many signs that point toward an office chair being past its best. However, the most important sign that your office chair might be too old is if it is uncomfortable to sit on. Over time, the padding of your office chair will degrade. This means it will be less able to provide support for your posture. If your office chair is uncomfortable, then you should replace it!